Nominal: 661 Hz Weight: 1728 lbs Diameter: 46" Bell 1 of 8
Founded by IP & Co 1779
Dove Bell ID: 5816 Tower ID: 15157 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Launceston: St Stephen
Diocese of Truro
Church, 639236
http://www.launcestonparishchurches.co.ukOverview
Grid reference: SX 324 857
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Bell ringing Wheelchair access ramp available Visitor toilets and parking available Assistance dogs welcome
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 493 m²
Interior
Bells
Nominal: 1324 Hz Weight: 508 lbs Diameter: 27.5" Bell 2 of 8
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1923
Dove Bell ID: 37744 Tower ID: 15157 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 1248 Hz Weight: 576 lbs Diameter: 28.5" Bell 3 of 8
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1923
Dove Bell ID: 37745 Tower ID: 15157 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 1110 Hz Weight: 724 lbs Diameter: 31.75" Bell 4 of 8
Founded by IP & Co 1779
Dove Bell ID: 37746 Tower ID: 15157 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 990 Hz Weight: 714 lbs Diameter: 32.88" Bell 5 of 8
Founded by IP & Co 1779
Dove Bell ID: 37747 Tower ID: 15157 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 883 Hz Weight: 762 lbs Diameter: 34.5" Bell 6 of 8
Founded by IP & Co 1779
Dove Bell ID: 37748 Tower ID: 15157 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 832 Hz Weight: 1012 lbs Diameter: 36.5" Bell 7 of 8
Founded by John Taylor Bellfounders Ltd 1991
Dove Bell ID: 37749 Tower ID: 15157 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 744 Hz Weight: 1140 lbs Diameter: 40.63" Bell 8 of 8
Founded by IP & Co 1779
Dove Bell ID: 37750 Tower ID: 15157 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SX 324 857
Burial and War Grave Information
The church/building is consecrated.
The churchyard has been used for burial.
The churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
Churchyard Structures
Tomb (monument)
St Stephen by Launceston Church
Comments on the monuments that may be affected during scaffolding for roof repairs.
Summary
The churchyard is notable for the significant number of headstones of 18th century date, and a small number of 17th century incised memorial stones, although some of these are fragments only. They reflect the importance of Launceston as a county town until 1835. Some of the monuments are fixed to the walls of the church but especially on the south side, there are several headstones still set in the ground, very close to the church. Of special note are the two c 11th century carvings set into the east wall of the chancel in the blocked-in doorways of a former apse.
South side of the church
On grass immediately south of the south aisle and north of the path are two groups of headstones of 18th to 19th century date. The 18th century examples are relatively small and thin, with ornate inscriptions and carving. Fixed to the wall of the church are a small number of fragmentary 17th century slate slabs and 18th century headstones.
There is also a modern grave with cross on a stepped base.
General photo of the south aisle showing the groupings of monuments and slate slabs fixed to the wall.
17th century slate slab fixed to the wall of the wall of the south aisle of the church with iron cramps (left) and late 18th century headstone of John Congdon, aged 18 weeks. This is probably in situ.
East side of the church
Fixed to the east wall of the south transept is a 19th century slate headstone and on the grass at about 1m from the same wall is a small memorial cross with crucifixion.
A small 19th century headstone, thickly covered in moss and lichen, is set against the east wall of the north chapel.
Monuments close to the east wall of the south aisle (left) and north chancel chapel (right)
Built into two blocked doorways in the external west wall of the chancel are two slabs carved in a dark volcanic stone, possibly Polyphant. The doorways are of a former Norman apse at the east end of the church, whose remains only survive below ground. The date of the carvings is uncertain but they are most likely to be of early Norman date, and associated with the monastic house which was based at St Stephens, before it was re-founded on a new site close to St Thomas’s Church. The carvings are unique in Cornwall. One depicts Christ in Majesty, the other the Virgin Mary and Child.
Each carving is slightly recessed from the face of the wall and protected above by a slate slab which projects by a few inches. Nonetheless in view of their importance, the greatest care must be taken when scaffolding at this side of the church.
Carving of the virgin and child showing the slight recessing of the slab and the projecting slate above
North side of the church
Close to the western end of the north nave wall and tower is a small dispersed group of monuments: two crosses (one of iron), two 19th century slate headstones, and a granite headstone.
Group of monuments against north nave wall. The approximate location of the earliest of these, hidden in the drainage gully, is indicated with an arrow.
Hidden away in longer vegetation against the face of the drainage gully is a single early 19th century headstone. Being overgrown and hidden it might be vulnerable to accidental damage if not protected.
Recommendations
Scaffolders and builders should be made aware of the significance of these monuments.
All the monuments will require great care when scaffolding work takes place.
Extreme care should be taken not to damage or mark the monuments which are attached to the walls of the church when erecting / taking down the scaffolding. This applies especially to the two carvings built into the east wall.
Consideration should be given to protecting the oldest of the in situ headstones and monuments in plywood boxes.
St Stephen by Launceston Church
Comments on the monuments that may be affected during scaffolding for roof repairs.
Summary
The churchyard is notable for the significant number of headstones of 18th century date, and a small number of 17th century incised memorial stones, although some of these are fragments only. They reflect the importance of Launceston as a county town until 1835. Some of the monuments are fixed to the walls of the church but especially on the south side, there are several headstones still set in the ground, very close to the church. Of special note are the two c 11th century carvings set into the east wall of the chancel in the blocked-in doorways of a former apse.
South side of the church
On grass immediately south of the south aisle and north of the path are two groups of headstones of 18th to 19th century date. The 18th century examples are relatively small and thin, with ornate inscriptions and carving. Fixed to the wall of the church are a small number of fragmentary 17th century slate slabs and 18th century headstones.
There is also a modern grave with cross on a stepped base.
General photo of the south aisle showing the groupings of monuments and slate slabs fixed to the wall.
17th century slate slab fixed to the wall of the wall of the south aisle of the church with iron cramps (left) and late 18th century headstone of John Congdon, aged 18 weeks. This is probably in situ.
East side of the church
Fixed to the east wall of the south transept is a 19th century slate headstone and on the grass at about 1m from the same wall is a small memorial cross with crucifixion.
A small 19th century headstone, thickly covered in moss and lichen, is set against the east wall of the north chapel.
Monuments close to the east wall of the south aisle (left) and north chancel chapel (right)
Built into two blocked doorways in the external west wall of the chancel are two slabs carved in a dark volcanic stone, possibly Polyphant. The doorways are of a former Norman apse at the east end of the church, whose remains only survive below ground. The date of the carvings is uncertain but they are most likely to be of early Norman date, and associated with the monastic house which was based at St Stephens, before it was re-founded on a new site close to St Thomas’s Church. The carvings are unique in Cornwall. One depicts Christ in Majesty, the other the Virgin Mary and Child.
Each carving is slightly recessed from the face of the wall and protected above by a slate slab which projects by a few inches. Nonetheless in view of their importance, the greatest care must be taken when scaffolding at this side of the church.
Carving of the virgin and child showing the slight recessing of the slab and the projecting slate above
North side of the church
Close to the western end of the north nave wall and tower is a small dispersed group of monuments: two crosses (one of iron), two 19th century slate headstones, and a granite headstone.
Group of monuments against north nave wall. The approximate location of the earliest of these, hidden in the drainage gully, is indicated with an arrow.
Hidden away in longer vegetation against the face of the drainage gully is a single early 19th century headstone. Being overgrown and hidden it might be vulnerable to accidental damage if not protected.
Extreme care should be taken not to damage or mark the monuments which are attached to the walls of the church when erecting / taking down the scaffolding. This applies especially to the two carvings built into the east wall.
Consideration should be given to protecting the oldest of the in situ headstones and monuments in plywood boxes.
St Stephen by Launceston Church
Comments on the monuments that may be affected during scaffolding for roof repairs.
Summary
The churchyard is notable for the significant number of headstones of 18th century date, and a small number of 17th century incised memorial stones, although some of these are fragments only. They reflect the importance of Launceston as a county town until 1835. Some of the monuments are fixed to the walls of the church but especially on the south side, there are several headstones still set in the ground, very close to the church. Of special note are the two c 11th century carvings set into the east wall of the chancel in the blocked-in doorways of a former apse.
South side of the church
On grass immediately south of the south aisle and north of the path are two groups of headstones of 18th to 19th century date. The 18th century examples are relatively small and thin, with ornate inscriptions and carving. Fixed to the wall of the church are a small number of fragmentary 17th century slate slabs and 18th century headstones.
There is also a modern grave with cross on a stepped base.
General photo of the south aisle showing the groupings of monuments and slate slabs fixed to the wall.
17th century slate slab fixed to the wall of the wall of the south aisle of the church with iron cramps (left) and late 18th century headstone of John Congdon, aged 18 weeks. This is probably in situ.
East side of the church
Fixed to the east wall of the south transept is a 19th century slate headstone and on the grass at about 1m from the same wall is a small memorial cross with crucifixion.
A small 19th century headstone, thickly covered in moss and lichen, is set against the east wall of the north chapel.
Monuments close to the east wall of the south aisle (left) and north chancel chapel (right)
Built into two blocked doorways in the external west wall of the chancel are two slabs carved in a dark volcanic stone, possibly Polyphant. The doorways are of a former Norman apse at the east end of the church, whose remains only survive below ground. The date of the carvings is uncertain but they are most likely to be of early Norman date, and associated with the monastic house which was based at St Stephens, before it was re-founded on a new site close to St Thomas’s Church. The carvings are unique in Cornwall. One depicts Christ in Majesty, the other the Virgin Mary and Child.
Each carving is slightly recessed from the face of the wall and protected above by a slate slab which projects by a few inches. Nonetheless in view of their importance, the greatest care must be taken when scaffolding at this side of the church.
Carving of the virgin and child showing the slight recessing of the slab and the projecting slate above
North side of the church
Close to the western end of the north nave wall and tower is a small dispersed group of monuments: two crosses (one of iron), two 19th century slate headstones, and a granite headstone.
Group of monuments against north nave wall. The approximate location of the earliest of these, hidden in the drainage gully, is indicated with an arrow.
Hidden away in longer vegetation against the face of the drainage gully is a single early 19th century headstone. Being overgrown and hidden it might be vulnerable to accidental damage if not protected.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
| Name | Status | Number found in this site |
|---|---|---|
| Common yew | Veterantree | 1 |
| Beech | Veterantree | 2 |
| Yew | Notabletree | 1 |
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Quinquennial Inspections
Submit a change
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