St Merryn

"ST. MERRYN, a parish in the hundred of Pyder, E. division of county Cornwall, 2 miles W. by S. of Padstow, and 7 N. by W. of St. Columb Major. The parish, which is situated near Trevose-Head and Catacluse Cliff, is bounded on the W. and N. by the Bristol Channel. The coast is lined by high rugged cliffs, and the surface is strikingly varied, the prevailing rocks being crystalline and slaty, with veins of lead and antimony. There are quarries of roofing slate, and of a dark-coloured trap rock almost equal to marble. Under the Catacluse Cliff is a small quay, constructed in 1794 for the accommodation of coasting vessels. The appropriate tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £410, and the vicarial for £250. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Exeter, value £257, in the patronage of the bishop. The church, dedicated to St. Merryn, is an ancient structure, partly rebuilt of Catacluse stone. It contains an antique font of trap stone, curiously carved with figures of the Apostles, brought from the old church of St. Catherine, near Harlyn, of which there are still some ruins. There are places of worship for Wesleyan and Primitive Methodists. The principal seats are Harlyn and Trevose, the latter belonging to the Molesworths. The feasts are kept on the Sundays next before 10th March and 7th July. A fair is held on the Monday preceding 22nd June.

"CONSTANTINE, an island in Constantine Bay in the parish of St. Merryn, off the coast of Cornwall, near Trevovehead, about 4 miles W. of Padstow."