St. Senara

Senara

When I parked in Zennor for a walk to find Zennor and Mulfra Quoits in September 2006, I first investigated the church which is full of interest. From outside you see a pinnacled tower, nave, aisle and chapel, all medieval. By the entrance gate is an old cross head; two more adorn the grave of Admiral Borlase near the lych gate, where an old statue tops a modern pillar. By the south wall is an inscribed stone, above it a memorial to John Davey, apparently the last Cornish speaker, though it seems only as an academic exercise. Inside are typical Cornish wagon roofs, two fonts - one Norman - a statue of an unknown saint and the famous 'Mermaid seat'. Victorian restoration means that walls and pews are plain. Two legends: Senara, married to a Breton king, was accused of infidelity, put in a barrel, thrown into the sea, fed by angels, gave birth to a son, Budoc, and washed up in Ireland. On her way home she founded this church. The 'Mermaid seat' has a bench end on which is carved a mermaid holding a comb and mirror. Legend has it that the mermaid entranced Matthew Trewhella and lured him to Pendour Cove where he drowned. It is said that on quiet nights the two can be heard singing beneath the waves. In the churchyard are several Cornish Crosses and one lantern cross.

St. Senara's church, Zennor

Just of B3306 St. Ives to St. Just-in-Penwith

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