Page "St Austell" Paragraph 52

The church was originally dedicated to St Austol, a Breton saint associated with St Meven, but is now dedicated to the Holy Trinity.

By 1150 it had been appropriated to the Priory of Tywardreath by the Cardinhams: this continued until 1535.

There was originally a Norman church here, of which some remains may be seen.

The present church is of the 15th century and is large because the mediaeval parish was also a large one: the tower is impressive.

All four outside walls bear sculptural groups in carved niches: the Twelve Apostles in three groups on the north, east and south ; the Holy Trinity above the Annunciation and below that the Risen Christ between two saints on the west.

The tower can be dated to between 1478 and 1487 by the arms of Bishop Courtenay, and the walls are faced in Pentewan stone ..