Tintagel Parish Church, Norman parish church on coastal cliffs in Tintagel, England
St Materiana's Church is a Norman parish church perched on high cliffs between Trevena village and Tintagel Castle, featuring Norman doorways and a 14th-century tower topped with battlements. The building offers views across the rugged coastline and preserves burial records dating back to 1546.
A religious site first stood here in the 6th century, while the current building dates from the late 11th century and displays Norman features. The tower was later rebuilt in the 14th century with additional Gothic details.
The church holds a Roman milestone from the reign of Emperor Licinius, discovered in 1889 during restoration work on the churchyard gate and now displayed in the south transept.
Access to the church follows a path from Tintagel village across open ground, requiring sturdy footwear due to the terrain. The building is open to visitors on most days, and visitors should be prepared for windy conditions given its exposed clifftop location.
The churchyard holds a medieval brass memorial from 1430 for Joan Kelly and preserves a lifebuoy from the 1893 barque Iota shipwreck. This unexpected blend of religious and maritime history reflects the dramatic role the coastline has played in the community.
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