Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cornwall > Penhale
A view of St Pirans Oratory surrounded by railings, Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. Between 1890s and 1910
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
A view of St Pirans Oratory surrounded by railings, Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. Between 1890s and 1910
A general view looking south of the oratory surrounded by the iron railings which were erected in the 1890s. This is before the excavations of 1910. A lady with a parasol is seated on the far right on the grass. St Pirans Oratory survives as an early Christian chapel with all four walls standing. It represents the supposed site where St Piran, an Irish saint came ashore and established a Christian centre of worship in the sixth or seventh centuries AD. The site has a documented entry in the Domesday book. There is a small nave, chancel and stone bench around much of the interior plus a cemetery. Situated on Penhale Sands, east of Perranporth, the Oratory has been subject to blown sands over the years. Excavations were carried out in 1835 and 1843 and then railings were erected around the site in the 1890s. In 1910 it was re-excavated and a concrete preserving structure constructed over it. A large number of burials were uncovered during the works. The concrete shell was largely demolished in 1980 and the chapel reburied. The site was re-excavated in 2014-2015. Photographer: Herbert Hughes
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : PEZot.10
Media ID 18351198
© From the collection of the RIC
Ecclesiastical Penhale Sands Perranporth Religious Site The Lost Church
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> I
> Irish Photographer Irish Photographer
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cornwall
> Penhale
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cornwall
> Perranporth
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cornwall
> Perranzabuloe
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Cornwall
> Related Images
> Royal Cornwall Museum
> Places
> Perranzabuloe
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a mesmerizing view of St Pirans Oratory, nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. Dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century, this image showcases the oratory surrounded by its newly erected iron railings. The historic significance of this site is profound as it represents the legendary landing spot and establishment of a Christian center by St Piran, an Irish saint in the 6th or 7th centuries AD. The photograph offers a glimpse into the past with a lady seated on the grass, elegantly sheltered under her parasol on the far right. It beautifully illustrates how nature seamlessly intertwines with history at this sacred location. St Pirans Oratory stands today as an enduring symbol of early Christianity, boasting all four walls intact. Its interior features a small nave, chancel, stone bench encircling much of its space, and even a cemetery. Over time, Penhale Sands' shifting sands have posed challenges to preserving this architectural gem. Excavations were conducted in various periods such as 1835 and 1843 before iron railings were added for protection in the 1890s. In subsequent years, further excavation work took place in 1910 alongside constructing a concrete preservation structure over it. Remarkably during these endeavors numerous burials were unearthed. Although partially demolished in 1980 and subsequently reburied for conservation purposes; recent excavations carried out between 2014-2015 have shed new light on this historically significant site once again. Photographer Herbert Hughes has skillfully captured not only an enchanting moment frozen in time but also immortalized one of Cornwall's most treasured landmarks through his lens
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.