St Mary's Parish Church, Callington, Cornwall
N 50° 30.219 W 004° 18.940
30U E 406700 N 5595457
St. Mary's parish was built in the 15th century on the site of an earlier Norman chapel.
Waymark Code: WM319M
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 01/24/2008
Views: 20
In 1436 work had already commenced on construction of the church when the the townsmen petitioned Bishop Lacy for the right to bury their dead in Callington rather than having to carry them to St. Sampson's church at Southill, a journey of about 3 miles. The new church was dedicated to St. Mary and the churchyard consecrated. Bishop Lacy laid down an ordinance in 1438 making clear the relationship between St. Sampson's, Southill and St. Mary's, Callington.
By the 1850s it became clear the church was falling into disrepair and money was urgently needed to facilitate restoration of the 400 year old building. The money was raised and by 1859 work to restore this ancient church was completed. The church re-opened on the 12th May 1859 amidst much rejoicing by the people of Callington.
Disaster struck the church in 1895 when a fire destroyed the tower,its bells and clock. All were renewed and since that time the clock has been considered to be the town clock. From this date the Parish Council has paid for repairs to the clock. In 1979 the bells were re-hung after being recast, the six bells of 1896 being made into eight new bells.
It is worth a visit to view the Celtic lantern cross in the churchyard and the ancient tombs of the Ayssheton and Willoughby families in the church.
Building Materials: Stone
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Visit Instructions:
Logs for Medieval churches waymark must contain a date found and any details about the visit there. Also photos and other experiences related to the building are welcome.