Trevalga Church
External view showing 3 stage tower and at the eastern the Bolitho window
Internal view of Trevalga, on the left side you can see the font 3 pews down, and Norman arch through which is the organ
The Pulpit, which shows scenes of St Petroc's life, was carved in Exeter along with the Sanctuary chair and desk, and were given by his wife in memory of Richard Bolitho Stephens former lord of the Manor
The east window is in memory of the Bolitho family
Opposite the main doorway is the Font in front of the walled up north door and is of the Norman period. It is made of Greenstone
Trevalga (St Petroc,s) situated halfway between Boscastle and Tintagel and hidden away behind the hamlet, which is a Manor and was held by the King in 1086 is now held in trust. Gerald Curgenven left it in trust so that the Village and Parish would remain unspoilt for future generations. The church sits nicely against the rising hills on one side and thrusts its self forward towards majestic views across to the sea and beyond.
The origin of the church is Norman. It consists of a chancel, nave
and chapel which is separated from the nave by the Norman arch. This is where
the organ is now sited. If you look by the arch you will see a Haglioscope (a
peephole to let
the people in the side chapel see the Altar), and a small
Piscina (a stone basin for rinsing the Chalice).
At one time there was a singer's gallery at the west end but it was taken
down when J.P St Aubyn restored the church. The church was re-roofed and the
south wall rebuilt in 1874. The cost was £300. The tower is 13th Century and
reworked in the 15th Century. At one time it had three bells but now it only
has one. The west window is also in memory of the Bolitho family. The other memorials in the church
relate to Samuel Roscarrock (1640) of Trehane, the Rickard family (1790-1842)
of Trehane and James May, Rector (1832). The first recorded Rector was
Richard in 1173 and the last Rector left in 1943. A list can be seen at the
church (see panel below left).
The church has a chalice, which dates from 1582, and a Paton dated 1723.
Walk down the steps to the porch and on the right there is a wheel headed
Wayside Cross, opposite there is a chest tomb of Thomas and Elizabeth Rickard
- note how Elizabeth's age is carved. Walk to the left and on the bank is a
headstone for Joan - the daughter of Theophelous Pethick. A little way along
is the headstone of Mark and Joan Boddy, also of William Laskey - late Rector
of Trevalga who died aged 48 leaving a wife and 14 children! By the east
boundary of the churchyard are 3 headstones of William Blewett and Jenefer,
Anne Hocken and Anne Bersey.
Along the North side of the churchyard there is a headstone for John Mitchell
lying against the tomb of Ann Wade. These are some of the many interesting
stones to watch out for.
This piece of oak, all carved from one piece of timber, was part of the rood
screen erected in St Petroc's church Trevalga. Unfortunately decay and rot
set in, and by the 19th century was removed during renovations. This is a
surviving part, at the top is an angel, without her face. Do note the attention
to detail underlining the value medieval society put upon their places of
worship. To see a full rood screen please visit churches at Blisland and little
Petherick, near Padstow both screens date from the 18th century.
This Item has been kindly loaned by the Parochial
Church council.
In the churchyard by the steps down to the porch on the south side is a wheel
headed wayside cross which could be as early as the 8th century. It used to
stand by the churchpath but was moved to the churchyard in 1808 by John
Trehane Symonds, the then rector.
In the porch is a piece of the old chancel screen, (now
on display at the Visitors Centre Boscastle), also a list recording all
the Rectors, can be seen (see text to the left ).
Click image to enlarge
Note the Norman arch through this you can see the Organ and to the right the Haglioscope. Notice also the Lectern from which the Bible is read, it being
typical of many found in the shape of an eagle. The eagle is the symbol of St
John the Evangelist whose words in the Book of Revelations "soared up into
the presence of Christ". In mediaeval times it was believed that the eagle
renewed itself by flying into the sun.
Reredos behind the Altar is 16th century Dutch (Flemish) carving depicting
the Visitation, the Annunciation and the Crucifixtion.
The Oak Alter table was given by Christina Anne Pope the Nice and
God-Daughter in memory of Henry William D'Aeth Fleet - Paymaster for
many years a regular attendant at this church.
Click image to enlarge
In the Porch a list of Rectors who have served at the church. Just inside on the
south wall as you enter the Nave you can see a clearer list.
On the south wall are the remains of a small piscina (a stone basin for rinsing
the Chalice).
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Extracts taken from 'CHURCH TRAILS IN CORNWALL' packs produced by North Cornwall Heritage Coast & Countryside. Original text by Jeremy Dowling