The Parishes And Churches Of S. Grade, S. Ruan Major, And S. Ruan Minor, In Meneage, Cornwall: Their History

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. S. ©raoe. The Parish Church. "Walk about Zion and go round about her: tell the towers thereof, mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following." Old Grade Church, the church that preceded the present " architectural nightmare," was cruciform in plan, consisting of chancel, nave, north and south transepts, west tower and south porch. Originally the church had consisted of what subsequently became the nave, this being of 13th century date (the period of "Early English" architecture). Towards the close of the 15th century (the period of "Perpendicular" architecture) the building was extended eastwards and a transept of unusual length thrown out on each side so as to form a cruciform church. Subsequently, about the end of the 16th century, a north chapel was added. The east window of the chancel and the only window of the north transept, were both of three lights, small and low; that of the transept being the shorter, the outer sill being 8 ft. above the level of the floor, and 3 ft. 10 in. above the inner sill; it was, probably, a 14th century insertion in the early nave, and removed to this place; for the tracery was of " Decorated" character. The east window of the chapel was depressed and of three lights; both the windows facing north were of two lights, one being a pointed window, the other squareheaded. The windows of the south transept had been modernised. The "low side" window was originally of two lights, each 6 in. wide and divided by a 4-inch mullion; the outer sill was but little removed from the level of the churchyard. (The "low side" window is a peculiar opening, usually on the south side of the chancel, unglazed and fitted with shutters, and lower than the other...