Heritage

Clovelly is a unique village once owned by the Queen of England and from Elizabethan days until today, it has been in private ownership, which has helped preserve its original atmosphere. Clinging to a 400 foot cliff in North Devon, it has no vehicular traffic on its steeply cobbled street, just donkeys and sledges. The man-powered sledges transport all goods to the village, from groceries to furniture. Donkeys used to be the main form of transport for centuries, but now mainly give children rides during the summer or can be seen posing for photographs in the street.

There is much to see and do, and the village hosts a variety of events throughout the year. As well as live music, demonstrations, street entertainments, stalls galore and craft activities, you can also find out more about seaweed at the ‘Know Your Seaweed’ Talks and experience the Shipwreck Survival Workshop.

St. Swithin’s Church at Launcells was famously depicted by Sir John Betjeman as Cornwall’s ‘most unspoiled’ church, tracing its origins to the late 15th century. Incorporating remnants of an earlier 14th-century structure, the building exudes historical charm and architectural integrity.
The Manor of Launcells has a rich history dating back to its mention in the Domesday Book of 1085. Launcells Church, first documented around 1200 when it was assigned to the Abbey of Hartland, boasts an early Norman font. Originally dedicated to St. Andrew, the church was later rededicated to St. Swithin in 1321. During the 15th century, the church underwent reconstruction, with the granite north arcade slightly following the south arcade, crafted from Polyphant stone. The porch retains its original seating and holy water stoup, while the windows feature perpendicular tracery and ancient clear glass, some of which is remarkably old, albeit reconstructed in the north aisle.

Preserved from the 15th century, the original wagon roofs embellish the church, adorned with intricately carved wall plates, purlins, and bosses, while the stairway to the former roof loft resides in the north aisle. A solitary painted panel remains from the original rood screen. The chancel boasts a floor paved with 15th-century Barnstaple encaustic tiles, and the church proudly displays over 60 carved bench ends dating back to the 16th century. A striking wall painting, recently conserved, depicts Abraham and Isaac in Tudor Costume on the west wall, hinting at potential further paintings concealed beneath the plaster.

At the entrance to the south porch lies the oldest tombstone, dating back to 1574, while the Chamond monument in the southeast of the chancel dates to 1624. A Royal Coat of Arms of Charles II adorns the space, alongside six bells, the oldest of which is dated 1751. Georgian influences are evident in the pulpit, tester, and box pews on the north side. In the churchyard, three listed chest tombs, ranging from the late 16th to mid-18th century, further enrich the historical tapestry of Launcells Church.

Any visitor to St. Swithin’s Church will immediately be captivated by its picturesque setting nestled in a tranquil valley, complete with a quaint bridge and babbling stream, alongside the revered Holy Well, said to never run dry. The meticulously maintained graveyard includes a conservation area dedicated to nurturing both insects and flora. Notably, the final resting place of Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, the renowned inventor of Limelight, adds to the site’s historical allure.

Inside, the church is bathed in natural light streaming through its clear glass windows, showcasing its unique architectural features. Visitors are treated to a striking Tudor mural, elegant Georgian pew ends, and exquisite Barnstaple encaustic tiles. Adorning the north wall is a magnificent, sculpted coat of arms of Charles II, accompanied by a letter inscribed by the monarch himself. Perhaps the most remarkable treasures of the church are its intricately carved 15th-century pew ends.