St Columba's Church, St Columb Major
St Columba's Church is a 14th-century, Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England Diocese of Truro in St Columb Major, Cornwall. In 1860 plans were drawn up by William Butterfield, in hope of St Columb church becoming the cathedral of the future diocese of Cornwall, but the cathedral was built at Truro. A second church dedicated to the same saint is known as St Columba's Church, St Columb Minor.
History
The current church dates from the 13th to 15th centuries. The font is Norman and there are many good examples of woodcarving in the church: these include the bench ends dated 1510, the rood screen, wagon roofs, and a 19th-century carved wooden pulpit.In 1676 three youths set fire to a barrel of gunpowder, killing themselves and causing £350 worth of damage to the church. Through public donations and a small parish rate the church was repaired within nine months.
Parish status
The church is in the Lann Pydar joint benefice with:Organ
The organ dates from 1870 and was built by Bryceson & Ellis of Lincoln. A specification of the organ can be found in the National Pipe Organ Register.Font
The octagonal stone font in south aisle, of circa 1300 with carved sides, including five men's faces, on stem with clustered outer shafts.Bells
According to the National Bell register, there are eight bells dating from 1776 to 1950. The earliest bells are by J C & W Pennington of Exeter.. The later ones are by John Taylor & Co,. One bell from 1825 is by John Rudhall. The bells were overhauled in 1950 by Loughborough Bellfoundry. The heaviest of the bells is the tenor, which weighs 1404 lb or 637 kg.Memorials
Some of the more interesting items are some fine monumental brasses and memorials, including:- Sir John Arundell, KB, of Lanherne, St. Mawgan-in-Pyder, Cornwall, "the most important man in the county", Receiver-General of the Duchy of Cornwall, perhaps not buried here. His brass was described by Dunkin as "perhaps the most elaborate and interesting brass to be found in Cornwall"
- Eleanor Grey wife of the above John Arundell. She was granddaughter of Elizabeth Woodville, who was Queen consort of England as the spouse of King Edward IV
- Sir John Arundell, 1591, and his wife
- John Arundell and his wife, 1633.
- Robert Hoblyn was a Member of Parliament for Bristol who died at Nanswhyden House on 17 November 1756. His monument in St Columb Church bears a long inscription.
- Sir Richard Bellings was an Irish courtier who served as the Knight secretary to Catherine of Braganza, the wife of King Charles II.