The parish of Landrake with St Erney lies on high ground between the deeply cut valleys of the Lynher and Tiddy rivers, which are partly affected by the tides. The southern part of the parish, mostly belonging to St Erney, is bounded to the east and west by tidal rivers. Small hamlets and farms in the parish are connected by narrow Cornish country lanes; the A38 crosses it from east to west. This gives you two scales for getting your bearings: local routes between hamlets and farms, and the east–west axis of the main road. St Michael’s parish church is visible for many miles.

St Michael’s: Building phases and architecture

The south doorway and the main body of the nave up to the chancel are Norman. The parish church also has surviving 13th-century masonry, as well as additions and alterations from the late 14th century and the mid and late 15th century. Clearly identified Norman sections therefore stand alongside later building phases. The stone used to build the church came from the nearby Tartan Down Quarry in Landrake.

St Erney and the history at Markwell

The church is commonly called St Erney, but is dedicated to St Terminus or possibly St Ternimus. A holy well was mentioned at Markwell in 1018 and was probably known as St Mark’s Well. A chapel at Markwell was mentioned in 1308 near the well site. The dates refer to different milestones: first the well, then the nearby chapel.

Traces at Poldrissick

The remains of the Tamar barge Millom Castle, built in 1870, can be seen beside Poldrissick Quay. A complete cider mill is located at Poldrissick Farm. Together, they add shipping and rural cider-making to the history of the church and well.

Services and getting there

Service times differ between the churches: at St Michael’s, services are held at 9:30 a.m. on the first, second, third and fourth Sundays of each month. St Erney is open during services on the first and third Sunday of each month. Check the service times before travelling if you would like to enter St Erney.

St Michael’s parish church is on the main road through Landrake. On-street parking is limited; it is recommended that you park shortly after the exit from the A38 and walk the remaining approximately 200 yards. From Landrake, you can reach St Erney by following the signs, driving uphill beside St Michael’s church, and then continuing for about a mile. There is no parking directly at St Erney church, but there is usually ample parking at the bend.

Discover more destinations: Brighton, Menheniot, Illogan, Mount, Mylor, Boscastle, Luxulyan, Saint Minver

For the main travel overview: Cornwall.