Gwinear: Church, Crosses and History

Church architecture, medieval crosses and local history give Gwinear a distinct cultural and historical character. In Gwinear Churchtown stands the Church of Saint Winnear, a Grade I listed parish church. Around the church are cross monuments with different forms, materials and histories of relocation.

Church of Saint Winnear: Architecture and Features

Norman fragments dating from around 1200 are incorporated into the church. The north aisle consists of eight columns of smoothly worked elvan stone. In the chancel, the roof structure dates from the 15th century and features carved bosses. Thus, early fragments and a much later roof structure sit side by side in different parts of the same church building.

The dates can be put into context: the fragments from around 1200 belong to an early period, while the chancel roof structure is much later. The locations of the architectural features also differ: the columns belong to the north aisle, and the bosses to the roof structure in the chancel.

The Church of Saint Winnear also contains a letter of thanks from King Charles I to the people of Cornwall, painted on wood. It has hung there since the Restoration in 1643. Inside is also the base of a rood screen, with finely carved symbols of the Passion of Christ. The lantern atop the tower is said to have guided ships safely into Hayle Harbour.

The church therefore brings together different aspects: its architectural features offer insight into its design, while the letter and the rood screen base have their own historical and religious associations. The tower lantern adds a traditional connection to Hayle Harbour.

Medieval Crosses in Gwinear

East of the church is a cross fragment: the head of a medieval wayside cross. The round head is designed as a wheel with spokes and measures 0.52 metres in diameter. It features a rare wheel cross with a Gothic-style motif. The medieval Polmenor Cross is also a wheel cross, but is made of Pentewan stone. It was moved to Gwinear churchyard, north of the church, in 1984.

Five metres north of the Church of Saint Winnear, in the churchyard, is a medieval granite wayside cross: a monolithic wheel cross with a short shaft. One side bears a rare figure of Christ; a Greek cross is carved in relief on the head. A cross 15 metres north of the tower probably dates from before the Norman Conquest and was moved to its present location in 1958.

The dates and years serve different purposes: the dating to before the Norman Conquest is probable, while 1958 and 1984 refer to relocations. The forms described also differ: the eastern fragment is distinguished by its round head and Gothic motif, while the cross five metres to the north is characterised by its granite, short shaft, figure of Christ and Greek cross in relief.

Landscape and Views

Green, enclosed fields surround Gwinear Churchtown. From Gwinear’s highest point, both the Atlantic and the English Channel are visible. The fields shape the surroundings of the place, while the view from the highest point opens up a perspective across both seas. These landscape impressions complement the architectural details and the history of the cross monuments.

Discover more destinations: Portloe, Port Isaac, Crowan, Liskeard, Antony, Sticker, Lansallos, Saint Cleer.

For the broader travel overview: Cornwall.