GOLANT - Dedicated to St Sampson

Vicarage as Tywardreath
Tower Bells

Wholly 16th century building consecrated in 1509 and built on an earlier site. St. Sampson's Holy Well is by the South porch and door. Ancient granite font at the West end. Look for the splendid roof timbers which were provided by Guilds and carry 1509 inscriptions.

Some old bench ends decorated with apostles, coats of arms and one large carving of St Sampson, have been used to decorate the pulpit and organ bench. The box pews and communion rails in the North aisle are from the 18th century. There was some "restoration in 1842.> South aisle furniture and choir stalls at West end are modern.

Note the Royal Arms of James II, the Lord's Prayer, 'Pader agan Arluth', in Cornish, both on the North wall; stained glass commemorating episodes in the life of St. Sampson; a carved head of Christ in memory of Revd. 1. Leycester Lyne, a famed Victorian preacher who revived Benedictine monasticism in the Anglican church. Tradition says that King Mark, Tristan and Iseult worshipped at the earlier church on this site.

The church is generally unlocked during the day, otherwise a key may be obtained from Penwuite Farmhouse adjacent or from the churchwardens.