St Clement's Church - Image 1
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St Clement's Church

4.9
·17 reviews·, United Kingdom

A historic church near Truro, featuring a rare 1733 lychgate, ancient Ignioc Stone, and unique painted glass windows.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter atmosphere

CrowdLow
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St Clement's Church - Image 1

St Clement's Church

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter atmosphere

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic church near Truro, featuring a rare 1733 lychgate, ancient Ignioc Stone, and unique painted glass windows.

4.9
(17 reviews)

"A gorgeous old church in a quiet rural setting, felt like walking back in time."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lychgate

Lychgate

Church Entrance

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

Ignioc Stone

Ignioc Stone

By the Entrance

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

Painted Glass Windows

Painted Glass Windows

Interior

Unusual painted glass windows, offering a distinct visual experience compared to traditional stained glass.

Stocks from Truro Square

Stocks from Truro Square

Porch

A fascinating historical artifact, these stocks were once used for criminals in Truro Square.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

St. Clement's Church is a peaceful retreat, but check local event schedules to avoid potential closures or large gatherings. Consider visiting during weekdays for a more serene experience, especially if you're interested in the historical aspects.

Parking & Access

Parking can be limited near the church. While there's a small car park by the river, roadside parking is also available. Be prepared for a short walk, potentially uphill, to reach the church entrance.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Thank you so much Anne at Benefit in Boots in Truro for doing my amazing eyebrows my eyebrows look amazing I love them 💖💖
@chloe.2426
146.9K likes • 2.6M views

🚶‍♀️ Park Smart

Limited parking. Use the riverside car park or roadside spots, but be ready for a short uphill walk. Reddit

🕰️ Step Back in Time

Experience a sense of history walking through the lychgate and exploring the ancient grounds. Reddit

One of the prettiest triptychs I have ever seen is in St. Clement's Church in Philadelphia, USA! @sclementschurch #americanchurches #philadelphiachurches #churchphotography #churchcrawling
meinthepulpit
39 likes • 313 views
// ⛪️ St Clement’s Church, Isle of Harris #scotland #scotlandexplore #scotlandtravel #visitscotland #hiddenscotland #scotlandshots
chrispaullawlor
7.5K likes • 210.7K views

🖼️ Admire Unique Windows

Look closely at the painted glass windows, a rare feature that sets this church apart. Reddit

📜 Explore Historical Markers

Discover the Ignioc Stone and the stocks in the porch for a glimpse into the past. Reddit

St Clements Church is located at the southern end of Harris and is rare in Scotland as it is one of the few examples of a Roman Catholic chapel that escaped defacement during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. The church is strongly linked to Clan MacLeod of Harris and several clan chiefs are buried here. #scotland #isleofharris #stclementschurch #outerhebrides #rodel #church #histor...
northernomad_unofficial
280 likes • 3.4K views

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. Reddit

🕰️ Step Back in Time

Experience a sense of history walking through the lychgate and exploring the ancient grounds. Reddit

🖼️ Admire Unique Windows

Look closely at the painted glass windows, a rare feature that sets this church apart. Reddit

📜 Explore Historical Markers

Discover the Ignioc Stone and the stocks in the porch for a glimpse into the past. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(17 reviews)

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

What People Like

Historic lychgate
Ancient Ignioc Stone
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited parking

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For scenic photos, consider visiting during the afternoon when the light is softer. The lychgate and the Ignioc Stone are popular subjects. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, St. Clement's Church holds regular services. You can find information on mass times and schedules by checking their website or local listings. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ 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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

The bells at St. Clement's Church do work, but they are not typically accessible to the public for ringing. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Inside, you'll find a spacious and light interior with interesting wall plaques. The church's painted glass windows are a notable feature. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lychgate, the Ignioc Stone, and the exterior of the church are excellent for photography. The painted glass windows offer unique interior shots. Instagram

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. Instagram

Late afternoon often provides beautiful, soft light for exterior shots. Morning light can also be good for capturing the details of the church. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Clement's Church offers a quiet escape that can be educational for families. The stocks from Truro Square in the porch are a fascinating, albeit slightly grim, historical artifact that can spark children's imaginations about the past. The Ignioc Stone with its ancient carvings also provides a visual point of interest. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those with a keen interest in history and architecture, St. Clement's Church is a treasure trove. The 1733 lychgate is a rare and significant example of its kind in Cornwall, offering a direct link to historical funeral customs. The Ignioc Stone provides a glimpse into even earlier periods, with its ancient carvings inviting speculation about its origins and meaning. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

St. Clement's Church, located just a couple of miles from Truro, offers a tangible connection to the past. Its origins likely trace back to a chapel for Moresk Castle over a thousand years ago. The current structure, with its significant historical features, dates back to the 1700s. The church is a testament to enduring faith and local history, with elements like the lychgate and the Ignioc Stone whispering tales of bygone eras. Reddit+1

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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

Architectural and Artistic Uniqueness

St. Clement's Church stands out not just for its age but for its distinctive architectural and artistic elements. The lychgate, a rare surviving example in Cornwall, immediately sets the tone for a visit, offering a sense of stepping back in time. Its presence speaks to the historical importance of funeral rites and the community's connection to the church. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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