“St Germans Group Parish" is a new (2008) creation bringing together under a single
P.C.C. the former Anglican Parishes of Tideford, Hessenford, and St Germans.
We have four churches and one church hall in around 10,000 acres of beautiful countryside mid-way between Saltash and Liskeard.
The churches are easy to locate.
St Germans Parish Church
The present church is the third that has stood on this site. The first was a small Celtic church erected by St Germanus, who visited Britain in A.D. 429. The second church was built by King Athelstane in 936, the year in which he finally conquered the Celts in Cornwall. He appointed Conan, the first Bishop of the new Saxon Diocese of Cornwall. In effect for a while the church at St Germans was acting as the cathedral for Cornwall. Conan was succeeded by several other Bishops until the year 1043 when the See was removed to Crediton.
The present church was begun in the 12th century, but was not consecrated until 1261. Now, much changed by decay and renovations, it survives as a massive and inspiring building blessed with a wonderful acoustic - so much used for significant religious events and concerts. St Germans church frequently plays host to the East Cornwall Bach Choir.
When St Germanus founded the church he also founded a religious house close by to shelter the clergy. This house eventually became a Priory of Augustinian Canons and was endowed with considerable revenues. At the Dissolution in 1538 the last Prior, Robert Seymour, delivered up the Priory to Henry VIII who gave it together with the revenues to Robert Champernowne. The Eliot family took it over in 1571 and their present family home is built on the site of the priory buildings.
St Luke’s Parish Church, Tideford is a small, plain stone building in the Early English style, consecrated July 31st 1845. It consists of nave and chancel and the east window with its nativity theme was given by a former incumbent, The Rev’d Edward Glanville in memory of his daughter. For safety reasons the bell cot wich housed two bells was removed from the roof. To-day there is just one bell now at shoulder level by the south door.
St Anne’s Parish Church, Hessenford was dedicated in 1833.. Both the church and its setting are wonderfully beautiful and calming. It is suggested visitors leave their cars near the Copley Arms before walking up the hill by the side of the pub. The churchyard is adjacent but very high up on the NE side.
The Church of St Nicolas at Downderry began life as a mission church planted by Hessenford Parish Church since population was growing significantly at Downderry but not at Hessenford. The present small but substantial bulding dates from 1905. It is situated within a stone’s throw of the beach. In 2001 a new wing with kitchen and toilets was added. It is truly a multi-purpose building. The vestry is also the Office for the Civil Parish at the heart of the community..... St Nicolas Church Primary School is directly opposite
St Nicolas Church of England Primary School has around 100 pupils. What a setting ! This view from the classrooms across the tennis court shows how the school grounds run down to the beach !!