Art, history and heritage
At Lanivet Church yesterday, Ann Kerridge shared fascinating facts about significant features of both inside and outside the church, before we walked The Bodmin Way to St. Stephen’s Church, Nanstallon, as part of the brass tour.
Early Christian sites are typically associated with three things: Lan, meaning graveyard (in the name place of physically), an obscure saint (who could be the church’s founder) and inscribed memorial stones. Lanivet Church has all three! It has Lan in its name, just inside the door there is a 6th century memorial stone and a choice of saints that could be behind its name.
Steps leading nowhere, in the south wall, are from the time when a rood screen went across the chancel. The font is 14th century. Along the north wall, medieval stained glass fragments are incorporated into 15th century window openings.
Just outside the church is a flat gravestone, from the Viking era, like ones found in the north of England. In the graveyard are two ancient stone crosses, in their original position.
The other inscribed memorial stone, used as masonry in the north wall, can be seen from the back of the church. A type of lichen gives it its green tinge.
Walkers were welcomed by Judy at St. Stephen’s with tea and cake. Our next input of art, history and heritage came as Ann revealed the replica brass of Revd Thomas Awmarle, rector at St. Meubred's Church, Cardinham, from 1356 to 1401. The original brass is in St. Meubred’s Church. Brass rubbings were made and stored safely for the walk home.
Brass tours continue in the autumn, for example, when the replica travels the short distance to Cardinham School. Tours and talks for history societies and other groups are available, by arrangement, via info@bodminway.org.