St Stephen by Launceston Church
Roydon Road,
Launceston,
Cornwall, PL15 8HG
There is the rhyme that states ‘When Lanson was a Fuzzy down, St Stephens was a Market Town’ and there is no doubt that this was quite true,…
There is the rhyme that states ‘When Lanson was a Fuzzy down, St Stephens was a Market Town’ and there is no doubt that this was quite true, for St. Stephens was the main area of commerce and religion at the time of William the Conqueror. In fact, there has been a church dedicated to St Stephen on the site since the 10th century.
The present church was built in the early 13th century. In about 1100 St Stephen’s college was converted into a foundation of regular canons. Forty or so years later it was involved in disputes between King Stephen and the landowning barons. As a result, the tower was destroyed by the Earl of Cornwall as it was being used as a currency store. Following this, it was decided to build a new priory down in the valley by the river Kensey and the canons moved there in 1155. St Stephen’s church was re-consecrated in 1259 and the tower was rebuilt in the early 1500’s with a legacy of forty marks from Dame Thomasine Percival, Lady Mayoress of London, and formerly Thomasine Bonaventure, a native of Week St Mary. Legend adds that she required the pinnacles to be big enough to be seen from Swannacott Farm in Week St Mary, some twelve miles away.
The church was clearly central to the evolving community for the village nestles around and below it. Formerly administered by the Duke of Northumberland’s estates, many of the properties are over 250 years old.
Opening Times
- Saturday 8 September: 1000-1600
Booking Details
No booking required
Access Information
There is some on-road parking in Roydon Road by St Stephen's Church. At the main entrance to the church, (located on the B3254 almost opposite road to Egloskerry) there is room for a few cars to park. Alternatively, the church hall, located next to the church has limited parking.
Please contact Launceston TIC for further information. Telephone 01566 772321 email info@launcestontic.co.uk
All day parking in Launceston for just £1.00 is available in the Walkhouse and Cattle Market (long stay area only) car parks.
Additional information
A free mini bus service will operate between the Launceston sites participating in Heritage Open Days, starting from and returning to Launceston town square. Please see Launceston TIC website or contact the TIC for further information.
Launceston Market in the Square is being held on Saturday 9th September from 9.00am - 3.00pm in the town square.
Lawrence House Museum and Launceston Castle are both open to visit.
A free guided history walk will take place around the town in the morning. prior booking with Launceston TIC essential.
Directions
**A monthly bric-a-brac, jumble and book sale is taking place in St Stephens church hall between 10.00am and noon on Saturday 9th September, entry 20p per person. All are welcome, refreshments available.
Opening times & full details ►
