Churches of the British Isles

Polmassick Bible Christian Chapel is shown on OS maps at this location, just over the lane from a stream crossing and by the entrance to a vineyard. It is mentioned as being part of St Ewe's parish. Records list 'Band of Hope' pledges from 1875, with pew holders from 1892 for what became Polmassick United Methodist Church here, and a collection journal until 1961. A 2002 guide book confirms the site, but not whether the present building is the chapel itself.

The direct road from Polmassick to Kestle turns sharply south at Kestle Farm. Next is Gilley Lane on the left, and about 130 metres south of this is the former Kestle Bible Christian Chapel on the lane's eastern side. It was recorded by Symons in 1884, and OS maps also record it in 1888, 1908, and 1947. The present building matches the original's footprint, and now seems to be a village hall or similar. It is not to be confused with Kestle Mill Chapel near Newquay.

Gorran High Lanes Wesleyan Methodist Chapel is on the western side of the Gorran road from Kestle, about 700 metres south of Tregarton Park and directly south of the Trewollla Farm turning. In 1814 Joseph Lawry of Tregarthen applied to the bishop of Exeter for a meeting house licence at 'Highlanes'. Trustees were appointed in 1816, with the chapel building already seemingly complete. It closed possibly in 1973 and is now a private residence.

The Church of St Michael & All Angels, Caerhays, lies on the eastern side of the lane, a quick hop to the west from Gorran. Its date of foundation is not known but on the north side contains a fine blocked pre-Norman doorway. The church was originally cruciform in shape and was re-dedicated on 5 October 1259. Major alterations in the 1400s-1500s included the new tower and three bells. In decline by 1864 it was partially restored and then again in 1883.

The road from Caerhays to Gorran Haven passes Boswinger Bible Christian Chapel on the southern side. Archived documents suggest a chapel here in 1829, while the plaque below the roof suggests a replacement building of 1883. It later became Boswinger United Methodist Church and then Boswinger Methodist Church, and baptism records go to 2004. It was purchased by the surrounding holiday park in 2010 to become a reception and offices, café, and shop.

Four photos on this page by Jo Lewis, and two kindly contributed by Douglas Law via the 'History Files: Churches of the British Isles' Flickr group, with additional information from Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, Rita Tregellas Pope (Hunter Publishing, 2002).