Cornwall Historic Churches Trust

CHURCH OF THE MONTH

St Mary's Biscovey

St Mary's church stands on a hilltop overlooking the gardens of Tregrehan House, which seems appropriate as the church is built on land given by Edward Carlyon, the owner of Tregrehan, in 1847. The new parish of Par was carved out of existing parishes of St Blazey and Tywardreath in 1846. The church was built at the behest of Rev. George Prynne, the first vicar of Par. Prynne was a major figure in the Anglo-Catholic movement, and wanted a new church that reflected his values. In an act of faith, he appointed the 22 year-old G E Street as architect: St Mary’s was Street’s maiden church design, the first of hundreds and arguably one of the most successful. The new church was consecrated on 1 November 1849. It is built from local Biscovey slate quarried near the site. The quoins are of Pentewan stone from Mevagissey, and the style is very much a homage to 14th century Gothic. The most obvious feature is the striking west tower, topped with a broach spire, possibly inspired by Lostwithiel or Cubert. The church is laid out on a very simple plan, with a nave, chancel, and south aisle of three bays. Each section of the church has its own gabled roof. The south porch was added around 1886. The altar, pulpit, and font were also designed by GE Street. The high altar was moved into the south aisle in 2000. Near the south chancel door stands, an early Christian cross shaft known as The Biscovey Stone. The central section of the shaft is carved with traditional Celtic interleave patterns. Further away from the church is the Biscovey Cross, a late medieval wayside cross.
The CHCT granted £1,700 towards the repairs to the tower completed in spring 2020 seen here looking beautiful in the sun. Last month parishioners donated a substantial sum to us! See https://www.chct.info/community-champions/pop-up-stalls-at-st-marys-biscovey-and-good-shepherd-church-par/ for the full story.