Stained Glass of Percy Bacon & Brothers
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St Columba, St Columb Major from the south east.
The church of St Columba is a large imposing edifice, consisting of nave, chancel, full length north and south aisles, west tower, and south & north porches. Nothing remains of any church preceeding the building of 14th century origin, and mainly 15th century we see today, though it is likely a church stood on this site before the 12th century. The church is somewhat unusual in Cornwall, having been constructed from Pentewan and Caen stone rather than the more common use of local granite, which gives it a warm hue and soft appearance unlike the cold grey hardness of some of her neighbours. In 1676 an explosion of gunpowder caused the chancel to be shortened by ten feet. The church is a monument to the Arundell family, many of whose tombs and monuments litter the chapels and vaults. There are finely carved bench ends in places.
Sometime in the 1850s a disastrous renovation took place, the result being described as, "irreparable".1 The original chancel and side chapel roofs were altered and the oak barrelled ceilings with carved ribs and bosses removed to be replaced with open timber deal roofs. Much of this seems to have been rectified in a later renovation by George Fellowes-Prynne executed between 1900 and 19052. This saw the barrel ceilings of the nave, chancel and transepts reinstated, complete with new bosses to the nave. A peel of 8 bells was also rehung and repairs and improvements made to the tower and ringer's chamber. The chancel arch of carved oak was inserted to hide an unsightly congruence between the chancel and nave and a new screen installed, as well as a fine 19th century oak pulpit in memory of the late Rev. H. L. Ventris, vicar of the parish for nearly 25 years. A new heating system and electric lighting was also installed. The whole cost is said to have amounted to £6,000, with an outstanding debt of £7001. At the time of the renovation, Fellowes-Prynne invited his favoured stained glass maker, Percy Bacon to execute the east window which was installed in time for the re-opening of the church in November 1905. Bacon would return in 1907 and 1922 possibly at the invitation of Fellowes-Prynne to execute two more windows, and again in 1924.
Posted 15 August 2022.
East Window 1905
The east window was modified during the 1900-05 renovation with improved tracery. It is likely that the design was furnished by George Fellowes-Prynne who engaged his go-to stained glass maker, Percy Bacon & Brothers to execute the work. The window was donated by Dr. Herbert Nankivell of Bournemouth, son of a resident of St Columb Major, also Dr Nankivell3.
The window is of five lights with tracery, the subject being Christ in Majesty surrounded by prophets, saints, kings and bishops in groups of 2 or three.:
In the top row:
Abraham and Moses | St John E & BVM | Christ in majesty | Mary Mag & St John B | King Solomon and David. Each prophet or saint holds their symbols.
In the lower row:
St Alban, William Laud, St George | St Peter, Venerable Bede, St Paul | Ss Probus, Columba, Grace | Ss Luke, Boniface, Stephen | St Germanus, King Charles I, St Petroc
The inclusion of and image of King Charles 1st is unusual, and the reason for it is uncertain. It may be a reference to the Cornish allegiance to the crown during the English Civil War.
In the tracery angels holding trumpets, a shield, lilies and an incensor, and a curious depiction of one angel holding a golden chain securing a horned devil.
South Chapel East; 19074
A three light window with tracery costing £1255 and donated by Mrs Walker, wife of the rector in memory of her mother.
In the central light: The BVM and child; "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" (Luke 1:46-49).
In the outer lights angels with hair of golden curls kneel or bow in homage, two swinging insensors on impossibly long chains, a motif oftem employed by the Kempe Studios. St Columba was clearly a High Anglo-Catholic church and not offended by such images more readily in use in the Roman Church tradition.
The tracery lights are devoted to putti.
References: Use your browser's Back button to return to text.
- Article in the Western Morning News - Monday 13 November 1905. p4.
- Cornish Guardian - Friday 17 November 1905: p4.
- Western Morning News - Monday 13 November 1905: p4.
- The Builder 1907-11-02: Vol 93 Iss 3378, p474.
- Cornish Stained Glass website: Entry for St Columb Major, South Chapel East Window.
Location Map:
Sat Nav Post Code: TR9, 6AN