Cornwall Historic Churches Trust

All Saints, St Ewe

All Saints Church stands in the village centre near to the large 15th century cross base. It is set on a sloping site surrounded on three sides by a narrow “moat”. Some of the original Norman stonework remains in the lower courses of the N wall of the chancel and nave together with the font on its substantial central column with defaced carved heads above the corner pillars. The N porch may have been constructed in the 14th century, or the early to mid-15th century when the S aisle was probably built. The roof timbers remain but it was partly rebuilt in the 19th century. Also 14th century and maybe part even a little earlier is the two stage stone tower with a narrow west window, louvred openings and a broached octagonal spire with quatrefoil string course. The tower is known to bell ringers for its light peal of six bells (8cwt tenor) set vertically in three pairs above a very “cosy” ringing chamber. The S aisle was constructed after the tower; separated from the chancel by an arcade of six bays, the larger arch opposite the N transept indicates that a matching S transept may have formerly existed. This aisle has a very fine wagon roof with a series of excellent bosses and floral decoration to the ribs above the Lady Chapel. Later in the 15th century the S porch was built but this is now only opened at weddings and funerals. In March 2024 St Ewe received a grant of £1,000 from CHCT towards repairing a leak in the roof. A task almost complete although another area requiring attention has been discovered.
St Ewe Church warmly welcomed 31 members and friends on 1st May to an excellent talk by Dr Paul Cockerham under the Cornwall Churches Day initiative, raising £122.50 each for CHCT and the Church. Titled "Cornish Churches in the Nineteenth Century" Paul brought the prodigious research and travels of the Lyson brothers and Sir Stephen Glynne to life. His research into the subject is also extensive resulting in two books, the first volume of which, A-L, is available.  For more information see our church history page here