The Mermaid of Zennor

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The Tinners Arms can be found right in the centre of the Zennor, a stone’s throw away from the church and the car park.

Zennor lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Almost a third of Cornwall has AONB designation, with similar status and protection as a National Park.

Further Reading:

Mathew Trewhella is the modern form of the name; in Bottrell’s original tale of the Mermaid of Zennor it is written as ‘Mathey Trewella’.

As stated on Wikipedia: “In a curious twist, the local arts writer who interviewed Hit Parade founder Julian Henry for The Cornishman was named Lee Trewhela.” According to local lore, in times long, long ago a beautiful and richly dressed woman would occasionally attend services at the church. She would appear from time to time over the course of many years, but never seemed to age. Locals noted her beauty and her lovely singing voice, but no one knew where she came from. Eventually, the mysterious woman came to fancy the churchwarden’s son, a young man named Mathew Trewella. One day Matthew followed her home, and the two were never seen again.Zennor folks tell the following story, which, according to them, accounts for a singular carving on a bench-end in their Church. Hundreds of years ago a very beautiful and richly attired lady attended service in Zennor Church occasionally—now and then she went to Morvah also; —her visits were by no means regular, —often long intervals would elapse between them.

Special Operations Executive intelligence officer Vera Atkins was cremated after her death and the ashes scattered in the churchyard. Her memorial plaque, shared with her brother Guy, has the inscription: "Vera May Atkins, CBE Légion d'Honneur Croix de Guerre". [16] Culture and amenities [ edit ] Late Cornish language use [ edit ]

The Chair

Some would think a mermaid, often seen as the epitome of sin in history, shouldn't be celebrated in a church, but in medieval times they were used to explain the human and divine nature of God.