St Andrew

St Andrew stands on high ground in the centre of the historic and picturesque town of Stratton which lies approximately one mile from the coast and the seaside town of Bude.  

It is probable that a church existed in Stratton before the Norman Conquest but no traces of this building now exist.

The current church was built over a Norman predecessor, the footings of which were uncovered during restorations in 1888.

Items of interest around the church include: the 12th century font, a simple tub shaped granite bowl with a single encircling band of rope twist, the only definitely Norman feature still to be seen is an effigy of an armoured knight, currently on a window sill in the north aisle, almost certainly 13th century is the late mediaeval wagon ceiling.

One of the bosses appears to be an example of the mysterious Green Man. There are also battlefield relics from the Civil War, found at nearby Stamford Hill. Also on show is a copy of a letter sent by Charles I to the people of Cornwall, thanking them for their support against parliament.

The ornately carved 17th century wineglass pulpit is lovely and the royal coat of arms in the lady chapel, made was during the Stuart period but overpainted with the Hanoverian arms a century later and now restored to its original state.

The wooden rood screen was completed in 1907 is a fine example of the work of the Pinwell sisters work. The east window, depicts the four evangelists, and was made by the William Morris company to a design by Edward Burne-Jones.

The church houses the old town stocks and the stoutly studded door from Stratton Gaol, with iron nails outlining the word CLINK.