St Hilary Heritage Centre

St Hilary Heritage Centre

Discover the fascinating story of St Hilary. With its historic links to St Michael's Mount it has a rich & celebrated history from pre-historic times to the present day.

The Church has unique links with West Cornwall's literary & artistic heritage particularly the Newlyn Artists. The Procters, Harveys, Knights, Garstins & Walkes were all involved in the unique scheme of decoration of the church which has led to its Grade 1 listing. * Roman Milestone * Medieval French Spire * 1790s Vicar was first 'Computer' * Mining - Emigration & family records * Bernard Walke - controversial vicar 1912-1936 * Christmas Plays - first BBC outside broadcast * Turbulent church history in 1930s

  • Chancel panels - Celtic Saints

    The church has many works by artists of the Newlyn School of the 1920s and 1930s. The pulpit and chancel are decorated with pictures telling stories of Celtic Saints. There are also paintings and sculptures by earlier artists of note and a Roger Fry "St Francis".

  • St Hilary miner's grave in Mexico

    Mining was hugely important in this area until the early twentieth century, but its collapse led to wholesale emigration to mining areas throughout the world. Today their descendents return in great numbers and find much of interest here in their quest for their roots.

  • St Hilary's fascinating Churchyard

    This is an ancient site. A mysterious menir inscribed NOTI NOTI (possibly meaning Noti son of Noti) Celtic crosses and a Roman inscribed boundary stone may be seen here and the churchyard contains many fine tombs of locally important people, including three Newlyn School artists

  • Hon Gerard Collier

    Visit St Hilary to see Ernest Procter’s memorial to the Hon Gerard Collier, WEA pioneer and active worker for peace, who tried to open a disused tin mine to alleviate the chronic unemployment in Cornwall after the first World War. Featured in 100 Faces 100 Stories leaflet – a Cornish collection illuminating the First World War. www.100firstworldwarstories.co.uk

Admission & prices

The Centre is now closed for the winter and will re-open in 2020 on Wednesday 15th & Friday 17th April and then from Wednesday May 6th on Wednesdays and Fridays until the end of September. Opening hours 11.00 am to 4.00 pm and the tearoom is open on Wednesdays only.

Other times by special arrangement contact details under Information.

Pre-booked parties(up to 20) are welcome for a conducted tour of the Centre and Church to view the art and discover the history. Coffee, light lunch or afternoon tea may be included by arrangement at a modest cost per head.

ADMISSION IS FREE but DONATIONS are most welcome.

Find us

From A30 by Marazion take A394 (Helston) to next roundabout. Take B3280 (Leedstown) through Goldsithney to the St Hilary name sign and turn next LEFT into Chynoweth Lane and IMMEDIATELY LEFT AGAIN. Follow the lane to the Centre and St Hilary church.

Information

  • Parking available
  • Toilets On-Site
  • Wheelchair access
  • Cafe on-site
  • Childrens activities

NOTE:The church is fully accessible, with a wide door and no steps. The Heritage Centre and toilet facilities are on the ground floor but have rather narrow doors. The cafe is upstairs and has no wheelchair access.

The St Hilary Local History Group, based at the Centre, organizes lectures and other activities monthly and non-members are warmly welcomed.

We are always grateful for contributions of material for our various archives.
The Heritage Centre is a community venture and Volunteers to help at the Centre are always welcome. Please contact us if you would like to help.

For details of services at St Hilary Church: https://mountsbayub.wordpress.com

St Hilary Heritage Centre
St Hilary Churchtown
Penzance
Cornwall
Near Penzance
TR20 9DQ

T: 01326 560970
E: carrietamarisk@gmail.com

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St Hilary Heritage Centre

St Hilary Heritage Centre
St Hilary Churchtown
Penzance
Cornwall
Near Penzance, CORNWALL TR20 9DQ