
St Clement's Church
A historic church near Truro, featuring a rare 1733 lychgate, ancient Ignioc Stone, and unique painted glass windows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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St Clement's Church
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic church near Truro, featuring a rare 1733 lychgate, ancient Ignioc Stone, and unique painted glass windows.
"A gorgeous old church in a quiet rural setting, felt like walking back in time."

🚶♀️ Park Smart
Limited parking. Use the riverside car park or roadside spots, but be ready for a short uphill walk.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
Experience a sense of history walking through the lychgate and exploring the ancient grounds.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lychgate
Church Entrance
A historic 1733 lychgate, one of only three in Cornwall, offering a unique entrance to the church grounds.

Ignioc Stone
By the Entrance
An ancient monument with intriguing engravings, hinting at the church's long and layered history.

Painted Glass Windows
Interior
Unusual painted glass windows, offering a distinct visual experience compared to traditional stained glass.

Stocks from Truro Square
Porch
A fascinating historical artifact, these stocks were once used for criminals in Truro Square.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Park Smart
Limited parking. Use the riverside car park or roadside spots, but be ready for a short uphill walk.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
Experience a sense of history walking through the lychgate and exploring the ancient grounds.
🖼️ Admire Unique Windows
Look closely at the painted glass windows, a rare feature that sets this church apart.
📜 Explore Historical Markers
Discover the Ignioc Stone and the stocks in the porch for a glimpse into the past.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Park Smart
Limited parking. Use the riverside car park or roadside spots, but be ready for a short uphill walk.
🕰️ Step Back in Time
Experience a sense of history walking through the lychgate and exploring the ancient grounds.
🖼️ Admire Unique Windows
Look closely at the painted glass windows, a rare feature that sets this church apart.
📜 Explore Historical Markers
Discover the Ignioc Stone and the stocks in the porch for a glimpse into the past.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find St. Clement's Church to be a charming and historically rich destination, offering a peaceful escape just a short distance from Truro. The unique features like the lychgate and Ignioc Stone are frequently praised, though parking can be a minor inconvenience for some.
"Just two miles from Truro but seems more remote. Close to the river where there is a small car park or else there is roadside parking (close to the small toilet block). As with Kenwyn church there is Lychgate, this one built in 1733. It was restored 2004-8. Likely to have been the site of a chapel for Moresk Castle a thousand years ago. Interestingly it has painted glass rather than stained. By the entrance is a monument known as the Ignioc Stone."
Roy Sirl
"A gorgeous old church in a quiet rural setting, we managed to park our car outside the toilets across the road. Felt like you were walking back in time when you walk through the covered passageway. The church was small but very interesting"
Victoria Pearce
"Very historic church dating back to the 1700's. In the porch are the stocks from Truro Square used for criminals. The windows are painted not coloured glass but it is hard to tell. Inside the church looks like many others but the wall plaques are interesting. The bells do work though not accessible to the public. Entance is through a lytchgate, one of only three in Cornwall. Free car parking is a few hundred metres away up a rather steep hill."
Ewan Baxter
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Clement's Church is located about two miles from Truro. You can reach it by car, with limited parking available near the river or roadside. Be prepared for a short walk, which may include an uphill climb to the church entrance.
Yes, there is a small car park by the river and roadside parking is also an option. However, parking can be limited, and some spots may require a walk up a hill.
Information on direct public transport routes to St. Clement's Church is limited. It's best to check local bus schedules for services to the Truro area and then consider a taxi or a longer walk.
Access to the church grounds may involve uneven terrain and uphill paths. While the interior is generally accessible, it's advisable to contact the church directly for specific accessibility information.
For scenic photos, consider visiting during the afternoon when the light is softer. The lychgate and the Ignioc Stone are popular subjects.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
St. Clement's Church is typically open to visitors and does not usually charge an admission fee. Donations are often welcome to help with the upkeep of the historic building.
The church is generally open to the public, but specific opening hours can vary. It's recommended to check for any local events or services that might affect visitor access.
Yes, St. Clement's Church holds regular services. You can find information on mass times and schedules by checking their website or local listings.
No, advance booking is generally not required for visiting St. Clement's Church as a tourist. It's a place of worship and historical interest open to all.
While formal guided tours may not always be available, the historical significance of the church, including its lychgate and ancient stones, is often highlighted by locals or through informational plaques.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Key historical features include the 1733 lychgate, the Ignioc Stone, painted glass windows, and the stocks from Truro Square. The church itself dates back to the 1700s and has a rich history.
The Ignioc Stone is an ancient monument located by the entrance of St. Clement's Church, featuring intriguing engravings that hint at the site's long history.
The bells at St. Clement's Church do work, but they are not typically accessible to the public for ringing.
The lychgate, built in 1733, is a significant historical feature and one of only three in Cornwall. It served as a covered passageway for funeral processions.
Inside, you'll find a spacious and light interior with interesting wall plaques. The church's painted glass windows are a notable feature.
📸 📸 Photography
The lychgate, the Ignioc Stone, and the exterior of the church are excellent for photography. The painted glass windows offer unique interior shots.
Photography is generally permitted inside St. Clement's Church for personal use, but it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services or other visitors.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful, soft light for exterior shots. Morning light can also be good for capturing the details of the church.
Drone usage is typically restricted in churchyards and around places of worship due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the lychgate and interior spaces. A standard zoom lens is versatile for exterior details and wider shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the church itself is a place of quiet reflection, the surrounding area and the walk from parking can be enjoyable for younger visitors. Encourage them to look for details on the stone carvings and imagine life centuries ago. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a good spot for a brief, contemplative stop during a family outing.
🚶 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
The church's interior features painted glass windows, a less common artistic technique than stained glass, offering a unique visual experience. The historical wall plaques and the presence of the stocks from Truro Square further enrich the narrative of the church's past. Exploring these elements provides a deep dive into local history, craftsmanship, and social practices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
One of the most striking features is the lychgate, a covered passageway built in 1733, which is one of only three remaining in Cornwall. This structure served a crucial role in funeral processions. Near the entrance, the Ignioc Stone stands as a silent witness to ancient times, its engravings sparking curiosity about its original purpose. The church also houses the stocks from Truro Square in its porch, a stark reminder of historical justice.
Inside, the painted glass windows offer a unique visual experience, differing from the more common stained glass. While the bells work, they are not accessible to the public. The church's tranquil atmosphere, combined with its rich historical artifacts, makes it a compelling destination for those interested in local heritage and architecture.
Architectural and Artistic Uniqueness
Inside, the painted glass windows are a particular point of interest. Unlike stained glass, where colored glass is fused with lead, painted glass involves applying vitreous paint to clear glass, which is then fired. This technique results in a different aesthetic and is less common, making St. Clement's windows a noteworthy artistic feature. The wall plaques also offer insights into the lives of those who have been part of the church community over centuries.
The Ignioc Stone, an ancient carved stone, adds another layer of historical intrigue. Its weathered surface and enigmatic engravings invite contemplation about the earliest inhabitants and spiritual practices at this site. Together, these elements create a rich tapestry of history and art within the serene setting of St. Clement's Church.






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