St. Veep

Veep

I had always wanted to visit this strangely named place and to look around its church. I took the opportunity to do so on a sunny Saturday in mid-December 2017, on my way to revisit Lanteglos-by-Fowey and Lansallos. I also called in briefly to Polruan to find a Cornish Cross halfway up the hill on Fore Street. I have no explanation for the name St. Veep since the church is dedicated not to Veep but to Saints Ciricus and Juletta. Originally founded by Montacute Priory in 1269, nothing remains of that original church. The present church was founded in 1336 though only the tower is likely to be of that period. St. Veep stands within a circular lann and consists of crenellated tower, nave and south aisle. The first thing to strike you when entering is the elaborate porch roof with carved wall plates and decorative ceiling bosses. One might then expect elaborate Cornish ceilings inside but one is disappointed. What is notable. and unusual, is the tower screen; its upper sections are panelled and decorated rather as if they were sixteenth century windows. There is a good slate floor, some of it of grave slabs. Pews are good and some have older, medieval, bench ends grafted on to them. The altar is of marble with consecration crosses. The 17th century pulpit has intricate carvings, including cross keys and a swan. Monuments include two worn late 16th century slates commemorating the Courtenay brothers. More St. Veep

St. Veep church

Ancient bench ends in St. Veep church

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