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Feock, Cornwall

Location
(50°12′19″N, 5°3′2″W)
Feock
SW 824 384
pre-1974 traditional (England and Wales) Cornwall
now Cornwall
medieval Exeter
now Truro
medieval St Feock
  • Andrew Beard
10 Jul 2015

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Feature Sets
Description

The church of St. Feoca is mostly 19thc., but retains a south aisle arcade of the 15thc. with plain capitals and five four-centred arches. Some of the doorways and windows are also 15thc.

The detached 13thc. bell tower is a sturdy square stone building with battered wall set over a basement. It has a single doorway with a simple pointed arch, small louvred ventilators to the bell storey, and a pyramidal slate roof.

Romanesque sculpture can be found on the font.

History

Records of a church on the same site as the present building date from the 13thc., but all that remains is the detached bell tower. The position of the tower, on higher ground at the top of the churchyard and above the main church building, may have also acted as a look-out to the Fal river and Carrick Roads.

The church, including the chancel, nave, south aisle and transept, was renovated and enlarged in 1864. However, in 1874 the retired vicar, Thomas Phillpotts, became dissatisfied with the church and drew up plans for a new church. The old church was taken down, but much of the stonework of piers and arches, windows and doorways was incorporated into the new building, which was designed by Piers St. Aubyn and opened in 1876.

Features

Furnishings

Fonts

Comments/Opinions

Although the church itself is unexceptional, the setting in the centre of the village, surrounded by the older bell tower and thatched cottages, is charming. The outstanding font is a hidden treasure inside the church.

Bibliography

P. Beacham and N. Pevsner, The Buildings of England. Cornwall, New Haven and London (2014) 195-96.

C. D. North, St. Feock: the Saint, the Church, the Parish (guide by local expert).

Rev. E. J. Saunders, A short history and guide to the Parish and Church of St. Feock, Nr. Truro (Church guide).