Church of Saint Just

The Church of Saint Just is a 13th-century parish church positioned on elevated ground above a creek, with its tower visible from the lych gate below. The stone structure displays typical Gothic features including narrow windows and a sturdy floor plan that has endured for nearly 800 years.

The structure was built in 1261, replacing an earlier Norman church that had connections to Plympton Priory through an annual payment arrangement. This dependency shows how local churches were linked to larger religious centers in medieval England.

The church holds a 15th-century octagonal font and a lectern carved with a winged lion from an old misericord, objects that reflect the craftsmanship visitors encountered in their worship. These pieces show how decoration and function blended in medieval religious spaces.

Access is marked by signs from the coastal road toward St Mawes, with parking available on the upper level above the churchyard. The path downward to the building is steep, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and watch for uneven surfaces.

The grounds contain a medieval holy well, a source of water that survives in few places today. A memorial brass from 1520 also remains, an unusual feature for churches in this corner of Cornwall.

Location: St Just in Roseland

Inception: 13 century

GPS coordinates: 50.18210,-5.01505

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43