Lezant: Churches, Architectural History and the Tamar Landscape

If you’re looking for a hotel in Lezant, you can shape your trip around your interests: church and architectural history are one focus, while the River Tamar and the landscape offer another. The historic sites differ in period, architectural style and access arrangements. Historic buildings include the parish church of St Briochus and the buildings at Trecarrell.

St Briochus and the History of the Parish Church

The parish church of St Briochus, also known as Lansant, stands in the centre of Lezant village and is listed Grade II*. It was first dedicated to St Briochus on 25 September 1259. The tower was built in 1480; the old Norman church was extended in the 14th and 15th centuries. The dedication, tower construction and later extensions belong to different stages in the church’s history. Those interested in historic buildings will find a sequence here that can be traced through specific dates and the surviving structure.

Trecarrell: Manor House, Hall and Chapel

Trecarrell offers several distinct points of interest for those interested in historic architecture. Trecarrell Manor is a Grade I listed manor house dating from the early 16th century. Trecarrell’s medieval hall survives as a roofed 16th-century building and has original arched roof trusses. In Cornwall, it is considered a rare, complete and significant example of its kind.

St Mary Magdalene’s Chapel at Trecarrell retains an original wagon roof inside, a carved roof boss and three tracery windows. It is one of the best-preserved chapels in Cornwall and retains many original features. It also contains remains of an older medieval chapel documented in 1383. The manor house, hall and chapel illustrate different aspects of architectural history; the chapel combines surviving building elements with traces of an earlier predecessor.

Trecarrell is private property. However, group visits can be arranged by appointment in advance. Plan your visit ahead of time rather than expecting to enter spontaneously.

Holy Well, Greystone Bridge and the Landscape

Near Rezare is Holy Well, a medieval holy well housed in a small stone building above a well basin. The well is built into a hillside: the basin is in a well chamber, with the well house above it. The structure still serves as a well. The entrance is secured with a padlock; take this access arrangement into account when planning your visit.

The River Tamar marks the eastern boundary of Lezant parish. Greystone Bridge carries the road across the river, dates from 1439 and was repaired later. It is listed Grade I; part of the bridge lies in Lezant. The rock faces at Greystone Quarry are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of their geological features. Part of the parish lies within the Tamar Valley, an area formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and now usually called the Tamar Valley National Landscape. The parish war memorial is also part of local history: it commemorates 15 men and their sacrifice.

Getting to Lezant

The A388 between Launceston and Callington is the main access route to Lezant parish. As road conditions and traffic can change, it’s a good idea to check the latest situation before setting off. The route offers practical guidance for getting there, while the historic buildings and landscape provide different themes for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Trevone, Torpoint, White Cross, Marhamchurch, St Wenn, Par, Wendron, Pentewan.

For the main travel overview: Cornwall.