St Senara's Church

St Senara's Church in Zennor is dedicated to the local saint, Saint Senara, and is at least 1400 years old, though it was rebuilt in the 12th century. It is a Grade I listed building.

A church dedicated to Saint Senara has stood on the current site overlooking the sea since at least the 6th century AD, but the current building is partly Norman and partly of the 13th and 15th centuries (the north aisle 15th century). There is a west tower and the octagonal font may be from the 13th century. It was reputedly founded by Saint Senara on her return from Ireland with her son, who was by then a bishop, when they founded the village of Zennor.

One of only two remaining bench-ends in the church portrays the Mermaid of Zennor, depicted admiring herself in a mirror. This is on the so-called 'Mermaid Chair' which also has carvings of fish on the seat, and which is believed to be at least 600 years old.

On the church's outside wall, next to the west porch, is a memorial to John Davy, 1891, the last person to speak Cornish fluently. The church is surrounded by a small circular graveyard, the boundaries of which have existed since the Bronze Age and in which parishioners have been buried for centuries.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Zennor, Penwith, United Kingdom

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom