St Nonna's Church, Altarnun

St Nonna’s Church stands on Bodmin Moor in the village of Altarnun, Cornwall. The dedication is to Saint Non, mother of Saint David, and the building is the second largest on the moor. It is known locally as the Cathedral of the Moors. The church appears in Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn as the setting for a sinister painting by the vicar Francis Davey. He shows himself as a wolf while his congregation appear with sheep’s heads. The church remains an active Anglican parish, linked with several nearby benefices. The oldest parts date from the Norman era, though most of the structure is 15th century. A major restoration took place in 1867 under E. Sedding. The tower rises to 33 metres and the building follows the Perpendicular style. Inside, a Norman font and much original woodwork survive, including a fine 15th-century screen with carved vines and tracery. Robert Daye carved 79 bench ends between 1510 and 1530, depicting local figures and scenes. Visitors find a Grade I listed church with a peal of eight bells. The churchyard contains a mounting block and several listed monuments, including the Isbell tomb. Seven stone crosses once stood in the parish, one now in the churchyard. The screen, bench ends and communion rails remain notable examples of old craftsmanship. Nearby gateways and walls add to the historic setting.