St. Piran's Church - The September 2005 Archaeological Dig

Dig

When St.Piran's original oratory, built on the ever-shifting Penhale Sands not far from Perranporth, was overwhelmed by the dunes, the villagers decided to build a new church further inland. There is some doubt about its date but it is believed that it was probably built in the late 10th or early 11th century. Commemorating one of Cornwall's three most important saints - others are Michael and Petroc - it became a place of pilgrimage.

The early medieval church was itself threatened by the encroaching sand. It was finally abandoned in 1804. Roof, doors and windows were removed to be used in the contruction of a new chuch in Perranzabuloe village. It was then left to the mercy of the elements and the sands eventually swallowed it. A dig was carried out in 1922, uncovering the chancel but this was then left to deteriorate again.

In September 2005 the admirable St. Piran Trust organised a serious dig as part of their ongoing Piran Project scheme to conserve the remaining sites associated with St. Piran. Under the aegis of Dick Cole of Cornwall's Historic Environment Service, the nave and base of the tower were uncovered before time and money ran out. It is hoped the project can continue in 2006/7, that explanatory boards will be erected (2007 - one has) and that the Oratory will be uncovered again (see below).

Looking east from the base of the tower

Follow line of stone markers, NNW from road

St. Piran's