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A view of St Pirans Oratory under the new concrete shell, Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. 1910 or soon after
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A view of St Pirans Oratory under the new concrete shell, Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. 1910 or soon after
A view of the oratory under the new concrete preserving shell built after the excavations of 1910. Note the Victorian railings which have been dragged to one side. 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.15
Media ID 18352982
© From the collection of the RIC
Ecclesiastical Penhale Sands Perranporth Religious Site The Lost Church
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This print captures the historic St Pirans Oratory in Perranzabuloe, Cornwall, circa 1910. The image showcases the oratory under its newly constructed concrete preserving shell, which was built following excavations in 1910. Notably, the Victorian railings have been moved aside to reveal this remarkable structure. St Pirans Oratory stands as an early Christian chapel with all four walls intact and represents the legendary site where St Piran, an Irish saint, arrived and established a center of worship during the sixth or seventh centuries AD. Its significance is further emphasized by its inclusion in the Domesday book. Situated on Penhale Sands east of Perranporth, this sacred site has faced challenges from shifting sands over time. Excavations were previously conducted in 1835 and 1843 before railings were erected around it in the late 19th century. In 1910, extensive re-excavation took place alongside the construction of a concrete preserving structure that protected this historical gem for decades. Intriguingly, numerous burials were unearthed during these works - a testament to both its religious importance and past human activity surrounding it. Although much of the concrete shell was demolished in 1980 and subsequently reburied for preservation purposes, St Pirans Oratory experienced another excavation between 2014-2015. This photograph serves as a valuable glimpse into its earlier state while paying homage to Arthur William Jordan's skill behind the lens.
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