3-028-801 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Gunwalloe Church, Cornwall, 1870. Engraving of a water-colour drawing by the Dean of Canterbury. 'The parish of Gunwalloe, near Helston, with a population of 244 souls, has an ancient church, said to have been built (in the 13th or 14th century) as a votive offering for an escape from shipwreck. This interesting little building, having been grievously damaged by the severe gales of late winters...is falling into ruin...The roofs are almost gone; the walls and windows are shaken; the seats and other woodwork are rotting from the effects of time and weather. The church stands in a remarkable situation on the sea-shore on the east coast of Mount's Bay; it is a singular and pleasing feature amidst the rocky scenery of that neighbourhood. The church is partly sheltered by the cliff, but is exposed on the south-east side, where the waves dash up, in winter, against the churchyard walls. The belfry is detached from the church, and erected against a steep rock, which is scooped out so as nearly to form three sides of the tower...The landowners are doing their best to raise money for the restoration of the church; but they want help to provide the whole sum required, which is estimated at £500 by Mr. Sedding, the architect, at Penzance'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.