Church of Saint Winwaloe, Gunwalloe, Parish church in Gunwalloe, England
The Church of Saint Winwaloe sits directly on the beach of the Cornish coastline with its separate bell tower nestled in the dunes. The building displays 15th-century features, including two medieval fonts, one of which is a Norman stone piece decorated with tree of life carvings.
The building was constructed in the 15th century as a place of worship for this coastal community. It has survived centuries of strong winds and sea influence, making it a remarkable survivor from that era.
The church houses sections of a 15th-century altarpiece depicting the Crucifixion, which local tradition links to a Portuguese shipwreck from 1527. These carved panels remain visible reminders of the maritime encounters that shaped this coastal community.
The church is open to visitors throughout the year and requires only a walk across the beach to reach it. During high tide, visitors should be cautious as the beach becomes partially flooded and access can become difficult.
This is the only church in Cornwall positioned directly on a beach, a rare feature that sets the site apart from any other. The regular removal of sand from the grounds throughout its history shows how nature and human habitation coexist at this extreme location.
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