St German's Priory

St German’s Priory stands in the quiet village of St Germans in Cornwall. The building began as a Saxon bishop’s seat and later became an Augustinian priory church. Its core is Norman, with additions in the 14th and 15th centuries and Victorian restorations. After the Dissolution it passed to the Eliot family, who still own the surrounding estate. The church remains in use as the parish church while the estate complex is open to visitors. The priory’s history reaches back to the 5th century, when St Germanus is said to have founded a church here. King Athelstan appointed a bishop in the 10th century, and the monastery held lands at Landrake and Landulph. The Augustinian priory was established after the Norman Conquest and once served as Cornwall’s cathedral. Relics of St Germanus were brought here in 1358 and placed in the south aisle. After the Dissolution the chancel collapsed, leaving the nave to carry on as the parish church. Inside, the nave shows clustered columns and two west towers, one square and one rising to an octagonal stage. The Norman west front survives with zigzag carving around the doorway. The font, misericord, and royal arms of 1660 are among the fittings. The south aisle holds stained glass by Morris & Co. designed by Burne-Jones. Monuments by Rysbrack and Westmacott recall the Eliot family, who are buried here. Outside, the holy well at Dupath is linked with the priory’s monks.