St Bartholomew, Lostwithiel Interior Michael Garlick

St Bartholomew

A medieval landmark in one of Cornwall's historically most important towns, featuring a bizarre and fascinating stone font.

Lostwithiel, Cornwall

Opening times

10:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday for prayer and for visitors.

Address

St Bartholomew
Lostwithiel
Cornwall
PL22 0BW

St Bartholomew’s is a 12th Century church situated in the very centre of the town of Lostwithiel in Cornwall.

Lostwithiel is an ancient Stannary town with approximately 3,000 residents and the church has played an important part in the history of the area.

The church was involved with the Civil War when Parliamentary troops were billeted in the building with their horses. Apparently one of the horses was baptised in the Norman Font to annoy the Royalists. High in the belfry is a signature left by one of the soldiers at the time. The tower was hit by a canon fire and still bears the mark.

The early 14th century font is decorated with strange and remarkable carvings, including a grotesque head and a gigantic rabbit under attack from a dog.

  • Church of England

  • Repair Grant, £6,500, 2007

  • Our Repair Grants funded urgent repair work to help keep churches open.

  • Cornerstone Grant, £10,000, 2022

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

  • Cornerstone Grant, £5,000, 2022

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

Contact information

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