Sclerder Abbey

Sclerder Abbey is a monastery built in the 1840s for an enclosed order of Carmelites, and subsequently extended in the late 19th century, the 1920s, and in 1937. The structure is primarily of stone rubble with slate roofs, with a front wall of red brick to a 1937 extension.

The main range follows a general H-shaped plan, featuring a refectory in the central range, kitchens within the left-hand cross wing, and a sister's chapel in the right-hand cross wing. A public church was added at right angles to the private chapel around the 1920s. A gatehouse was added to the front of the right-hand cross wing, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. A 18th-century cottage, which has been remodelled in the 20th century, serves as a noviciate at the front of the left-hand cross wing, with a large range added to the rear of this wing in 1937.

The main range is set back behind a high stone wall, presenting a regular four-window front with an entrance in the angle of the central range and cross wing. The fenestration dates primarily from the 19th century, although 20th-century alterations are evident. Gabled half-dormers are present above, and a 20th-century extension is visible to the front on the right. The three-storey gatehouse on the roadside to the right has an asymmetrical, double-gabled two-window front. The ground floor features two three-light mullion windows flanking a moulded two-centred arch with a double plank door and ornate hinges. A further one-light window is located to the right, and a two-light window is present in a 20th-century extension. The first floor has two four-light mullion windows, while the second floor features two one-light mullion windows, all with hoodmoulds.

The interior showcases 19th-century pitch pine joinery and a carved stone fireplace in the 1937 range, depicting Saint Francis of Assisi. A high stone rubble wall runs along the front, north side, and continues along the east side of the monastery. Stone rubble walls enclose a public cemetery to the east, containing a series of semi-circular niches.

Originally a Franciscan Monastery, it was later occupied by Poor Clares before becoming home to the Carmelites. The monastery has associations with Sir Harry Trelawney, a convert and Catholic Bishop in Rome, and his daughters, Letitia Trelawney and Mary Harding. Franciscans celebrated mass in the chapel at Trelawne in the 1840s, a chapel opened for Roman Catholic worship by Sir Harry Trelawney, which later reverted to Anglican use. Letitia Trelawney, Mary Harding, and Lewis Harding (who took early photographs of Polperro and Trelawne) are buried at Sclerder Abbey.