St Laudus stands all alone, someway from the village of Mabe Burnthouse, overlooking the modern Argal reservoir. Its tall tower is a familiar and very visible sight for those walking around the reservoir.

Unfortunately, it goes straight into the Hall of Shame as it was locked and its noticeboard carried one of those helpful messages: ‘Please feel free to visit the church whenever it is open (see separate announcement] …’ needless to see there is no ‘separate announcement’.

The exterior and surroundings bear study, however. A rather fine west door to the tower is noticeable, as is the solid granite of the south porch.

There is also a small wheel-headed cross and a 1.8m standing stone in the churchyard.

Inside, we are promised an interior restored by JP St Aubyn (wind-braced roof?) and fragments of an interesting reredos but they will have to wait for another day.