A well‑attended day conference, St Germans and the Cornish Saints in History, took place at St Germans Priory on Saturday 30th May. Organised as a fundraising event for the Priory and supported by St Germans Old Cornwall Society, the programme brought together leading scholars to explore the saints of medieval Cornwall and the long, layered history of the Priory itself.
The day opened with a welcome from Richard Laugharne, Chair of the St Germans Priory Trust, before Professor Nicholas Orme delivered a wide‑ranging talk on the saints venerated in medieval Cornwall, from international figures such as Mary and Michael to those known only in Cornwall, Brittany, and Wales. His session prompted a lively discussion.
This was followed by John Allan, who examined the early architectural phases of the Priory, including its remarkable Norman west front and the later Decorated work of the 1330s, drawing comparisons with Exeter Cathedral. After lunch, Dr Jo Mattingly continued the architectural story, tracing developments after 1350, including the construction of the south aisle, the 1520s window, and the later alterations that shaped the building seen today.
The final paper of the afternoon was given by Dr Garry Tregidga, who explored how St Germans has been remembered over time, particularly during the Celtic Revival of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when renewed interest in Cornwall’s cultural and religious past brought the Priory back into focus.
The day concluded with a guided tour of the Priory, described by the Cornwall Historic Churches Trust as “one of the finest, oldest and most historic parish churches in Cornwall.” Attendees praised both the quality of the speakers and the opportunity to explore the building in such depth.
The event was a great success and provided valuable support for the ongoing work of the St Germans Priory Trust. Thanks are due in particular to Denise Unitt, (St Germans OCS), and Jo Buchanan for all the hard work in arranging such a fantastic day.
The event was supported by the Federation bookstall, and Katrina Griffiths is thanked for manning the stall and mounting an interesting exhibition.