'Davidstow' means David's Place and according to legend the church was founded by Saint David in the 6th century, whilst visiting his mother at nearby Altarnun. The church is large but was very much restored in 1875 so that little original work remains inside. Both the nave and the east windows are wider than usual in a Cornish church; a few bench ends are interesting, one portrays a bagpiper.[5] The parish is part of the group in the charge of the Rector of Boscastle.
In former times the remoteness of the parish led to many vicars choosing non-residence. The older name Dewstowe is evidenced by a Guild of Our Lady of Dewstowe in 1545 (when it was abolished). The vicars of the 18th-century were non-resident and even the curates they employed could be absentees (e.g., in 1745 the vicar resided at St Ervan, his curate at Pancrasweek and the curate also minded the parish of Boyton).[6] In 1561 information collected for Archbishop Parker included the fact that the vicar, William Waller, was non-resident and "all things are in ruin".[7]
Arthur Langdon (1896) records two Cornish crosses in the parish, one at Lambrenny and one at Trevivian.[8]
Treglasta
The manor of Treglasta was recorded in Domesday Book (1086) when it was held by Robert, Count of Mortain; before 1066 it had been held by Earl Harold. There were 6 hides of land and land for 20 ploughs. The lord had one hide of land with 2 ploughs and 15 serfs. 24 villeins and 20 smallholders had the rest of the land with 12 ploughs. There were 300 acres of pasture, 4 unbroken mares, 4 cattle and 50 sheep. The value of the manor had been 12 silver marks (i.e. £8 sterling) but was in 1086 worth £15-18-4d.[9]
Gallery
The view from Trevivian across the Inny valley towards Treglasta
