St Columb Minor Church

St Columb Minor Church stands in the village of the same name near Newquay. It is a late 15th-century parish church in the Diocese of Truro. The site was once a circular barrow where pagan rites were held long before Christian worship began. The church overlooks the twin tumuli and the Rialton valley, with Castle-an-Dinas visible on the horizon. Strong Atlantic winds are blocked by the church’s position, making it a sheltered spot. The surrounding Churchtown developed around the church as the land to the north and east slopes away, preventing further building. The church is worth visiting for its deep layers of history and rare features. It was rebuilt several times, with Norman foundations still visible around the pillars. The tower, the second highest in Cornwall, rises 115 feet and once commanded wide views across the parish and out to sea. The 1595 screen, destroyed in 1795, left fragments in the north aisle, and the 1450 Penventon stone font survives. The Royal Arms of Charles II are unusually large and finely coloured. Inside, visitors find a peal of eight bells and a 1415 portable altar set into the oak mensa. The 1935 pulpit, given by J. Knight, Esq, and the 1910 clock in memory of Reverend A Langford add to the church’s character. The churchyard has slate memorials, including one to Elizabeth Pollamounter and another to Roger Ellery. The aisles show remnants of Norman and later work, while the tower’s height and position once made it a landmark for miles around.