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St Athernase has a commanding hilltop position over the town and, thankfully, since its construction in the 12th century, waves of neglect and 'improvement' have not harmed its most distinctive Norman feature: the elaborate 12th century chancel and apse at the east end.

The story goes that St Wyllow, a Christian hermit, was living nearby in 596, legend has it that he was killed beheaded but that he brought the head here, thus deciding where the church should be built.

This church is the first designed and built by the eminent Victorian architect George Edmund Street.

Amid scenic country views, this is an important and early Catholic church which has an impressive external design, an intimate and authentic interior and a unique story from construction in stages from a simple rectangular structure in 1785 to housing the bell which was the first one to ring out in the diocese since penal times ahead of the bell at Armagh Cathedral.

During the summer our 400 year old church is open to visitors every day and it would be even nicer if you could attend one of our services. We would love to meet you!

A church set in ‘Clay Country’ 600ft above sea level on the site of an Iron Age fort and looking out towards Newquay and the north coast of Cornwall.

Designed in 1744 by architect James Martin in a neo classical style.