History
Minster History
Minster is the 'mother' church of Boscastle and has a religious heritage that dates back to AD 500 when a Welsh princess called Madryn settled in the valley and gave healing by both prayer and water. She is said to be buried in the chancel area of the church
1150 The original church was built by William de Bottreaux, whose father fought with William the Conqueror. It consisted of the sanctuary, chancel, nave and tower base and was given to the Benedictine Order of monks in Anjou, France
1402 King Henry 1V closed all foreign monasteries and the Priory became the Rectory
1407 First Rector appointed
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Scissor carving on tower wall of unknown origin or meaning |
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1507 Rector John Trelawney First restoration carried out the first restoration, adding the south aisle and a chapel, and rebuilding the porch and upper part of the tower
1843 Oak chancel screen removed
1869 The church was in such a state of disrepair that the entire roof falls in and much of the interior features such as the box pews, three - decked pulpit, singers gallery were removed and either sold or destroyed
1871 Minster re-opens
| 1911 Rood Beam and Crucifix installed |
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2004 The Flood that devastated Boscastle also hit Minster, with flooding inside to a height of six feet.
After a long drying out process and extensive repairs by both professionals and volunteers, Minster church was re-opened on the first anniversary of the flood |
