Tywardreath Parish - Dedicated to St Andrew
TYWARDREATH - Dedicated to St Andrew
Vicarage: Par (01726) 812998
Tower Bells
The church key can be obtained from the Vicarage.
Until the 14th century a Benedictine Priors 80 feet long and 57 feet wide was situated in a tidal creek just below the present church. and catered for the needs of the local population.
The church was consecrated by David Mageraghty Archbishop of Armagh In 1347. He anointed a stone altar slab with five crosses to represent the five wounds of Christ. After the consecration a stone mason chipped out the crosses as a permanent memorial. These can still be seen today in an area of 15" x 20" upon the altar.
In 1480 the tower was added and a South aisle. w here the east window includes the St Andrew's cross and fleur de Ly S. showing the association w ith the priory.
The memorial to the last prior Thomas Colvas can be found in the north transept wall.
The main benefactor and patrons to the church have been the Rashleigh family of Menabilly, and memorials including a stained glass w indow have been erected to them in the South aisle.
Those interested in Daphne du Maurier's books should visit the Lady chapel. completed as late as 1968, w here a memorial to members of the Harris family who feature in the Kings General' can be found. The church itself and prior are also immortalized in her book. The House on the Strand' - the interpretation of the Celtic place name Tywardreath .
Elmswood House Hotel
Back to St Austell page
Back to Cornwall's Parish Page