Lelant church

Lelant 19St Uny is so important in the area that its seems unfair to entitle it ‘Lelant church’. It is also a joy on a sunny day with views over the golden sands of the Hayle estuary, guarded from development by a golf course, its visitors eyed by some small babies.

It is a delight on many levels. The three-aisled interior is, at first sight, that of a standard Cornish church but an over-large pillar hints at its Norman origin. For some happy reason, the restorers did not feel motivated to alter this. Carved capitals elsewhere provide a delightful contrast.

Lelant 11The wagon roof helps to maintain the sense of unity of the whole. The fine south aisle roof has been left uncovered, revealing some historic bosses.

Four slate memorials on the west wall, display the many children of the Praed and Pawley families, all lined up in prayer.

The modern south window of the chancel is a modern insertion and somehow much more acceptable than the usual heavy moralising Victorian glass.

Outside, in the churchyard are some lovely crosses.

Lelant 06The added delight of St Uny was, for us, the little guardians who peeked out of a thoughtfully-provided basket in the porch immediately above the main door. Five little swallows seemed unconcerned by those coming and going, only attending when their parent returned with food.

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A journey through the landscape and history of Cornwall