Altarnun Cornwall 365

Church through the Trees Enlarge	Cathedral in the Moor Enlarge	Daffodils by the River Enlarge	Blue Sky and Pretty Village Enlarge	Well Kept Village Enlarge
Packhorse Bridge Enlarge	Bridge and River Enlarge	Altarnun Enlarge	Memorial Enlarge	Village Hall Enlarge
St Nonnas Church Enlarge	Altarnun Enlarge	Mini Snowman Enlarge	Snowy Field Enlarge

About Altarnun Cornwall.

Altarnun is located 4 miles north east of Bolventor on the A30. This lovely village is situated in the steep sided valley of Penpont Water and is justifiably famous for its parish church. This splendid building is often called the 'Cathedral of the Moors' and it boasts a 108 foot pinnacled tower. The majority of the church dates from the 15th century but the light and airy interior has several Norman features and the intricate carving on the bench ends dates from the 16th century. The nearby well and the church are both dedicated to St. Nonna the mother of St. David the patron saint of Wales. The waters of St. Nonna's well were once believed to be a cure for madness. Lunatics were immersed in the well and then bought into the church for mass.
Near the church lies the Old Rectory built in 1842 and immortalised by Daphne du Maurier in her book 'Jamaica Inn' as the home of the notorious Francis Davey, Vicar of Altarnun. This imposing house was built in the Georgian style and was sold by the church in 1975.
Every year the village holds a week-long carnival in the third week of August a very popular event which celebrated its golden Jubilee in 1996.