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Sheviock, Blessed Virgin Mary |
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The most complete example of a Decorated period church in Cornwall. This church began, like most in Cornwall, as just a chancel and nave. Transepts, for burials, were added in the early 14th century and a north aisle later.
- Most complete range of early 14th century window types in Cornwall. On a lesser scale this shows the playfulness evident in Geometric window design at Exeter Cathedral (Cornwall then being part of the diocese of Exeter). Best 14th century tombs in Cornwall - Dawney’s and Courtenays. Former are on south wall of South transept under their original canopy. A piscina by the toes of the lady shows that there was an altar on the east wall. The Courtenay tomb is in the north wall of the north aisle opposite where the north transept once stood.
- Triple sedilia and piscina in chancel.
- Spire of 13th century date. Only about a dozen spires survive in Cornwall today. Bodmin church’s lost spire, one the most impressive of them all, was struck by lightning in 1699.
- Bench ends of different type than usual and more like Devon examples with just tracery and a Renaissance winged cherub or two.
- Rood stair – a common feature of most Cornish churches where the rood screen, named after the crucifix that stood on it, and loft have gone. It still marks the junction of chancel and nave.
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