Records of St Stephens are Saxon whilst those of Launceston are mainly Norman.
'When Lanson was a Fuzzy down
St Stephens was a Market Town’
Says the old rhyme, but there is more to this than first appears. The town now called Launceston was formerly Dunheved. Until the 13th century, the name of Launceston applied only to St Stephens. The seat of Anglo-Saxon government in the Earldom of Cornwall, it boasted a royal mint as well as being an ecclesiastical centre.
Within two miles of the Devon border two imposing bastions of grandeur dominate either side of the Kensey valley. From Launceston Castle at the top of the southern slope, the main road descends 278 ft to the river Kensey at Newport and ascends 278 ft to the magnificent church of St Stephens.
The church was clearly central to the evolving community for the village nestles around and below it. Formerly administered by the Duke of Northumberland's estates, many of the properties are over 250 years old Northumberland House was once an inn, whilst typical Cornish stone cottages; line Duke Street and North Street.
Despite its proximity to Launceston, the community maintained a very definite independence, reiterating an ancient and legendary rivalry. Records reveal that separate Coronation celebrations have been held since the crowning of George IV on 19th July 1821.
Dedicated in 1259 and built on the site of the monastic church, St Stephens;' is the oldest church in the neighbourhood. The nail-studded door of the church features an ancient wrought iron sanctuary ring or knocker. The 1540 Act of Parliament granted continuance of the privilege of sanctuary to only eight places in England, St Stephens being one. Fugitives seeking refuge in church were legally protected unless accused of sacrilege or treason. Protection for life might be granted in return for an undertaking to leave the realm within 40 days. This Act continued until the early 17th century.
In 1883 a spacious vault was disclosed under the floor of the choir. In its members of the North family, former owners and residents of Dutson Farm had been interred. Two of the coffins were nine foot each in length -were there giants at St Stephens. Over its site is now placed a slate slab having a huge cross thereon and the letters IHS. The date is still clear.
A sizeable bequest towards the cost of building the tower was made by a wealthy benefactress from the nearby parish of Week St Mary, Thomasine Bonaventure (c1420-1512). Legend adds that she required the pinnacles to be big enough to be seen from Swannacott Farm in Week St Mary, some twelve miles away.
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Congratulations for First To Find by ‘LizMar2010’ ‘Angelaobscura’ ‘Balrogslayer's Mum’ and ‘Dixie- Gooner’ on the published day 