Holiday Days Out with a religious theme

Mawnan Parish Church, near Falmouth, .

Cows in the field by Mawnan Parish Church

St Mawnan Parish Church in the Diocese of . Mawnan is probably named after a sixth century Saint Maunanus. Little is known about him but probably he was a Breton monk who landed here about 520 AD. The site of this church was already sacred since it is built within the confines of an ancient earthwork, which was still in an excellent state of preservation when the churchyard was enlarged in 1920.

It is the situation of this church that is one of its most outstanding attractions. Situated high above mouth of the , it is a navigational aid to vessels entering the river.

The lych gate, in which is a granite coffin rest, was built in 1881. The Cornish inscription from the Life Of Meryasek on the northern face may be translated as "It is good for me to draw nigh unto God."

The pulpit, chancel and altar at St Mawnan.

In 1962 the PCC replaced the kneelers. The Mawnan Church Needlework Guild was formed and embroidered new kneelers. They adopted the theme of Christian symbols dating from the earliest days of Christianity.

One aspect of the church very rarely (if ever) seen elsewhere: a set of cushions for the chancel seats at St Mawnan. They are based on well-known Christian musicians (such as Thomas Tallis) and their music, incorporating the arms of the Cathedrals and Colleges in which they played.

The organ at St Mawnan – it’s based on a JW Walker instrument from and was restored in 1990. The organist from 1940-60 was a pupil of Gustav Holst.

The view from the South Door at St Mawnan, looking out over the Helford River estuary.

St Mawnan Church is a useful starting point for walks along the South West Coastal path, including a circular walk to Rosemullion Head and back.

Martin and Magda Jones

Version 1: August 2017

Sources of information :

Mawnan Church leaflet.