Peatland restoration in the South West has been scaled up hugely over the past 5 years. Working in partnership has enabled holistic monitoring, palaeoecological research, planning and implementing larger and more complex...
James Richards
04 – Carnewas to Stepper Point
Chapel ha Fenten Gostentin
Hidden among the dunes at Constantine Bay, the ruins of St Constantine’s Chapel and its nearby holy well tell a long-lost story of faith, community and care that stretches back hundreds of years.
St Constantine’s Chapel and Well have stood near the Cornish coast for hundreds of years. The chapel was first mentioned in 1390, though it’s believed a church may have existed here even earlier. The building was rebuilt in the 1400s, with a tower, nave and south aisle made from local slate. Over time, the sands around Constantine Bay began to shift, covering nearby homes and possibly leading to the chapel’s abandonment. During the Reformation, when many religious sites were closed, the chapel fell into ruin. Some of its stonework was taken and reused in nearby buildings. The holy well, just north of the chapel, was once visited by pilgrims who believed its water had healing powers. Although the site has been buried and uncovered by sand over the years, parts of the chapel and the well still survive today, offering clues to the area’s religious past.
St Constantine’s Chapel and Well 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.
St Constantine’s Chapel and Well are important remains of Cornwall’s medieval past. The chapel was once a large and decorated church building, complete with a tower, nave, chancel and side aisle. Built from local slate and set among the sand dunes of Constantine Bay, it served the nearby community for religious services and gatherings. By the 15th century, the chapel had been rebuilt and was part of everyday life for the people living nearby. It was even linked to two local manors, Trevose and Harlyn, which were owned by families who shaped the history of this area. Over time, though, the sands began to shift and cover parts of the land, which may have forced people to leave the area.
The chapel was likely abandoned around the time of the Reformation in the 1500s, when many religious buildings were closed or destroyed. Later, it was turned into almshouses for the poor before falling completely into ruin by the mid-1700s. Some of its carved stone features were taken and reused in nearby places like Harlyn House and St Merryn Church. The holy well, found just north of the chapel, was once believed to have healing powers and was visited by pilgrims. It has been uncovered and buried again several times over the centuries as the sands around it shifted. Thanks to archaeological work and restoration efforts, parts of the chapel and well can still be seen today.
Together, the chapel and well give us a rare glimpse into how people lived, worshipped and cared for each other in medieval Cornwall. They also show how nature, especially the shifting sands and coastal winds, played a big part in shaping the lives and history of this community. Today, their survival reminds us why it’s important to protect these special places for future generations.
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Gallery
Video Gallery
Explore St Constantine's Chapel and Holy Well with this 3D model of the site created with overlapping aerial photography.
Explore St Constantine's Chapel up close with this 3D model of the site.
St Constantine’s Chapel and Holy Well are protected as a Scheduled Monument because they are rare and special reminders of Cornwall’s medieval past. The chapel ruins still show parts of its tower, nave and old stone walls, built from local slate. Even though much of the building has collapsed, you can still see how big and grand it once was. The holy well, just a short walk away, is also made from thick slate walls and still holds clear water. These features help archaeologists and historians learn more about how people built and used religious places hundreds of years ago.
What makes this site extra special is its mix of natural and man-made history. The chapel and well sit on sandy ground near the coast, where the landscape has been shaped by wind and sea. Over time, the sands have buried and revealed parts of the site, which makes looking after it even more important. Some of the chapel’s stones were reused in other local buildings, showing how materials were passed on through time. By protecting what remains today, we’re helping to keep this story alive for future generations to visit, study and enjoy.
The area around St Constantine’s Chapel and Well is home to a variety of plants and wildlife that thrive in its sandy, coastal landscape. The chapel sits on a grassy dune covered in gorse, scrub and other hardy plants that can survive salty winds and dry soil. Birds like skylarks and stonechats are often seen here, while butterflies and bees visit the wildflowers in spring and summer. Streams nearby provide fresh water for frogs, insects, and other small creatures. Protecting this site also means looking after the natural habitats around it, so that both history and nature can be enjoyed and cared for together.
Visitors can help protect St Constantine’s Chapel and Well by sticking to the paths, not climbing on the ruins and leaving plants and stones where they are. Even small actions like picking up litter or keeping dogs on leads can make a big difference to the site and the wildlife that lives nearby. Taking photos is a great way to remember your visit without causing any harm. By showing care and respect, everyone helps to keep this special place safe and beautiful for others to enjoy in the future.
Looking after St Constantine’s Chapel and Well takes careful planning and teamwork. Over the years, archaeologists have studied the site and volunteers have helped clear overgrown plants and protect the ruins from damage. The holy well has been uncovered and repaired more than once and parts of the chapel have been made safer with support struts to stop walls from collapsing. These efforts help us learn more about the site’s history while keeping it safe for visitors.
But looking after a place like this isn’t always easy. The chapel sits on soft sand dunes, which shift over time and can bury or uncover parts of the ruins. Harsh weather, like wind and salty rain, can wear down the old stones. It’s also tricky to balance keeping the site open to the public while protecting it from too much foot traffic. That’s why caring for this site needs ongoing attention and support from everyone who visits.
Check out the conservation efforts carried out by the Monumental Improvement team at St Constantine’s Chapel & Well
St Constantine’s Chapel and Well becomes Chapel ha Fenten Gostentin in Cornish.
It means chapel – chapel, fenten – well and Kostentin – Constantine.
Grid Ref: SW 86524 74919
Find with what3words: circular.exploring.trips
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 chapel and well are on sand dunes, which can be tricky to reach. The ground is uneven and not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Paths are grassy or sandy and can be slippery when wet. There are no handrails or lighting at the site, so please take care when visiting.
There are no toilets, cafés, or visitor buildings at the chapel or well. The nearest facilities are at Trevose Golf and Country Club, which is private, or in nearby towns like St Merryn or Padstow. Please bring everything you need with you and take all litter home.
There is no public parking at the site itself. Visitors should use public car parks nearby, such as the one at Constantine Bay. From there, it’s a walk across the dunes to reach the chapel and well. Please check local signs and avoid parking on private land or narrow lanes.
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. Contact us to find out more about how you can get involved!
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.
