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St Pirans Oratory during construction of the concrete shell, Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. 1910
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St Pirans Oratory during construction of the concrete shell, Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. 1910
A good crowd viewing the site during the building of the concrete protective shell in 1910. The site hut can be seen left of centre. 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: Unknown
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TRURI : PEZot.35
Media ID 18353000
© From the collection of the RIC
Costume Dress Ecclesiastical Edwardian Penhale Sands Perranporth Religion Religious Site The Lost Church
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This print captures the construction of the concrete shell around St Pirans Oratory in Perranzabuloe, Cornwall in 1910. A bustling crowd gathers at the site, eagerly observing the progress of this historic preservation project. The sturdy site hut stands prominently to the left of center, serving as a hub for workers and visitors alike. St Pirans Oratory holds immense significance as an early Christian chapel, with all four walls still standing proudly today. Legend has it that this sacred place was established by St Piran himself, an Irish saint who arrived on these shores in the sixth or seventh centuries AD. Its historical importance is further confirmed by its documented entry in the Domesday book. Located on Penhale Sands to the east of Perranporth, this cherished chapel has faced challenges over time due to shifting sands. In 1835 and 1843, extensive excavations took place followed by protective railings erected during the 1890s. However, it was not until 1910 that a concrete preserving structure was constructed over it after another round of excavation work revealed numerous burials. Although much of the concrete shell was demolished in 1980 and subsequently reburied with care given to its preservation, renewed efforts were made between 2014-2015 when further excavation work took place at this hallowed site. The photographer behind this remarkable image remains unknown but their lens captured a momentous chapter in St Pirans Oratory's history - one where past meets present through diligent restoration efforts.
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