Chapel Porth Chapel
500's AD
The legend of St Agnes and Bolster the Giant is set at Chapel Porth during the 6th Century.
900's AD
A tenth century date has been suggested for the construction of the chapel, although further excavation would be needed to further understand its development.
2000's
The site was listed as a scheduled monument in 2000, protecting the site for generations to enjoy. In 2024, as part of the Monumental Improvement Project, conservation repairs were undertaken by the National Trust archaeologist, rangers and volunteer team at the site to repair eroded desire lines which were exposing areas of walling. As part of the project, a geophysical survey of the site was conducted by Historic England, appearing to show features suggesting the footprint of the chapel and enclosure.
Chapel Porth Chapel, nestled above the beach on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, is a buried medieval holy site largely hidden beneath turf and sand today. Although no longer visible, the Chapel is integral in local folklore, history and traditions, and may still offer significant archaeological value.
The chapel is believed to date from the 10th century, based on architectural comparisons with other Cornish early Christian sites such as the Fenton La chapel in Troon. It was likely dedicated to St Agnes, an important figure in Cornish tradition, who lends her name to the nearby town along with a holy well which stood below the chapel. The chapel and its enclosure sit upon a terraced platform below the much later South West Coast Path.
Steeped in folklore and legends, there are also historical accounts of the Chapel. In 1750, notable Cornish antiquarian William Borlase described the ruins as unremarkable but noted a surrounding chapel yard and soft turf suggestive of graves. Later, in 1780, Daniel Lysons noted that the chapel had been dismantled, possibly to construct a stone hut used by miners or fishermen (the ruins of which are buried beneath the large grassy lump at the site). By 1965, RB Warner documented the chapel yard (or lan) as a clear rectangular enclosure, bordered by earthen banks and largely undisturbed except for the hut and a footpath.
The chapel’s association with a Holy Well is typical of a broader tradition in Cornwall, where natural springs were venerated long before Christianity, during prehistory. The early Church often incorporated these sacred sites into its practices, blending local beliefs with Christian teachings, helping to cement its place in the culture of the time. By the medieval period, chapels and wells were commonly linked to saints, hermits, and missionaries, with attatched stories and traditions, establishing their role in daily cultural and spiritual life.
Today, visitors to the site may miss the monument entirely, its story remains alive through archaeological surveys, conservation efforts, and community engagement with widely attended events taking place at the site each year. The site’s subtle earthworks and enduring legacy are preserved in the very name of Chapel Porth.
Chapel Porth Chapel was part of Cornwall National Landscape’s A Monumental Improvement Project, which aimed to ensure that 40 scheduled monuments across Cornwall National Landscape were better protected, identified and enjoyed by a wider range of people. Between 2022 – 2025, the Project delivered conservation repairs, installed new heritage interpretation signage, ran a range of community volunteering events and developed new website resources. The Project was primarily funded thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from our other partners – Cornwall Council, Historic England, The National Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Society.
Chapel Porth Chapel is a rare and valuable example of a relatively undisturbed early medieval ecclesiastical site in Cornwall. The site’s place importance to Cornish Archaeology lies not only in its age and structure but also in its context within the broader landscape of early Christian worship and settlement and its potential to reveal more about the development of religious place and practise.
The chapel is part of a highly designated landscape and lies within several areas of ecological and historical significance including Cornwall National Landscape, the St Agnes Mining District World Heritage Site, and the Godrevy Head to St Agnes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These overlapping designations provide protection for the heritage of the site and local area, and require careful management to balance the various needs of the site.
Archaeological investigations, including geophysical surveys and small-scale excavations by the National Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Unit, have revealed fragments of medieval pottery and a decorated ridge tile, supporting the site’s early medieval origins. The chapel’s layout a near-rectangular chapel building within a larger yard enclosure is typical of other early Christian sites in Cornwall and Wales, further supporting wider theories on how South West Britain developed following the Roman withdrawal.
The site’s preservation is challenged by visitor erosion, particularly from informal paths cutting across the monument. These paths have exposed buried walling, prompting conservation efforts such as erosion repair, temporary fencing, and footpath redirection. A Total Station survey conducted in 2021 mapped the eroded areas and informed a management plan aimed at stabilising and interpreting the site.
Long ago, the cliffs around Chapel Porth were ruled by a fearsome giant named Bolster. He was so big that he could stand with one foot on St Agnes Beacon and the other on Carn Brea, nearly six miles apart! Bolster was a bully who made his poor wife carry heavy stones up the hills to build giant heaps. But his worst mistake was falling in love with the kind and clever Saint Agnes. No matter how many times she refused him, Bolster would not leave her alone.
Saint Agnes knew she had to outsmart the giant. She told him that if he truly loved her, he must prove it by filling a small hole in the cliff at Chapel Porth with his blood. Bolster agreed, thinking it would be easy. But what he didn’t realise was that the hole was actually a tunnel leading straight to the sea. No matter how much he bled, the hole never filled. At last, Bolster grew so weak that he toppled into the sea and the villagers were free from his terror at last.
Today, the brave Saint Agnes is remembered as a hero and the story of Bolster lives on. Every year, the village of St Agnes holds a special festival to celebrate how clever thinking, courage and a little trickery saved the day. If you visit the cliffs at Chapel Porth, you might even imagine the mighty giant still lurking somewhere, defeated by a simple but brilliant plan.
Panoramas
Gallery
Although much of Chapel Porth Chapel is now hidden beneath the turf, you can still spot the gentle earthworks that mark the outline of the chapel walls. Look carefully and you’ll see where the old entrance may have once been, crossed today by a footpath. The site’s Holy Well has sadly disappeared, but thanks to careful archaeological work, fragments of medieval pottery and roof tiles have been found, helping to piece together the story of this special place.
The cliffs and hills around Chapel Porth come alive with colourful wildflowers, especially in spring and summer. You might spot bright pink thrift, yellow gorse and purple heather. Keep an eye out for wildlife too, seabirds like fulmars and kittiwakes glide overhead. If you’re lucky, you might even see a seal bobbing in the waves below!
Visitors can help protect Chapel Porth Chapel by staying on the marked paths and avoiding walking directly over the delicate earthworks. This helps stop the ground from being worn away. Please take any litter home with you, and be careful not to disturb the plants and animals that call this beautiful place home. Every small action helps to keep this historic site safe for future explorers to enjoy.
Caring for Chapel Porth Chapel isn’t easy. Wind, rain and foot traffic slowly wear away the fragile earthworks, making it harder to protect what’s left. Thanks to the hard work of the National Trust, archaeologists and volunteers, important repairs have been made to exposed stonework and small excavations have helped uncover more about the chapel’s story. But looking after this ancient site is an ongoing challenge, needing careful attention and support to make sure it survives for generations to come.
Check out the conservation efforts carried out by the Monumental Improvement team at Chapel Porth Chapel
Chapel Porth Chapel is the same Chapel Porth Chapel in Cornish.
Grid Ref: SW 69757 49601
Find with what3words: gloom.unimpeded.touchy
Please visit the National Trust website for important visitor information here
Plan your visit with essential details on transport and parking options, available facilities, route descriptions and accessibility information to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience at any of our historical monuments.
When enjoying the countryside, it’s important to follow the Countryside Code to protect nature and preserve its beauty for everyone. This includes simple, respectful actions like not littering, always take your rubbish home or dispose of it properly in bins. Stick to designated paths to avoid damaging crops or wildlife habitats, and keep gates and property as you find them, whether open or closed. Be mindful of livestock and wildlife by keeping dogs under control and not disturbing animals. By following these guidelines, you contribute to the protection of the environment and ensure that others can enjoy the countryside as well.
The site is reached along the South West Coast Path with uneven ground and slopes, so it may not be suitable for all visitors.
There are no facilities at the chapel site, but toilets, a café, and parking can be found nearby at Chapel Porth beach.
Parking is available at the National Trust Chapel Porth car park, just a short walk from the site.
The Early Christian Church
In Cornwall, as in Ireland, Wales and Brittany the veneration of natural springs is thought to pre-date Christianity. Excavations have shown that Iron Age Britain had strong ritual connections to water. The early Church blended local beliefs with Christian teachings and evolved to include these sites into religious daily life. By 10th century many chapels and Holy wells became associated with their own saints, martyrs, hermits and missionaries – like St. Agnes.
You can play a part in preserving its beauty and history for future generations. Volunteering opportunities range from helping with conservation efforts to assisting with educational programmes and community events. Whether you have a passion for nature, history, or simply love the outdoors, there’s a way for you to contribute. Join us and make a difference while connecting with others who share your enthusiasm for Cornwall’s heritage.
Cornwall National Landscape is a non-profit organisation that conserves the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Cornwall. Volunteering for the protected landscape provides a rewarding experience of giving back to the community and preserving the Cornwall's natural beauty.
Discover a wealth of knowledge in our Resources section, where you can download detailed research documents, reports, and source material compiled by our archaeology team to enhance your understanding of the site.
