After a recent trip to Cornwall, we stopped overnight in Fownhope at “The Greenman”:https://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/review/accommodation/189136-review-the-greenman-inn on our way home and had a wander around this lovely village. One of its best features was “St. Mary’s Church”:http://www.fownhoperectory.com/. The largest church in the county at 119 feet long, the building certainly stands out on the main street through the village. The old stocks are still evident to the left as you enter the church grounds. According to a leaflet on the building, its architecture includes Norman, semi-Norman, Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular periods. The leaflet is a detailed guide for the church providing much information about the different parts of the building and its decorations.
The Chancel was originally a small Norman Chapel and the present chapel was built in the 13th century. The tower, in the centre of the building, was built between 1100 and 1150 and is Norman. The spire was added in the 14th century and is covered with 22,000 oak shingles. It cuts quite an impressive figure as you can see in the photos.
There is much to explore inside from the detail on the floor to the colourful stained glass windows to the 12th century Norman tympanum to the Fownhope Heart of Oak Friendly Society banner. The church is a place for quiet repose and for exploring the past of this delightful village.
