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Men working at the excavation of St Pirans Oratory, Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. 1910
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Men working at the excavation of St Pirans Oratory, Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. 1910
A view of men working on the 1910 excavations of the Oratory with a bell tent in the background. 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: Arthur William Jordan
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TRURI : PEZot.8
Media ID 18351196
© From the collection of the RIC
Ecclesiastical Penhale Sands Perranporth Religion Religious Site The Lost Church
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history - the excavation of St Pirans Oratory in Perranzabuloe, Cornwall, back in 1910. The image showcases a group of dedicated men diligently working on the excavation site, with a bell tent standing proudly in the background. St Pirans Oratory holds immense historical and religious importance as it is believed to be the place where St Piran, an Irish saint, arrived and established a Christian center of worship during the sixth or seventh centuries AD. This early Christian chapel still stands today with all four walls intact. Its existence is even documented in the Domesday book. Located on Penhale Sands, east of Perranporth, this sacred site has faced challenges over time due to blown sands covering its structure. In order to preserve its rich heritage, several excavations have taken place throughout history. Notably, extensive works were carried out in 1835 and 1843 followed by erecting railings around the area during the 1890s. The year 1910 marked another important chapter for St Pirans Oratory when it was re-excavated and protected by a concrete preserving structure constructed over it. During these efforts, numerous burials were uncovered beneath its hallowed grounds. Although some changes occurred later such as demolishing parts of the concrete shell in 1980 and re-burying the chapel itself; however, renewed interest led to further excavation work being conducted between 2014-2015. Preserved through this remarkable photograph captured by Arthur William Jordan (not affiliated with any company), we are reminded of our duty to protect and honor these ancient sites that hold profound cultural significance for future generations.
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