St Probus and St Grace's Church, Probus

St Probus and St Grace’s Church stands in the village of Probus, Cornwall, within the Diocese of Truro. The building began as a monastery before the Norman Conquest and later became a parish church. Most of the present structure dates from the 15th century, though the tower was finished only in 1523. The tower is the tallest among Cornish parish churches and its style resembles those in Somerset. Local people hauled stone from the quarry using carts led by John Tregian, while Nicholas Carminow of Trenowth tried to hinder the work. The church contains a brass memorial to John Wulvedon and his wife from 1512. In 1850 George Edmund Street restored the building after dry rot and whitewashed pillars were removed. High pews and a gallery that blocked the west window were taken out during this work. The tower was repaired again between 1922 and 1923 by J. Dawson and Sons, Steeplejacks. In the early 19th century the congregation turned east for the Doxology after each Psalm. The church shares its benefice with four nearby parishes: St Crida’s at Creed, St Nun’s at Grampound, St Ladoca’s at Ladock, and St Hermes’ at St Erme. An organ built by Hele & Co in 1884 stands inside, adding to the building’s musical heritage. Visitors find a spacious nave, a lofty tower, and fine brasswork set against whitewashed walls. The restored ceilings and clear windows reveal the church’s medieval core.