St Conan

A tiny attractive church situated on the edge of the Pencarrow Estate halfway between Wadebridge and Bodmin with a link to Martin Luther!

Washaway, Cornwall

Opening times

Viewing by appointment only.

Address

Washaway
Cornwall
PL30 3AD

The church was erected in 1882 on land given by Lady Molesworth of Pencarrow. Its overall dimensions only just exceed 60ft x 20ft yet seating is claimed to be for 80 (at a squeeze!).

Of particular note is the font which, of Celtic origin, is undoubtedly the oldest in Cornwall. It was installed soon after the church was built, having been rescued from the rectory garden at Lanteglos by Camelford. Edmund Seddon says in his ‘Norman Architecture in Cornwall’ that it ‘is among the oldest in England’.

The pulpit, which dates from the 16th century, was brought from Germany by Sir William Molesworth in the early 19th century and is said to have been used by Martin Luther. It was given to the church by Sir Hugh Molesworth St Aubyn. The Molesworth St Aubyn family continue to maintain close links with St Conan.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Famous connections

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Petroc

Bodmin, Cornwall

St Petroc’s church is the largest and one of the oldest parish churches in Cornwall.

St Petroc

Egloshayle, Cornwall

Prominently positioned on the eastern approach to Wadebridge and close to the River Camel, this Grade I Listed church is set within an almost circular, walled, burial ground and framed by chestnut and other trees and flowering shrubs.