Tower Of Former Church Of Saint Kea

The Tower of the former Church of Saint Kea is a church tower ruin dating from the 15th century, with possible remodeling around the 17th century. It is constructed from slatestone rubble and features dressed granite for the buttresses, strings, copings, jambs, arches, mullions, and pinnacles. The roof has fallen. The tower is square and has a granite newel stair located within the north vest corner. It consists of three stages, with a string course dividing the upper stages and a parapet below. Diagonal corner buttresses rise to the sill level of the bell chamber, and the corner arrises are splayed above the impost level. The tower has an embattled parapet with crocketted corner pinnacles, although the northwest pinnacle has fallen. There is an original moulded 4-centred vest doorway and a 15th-century three-light Perpendicular window above it. The east tower arch is composed of two orders. There is evidence of the nave roof position above, along with a small single-light window below the string. The upper stage features a three-light window on each side with round-headed lights and a hoodmould, likely a 17th-century Perpendicular addition, presumably made when the openings were enlarged or the top of the tower was rebuilt. The interior is not accessible. This interesting Perpendicular tower remains a testament to what was likely a high-quality church and continues to provide a significant visual contribution to the rural creekside setting.