Case Studies

Chapel Porth Chapel – May 2024

About the Monument

Chapel Porth Chapel is the earthwork remains of a rectangular chapel first listed in 2000. The monument is situated within Section 5 (St Agnes) of Cornwall National Landscape overlooking the Chapel Porth beach.

A 10th Century date has been suggested for the chapel’s foundation, although there is no actual evidence for this. It is closely associated with the site of a holy well beyond this scheduling, in the bottom of the gully.

Check out this short video giving an overview of the monument and the works carried out!

Why were the repairs needed?

Whilst the site is not included on Historic England’s heritage at-risk register, it is classified as vulnerable and declining. The monument is dissected by the Southwest Coast Path, and as well as being in a spectacular location, results in high levels of footfall. This had consequently led to extensive erosion on the Northeastern side of the monument.

Visitors have created a desire line on the north side of the site, cutting across what are very likely the buried walls of the chapel and enclosure, exposing stonework of the walls. Furthermore, it is also regularly used in the summer as a place for picnic barbecues and small fires and has suffered from some un-authorised memorial planting.

What work was carried out?

Excavation

Following the excavation, repairs were carried out to the pathway which involved:

Unearthed Finds

Whilst excavating, the volunteering team unearthed some exciting finds including possible Medieval pottery and possibly an Early Medieval ridge tile. These finds are now being analysed by finds specialists to determine their authenticity.

What’s Next?

Monitoring is key to the success of the project. Volunteers from the National Trust will continue to monitor the condition of the repaired areas in the future, feeding back any concerns or issues to the Historic England Heritage at Risk Officer.Furthermore, the Monumental Improvement project will be supporting the National Trust to install physical interpretation near the site as well as compiling digital media assets including drone imagery, a 360-degree video and a reconstruction illustration of what the site may have looked like.

All of this will allow future visitors to greater understand the historic importance of the site.

Thank you to all the volunteers involved as well as the National Trust with their support on these works!