Tower Of Church Of Saint Wenappa

The Tower of the Church of Saint Wenappa is a Grade I listed detached bell tower, dating from around the 16th century. It is constructed from granite and killas rubble, featuring granite quoins, bonding stones, a door frame, a hoodmould string, and a wallplate. The tower has a pyramidal roof covered with asbestos slate and is square in plan, consisting of two stages: a bell-chamber above a ringing chamber.

The north doorway is round-headed with a wide chamfer and stepped stops. On the ground floor of the south wall, there is a 2-light chamfered granite mullioned window with a stepped hoodmould that connects to the string dividing the stages. The bell-storey has similar 2-light windows on the north and south walls, while the east and west walls feature narrower single-light windows. The ground floor window includes coloured glass, whereas the first-floor windows are fitted with slate louvres.

An unusual feature for Cornwall is the use of bonded jambstones in the window openings, as they typically consist of monoliths extending from the sill to the lintel level. Although the interior has not been inspected, it is known to contain six bells that were hung in the late 18th century. The decision to build a detached tower likely aimed to achieve a higher position at a lower cost. Additionally, a holy well located to the northeast of the church, near the valley bottom, may have influenced the choice of the church site.