'St Germans and the Cornish Saints in History' : a one-day event of talks and tours
Schedule
Sat, 30 May, 2026 at 10:30 am
UTC+01:00Location
St Germans Priory, Church Street, St Germans, PL12 5NP | Saltash, EN
Advertisement
A one-day event of talks and tours at St Germans Priory combining history, architecture, faith and spirituality.Set within this wonderful building, a fascinating event where esteemed speakers explore the saints of medieval Cornwall, and the many lives of St Germans Priory. Including an exploration of the Priory building's mosaic of architecture which emerged over time, and how St Germans was subsequently remembered in connection to the Celtic Revival of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
The all day event includes a guided tour of St Germans Priory, described by Cornwall Historic Churches Trust as ‘one of the finest, oldest and most historic parish churches in Cornwall.’
Standard Adult : £9.50
Concession : £5.00 (students and under 18s)
**Tickets include teas and coffees served on the day**
Programme
10.30am - Coffee/tea
10.55am - Welcome by Richard Laugharne, Chair of St Germans Priory Trust.
11.00am - Professor Nicholas Orme, 'The Saints of Cornwall', followed by Q&A
'Who were the saints venerated in medieval Cornwall? While some like Mary and Michael are international ones, what of the many who were known only in Brittany, Cornwall, and Wales, or even Cornwall alone? What can their legends tell us about religion more widely in medieval Cornwall?'
12pm - John Allan: ‘The architecture of St Germans church before 1350’, followed by Q&A
'An exploration of the two earliest phases of the standing building, which are examples of the Norman and Decorated styles. With its richly carved west doorway and flanking towers, is perhaps the most important survival of Norman church architecture in Cornwall. Its dating and parallels will be considered. The work in the Decorated style forms one of a group of church building programmes dating from c. 1330-40, which display the refinements of the late Decorated style and show close stylistic links to Exeter Cathedral.'
1pm - Lunch Break
*Bring your own lunch or visit one of the many eateries in, or around St Germans. Optional tour of the Priory church during lunch.
2.15pm - Dr Jo Mattingly, 'The architecture of St Germans after 1350', followed by Q&A
'This talk will look at the construction of the impressive south aisle and stone-vaulted porch built for parishioners in the new Perpendicular style. Made 6 feet wider than the nave, windows were badged by local gentry and Bishop Lacy of Exeter, 1420-55. Work may have begun in the 1420s, but no specifically Perpendicular style piers were introduced, as the south clerestory of the Norman church was retained in contrast to Cornwall's many Perpendicular churches. The introduction of the large 1520s window in the south chapel and the rood loft, and the 1802 demolition and replacement of the Norman north aisle will also be considered.'
3.15pm - Dr Garry Tregidga: ‘Remembering St Germans through time’, followed by Q&A
'This talk will explore how St Germans was subsequently remembered. This will be particularly the case in regard to the emerging Celtic Revival of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when the cultural and religious history of Cornwall started to be interpreted and explored in greater detail. The role of antiquarians along with different texts from books to newspapers will be considered.'
4.15pm - Guided tour of the Priory church
5pm - Event Ends
**This is a fundraising event for St Germans Priory, supported by the St Germans Old Cornwall Society**
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
St Germans Priory, Church Street, St Germans, PL12 5NP, Saltash, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
