TINTAGEL - KING ARTHUR COUNTRY The Chapel of St Piran At Trethevy
In May 1457, Parson Gregory had a
licence to celebrate Mass in the Chapel of St Piran. This is the earliest
recorded mention of the Chapel's existence and it appears to be the building
seen in the photographs. This little building was certainly used for farm
purposes since the Reformation but was at one time one of the mediaeval chapels
of the Parish. The meadow close by, Chapel Meadow, was named on the Tithe map
and it faces east. A small lancet window with a trefoil head remains in the east
wall and what appears to be a rough stone shelf or piscina, on the south side.
In 1941, Mr. Sidney Harris, the last owner of the building, gave it back to the
Church. He remembered as a boy, a massive altar-slab of greenstone in position
and the floor of what would have been the chancel, was a step higher than the
rest of the floor. A hundred years ago the old arched oak door-frame of the
South door (now built up but traceable), was still to be seen. A stone coffin
was found in July 1944 by Father Arundell, who remarked "We have found a
grave near the entrance. The body was buried with feet towards the
west."
The Chapel building was restored and brought back into use by the labours
of Father Arundell and builder George Climo. The first Mass was celebrated there
on Sexagesima Sunday February 8th 1944 - on a bitterly cold morning. it was
heard later that Sidney Harris, who had given back the building to the Church,
had died in hospital that very day.
Sadly in latter
days in 1993, some disgusting thief stole the Roman Lamp. You should make a point
of visiting this lovely old building either as a visitor or a local resident.
(Most of the above information is taken from Father A.C.Canner's excellent book
'The Parish of Tintagel'. Copies can still be obtained from H.C.Cook, Tintagel
newsagent.
It is an excellent
history of Tintagel by a much loved Vicar, whom I was fortunate enough to have
known so well. David
Flower
