Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Cornwall > Penhale
A view of the excavation of St Pirans Oratory, Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. 1910
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
A view of the excavation of St Pirans Oratory, Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. 1910
A general view of the 1910 excavations of the Oratory with the site hut in the foreground. 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
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : PEZot.9
Media ID 18351194
© From the collection of the RIC
Ecclesiastical Penhale Sands Perranporth Religion Religious Site The Lost Church
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> I
> Irish Photographer Irish Photographer
> Arts
> Artists
> U
> Unknown photographer Unknown
> 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
A Glimpse into History - St Pirans Oratory Excavation, 1910
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print takes us back to the year 1910, offering a rare glimpse into the excavation of St Pirans Oratory in Perranzabuloe, Cornwall. The image showcases a general view of the site with the humble site hut standing proudly in the foreground. St Pirans Oratory holds immense historical significance as an early Christian chapel where all four walls remain intact. Legend has it that this sacred place was established by St Piran, an Irish saint who arrived on these shores and founded a center for worship during the sixth or seventh centuries AD. Its importance is further emphasized by its mention in the Domesday book. Located on Penhale Sands, east of Perranporth, this remarkable structure has faced challenges over time due to shifting sands. In order to preserve its legacy, excavations were conducted in 1835 and 1843 followed by protective railings erected around it in the late 19th century. Intriguingly, this particular excavation carried out in 1910 led to significant discoveries including numerous burials unearthed during the works. To safeguard its fragile remains, a concrete preserving structure was constructed over it at that time. Although much of this concrete shell was later demolished in 1980 and subsequently reburied for preservation purposes; however, renewed interest prompted another round of excavation between 2014-2015. Through this evocative photograph captured by an unknown photographer from Royal Cornwall Museum's collection (not intended for commercial use), we are transported back to witness both past endeavors and ongoing efforts dedicated to unraveling the secrets held within St Pirans Oratory - an enduring testament to Cornwall's rich cultural heritage.
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.