Launcells is a destination for travellers who want to combine architectural history with time spent on foot. St Swithin’s Church brings together architectural features and details from various centuries; public footpaths complement this cultural focus with an opportunity to explore the surrounding area on foot. A well house at a holy well and an adjoining bridge provide another historical highlight. When looking for a holiday rental, you can therefore consider whether church and local history, walks, or a mix of both will shape your stay.
St Swithin’s Church: Layers from Different Periods
The present building of St Swithin’s Church dates from the late 15th century and contains fragments of an earlier church from the 14th century. The oldest surviving gravestone in the church is made of granite and is incorporated into the entrance portal. A section of wall painting has been uncovered above the box pews on the north wall; at the eastern end of the chancel stands a stone tablet bearing the year 1569. The year refers to the stone tablet and does not date the church building. Older architectural features are thus combined with the later building; the gravestone, wall painting and stone tablet add different historical details to the building’s history.
The grave of Sir Goldsworthy Gurney is in the churchyard. The churchyard also includes a nature conservation area, which is carefully managed to support insects and plant life. A specific historic grave and a tended natural area thus sit side by side in direct connection with the church.
Well House and Bridge: Two Different Dates
About 40 metres south of St Swithin’s Church is a well house at a holy well, with an adjoining bridge over a stream. The well house has medieval origins, whereas the bridge dates from the 19th century. The two parts of the ensemble therefore cannot be assigned to the same historical building phase: the medieval dating applies to the well house, and the later date to the bridge. The church, well house and bridge are close together, but each has its own historical associations.
A Glimpse of Local Food Culture
Food culture also has a historical connection: the Launcells Parish Recipe Book is dated 1910. It complements the history of the buildings and churchyard with a written record of recipes. Stone monuments and a recipe book thus stand side by side as different forms of local heritage.
Public Footpaths in the Parish of Launcells
The Parish of Launcells has twelve public footpaths with a combined length of just over four miles (6.6 km). This figure describes the paths collectively, not the length of a single route. One public footpath leads to Bude-Stratton; the total extent of the network and a specific destination for a walk thus provide different kinds of planning information. Before setting out, check path conditions and access, as both can change.
Discover more destinations: Penhallow, Luxulyan, Lelant, Ruan Minor, Tintagel, St Pinnock, Lanlivery, Trevone
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