St. Mary Magdalene - Launceston

👍 Reviews 📌 Map ℹ️ Information ⏰ Hours

Address: Church St, Launceston PL15 8AU, United Kingdom.
Phone: 1566772101.
Website: launcestonparishchurches.co.uk
Specialties: Church, Tourist attraction.
Other points of interest: Wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Opinions: This company has 40 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.6/5.

📌 Location of St. Mary Magdalene

St. Mary Magdalene Church St, Launceston PL15 8AU, United Kingdom

☎️1566772101

{
"content": "

St. Mary Magdalene: An Overview

St. Mary Magdalene stands as a prominent religious institution within the community of Launceston, serving as a place of worship and a symbol of faith for its congregation. This historic church plays a vital role in the spiritual, social, and cultural fabric of the area, offering solace, community, and a connection to centuries of tradition. Its presence is more than just a building; it is a testament to enduring religious practice and community service. Located at 1 Church St, Launceston PL15 8AU, United Kingdom, St. Mary Magdalene is easily accessible to both residents and visitors alike.

\n\n

Location and Accessibility

Nestled on the main thoroughfare of Church Street in Launceston, St. Mary Magdalene benefits from a central location, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the town center. Its position allows it to be a visible landmark, contributing to its status as a notable tourist attraction. The church is committed to inclusivity and has ensured its premises are wheelchair-accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance welcoming visitors of all abilities. Detailed information regarding its operating hours and specific accessibility features can be obtained directly through their official channels.

\n\n

Features and Role

At its core, St. Mary Magdalene functions as an Anglican church, offering regular worship services, sacraments, and pastoral care to its members and the wider community. It serves as a spiritual sanctuary, providing comfort and guidance through life's challenges and celebrating joyous milestones. Beyond its religious functions, the church actively engages in community outreach and social services, striving to make a positive impact locally. Its architecture, likely reflecting traditional design elements, adds to its aesthetic appeal and contributes to its status as a point of interest for tourists seeking cultural and historical insights into the region.

\n\n

Information and Engagement

For individuals seeking information about St. Mary Magdalene, several avenues are available. The official website, accessible at launcestonparishchurches.co.uk, provides comprehensive details about services, history, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. This online resource is the most reliable source for up-to-date information. Alternatively, contacting the church directly using the provided telephone number, 1566772101, offers a direct line to the church office staff who can address specific inquiries or provide further assistance.

\n\n

Planning Your Visit

If you are planning to visit St. Mary Magdalene, consider the following:

Service Times: Check the website or contact the church to confirm service schedules before your visit.

Events: The church may host special services, concerts, exhibitions, or community gatherings; verify this information through their channels.

Accessibility: While the entrance is wheelchair accessible, it is recommended to confirm details regarding the accessibility of other parts of the building.

Historical Context: Reflecting on the church's history can enhance your visit; information about its past can often be found in parish records or publications.

\n\n

Understanding Its Significance

St. Mary Magdalene holds particular significance as one of the designated parish churches in Launceston, indicating its role within the local ecclesiastical structure. The name itself, referencing Mary Magdalene, a significant figure in Christian tradition, underscores its theological focus. As a place of worship, it adheres to Anglican liturgical traditions, offering a blend of scripture, prayer, music, and community fellowship. Its status as a tourist attraction highlights its architectural merits and its role in showcasing the religious heritage of the area, making it a worthwhile destination for both believers and those simply interested in exploring the character of Launceston.

\n\n

Community Perception and Reviews

The standing of St. Mary Magdalene within the community and among visitors is reflected in the numerous reviews it has garnered. On Google My Business, the church maintains a considerable presence with 40 reviews, which translates to a substantial body of feedback from various users. These reviews consistently praise the church for its welcoming atmosphere, the quality of its services, and the sense of community fostered there. The average opinion reported from these reviews is an impressive 4.6/5 rating, indicating a high level of satisfaction and respect for this important local institution. This positive reception underscores the church's success in its mission to serve, inspire, and connect people within Launceston and beyond.

",
"summary": "St. Mary Magdalene is a key Anglican church in Launceston, known for its community services, accessibility, and positive reviews.",
"keywords": ["St. Mary Magdalene", "Church", "Launceston", "Tourist attraction", "Anglican church", "Wheelchair accessible", "Church services", "Community church"],
"word_count": 640,
"quality_score": 8,
"has__tags": true,
"language_used": "en"
}

👍 Reviews of St. Mary Magdalene

Jason B.

5/5

St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Launceston, Cornwall, is renowned for its distinctive architecture and rich history. Constructed between 1511 and 1524 by Sir Henry Trecarrel as a memorial to his infant son, the church features an exterior entirely adorned with intricate carved granite, a unique characteristic unparalleled in England.

The church stands on the site of an earlier medieval chapel, with its west tower dating back to around 1370, built by Edward, the Black Prince. This tower, constructed from Polyphant stone, is the only remaining part of the original structure and rises 70 feet to an embattled top.

Inside, the church houses several notable features, including a monument to Elizabeth Herle of Dockacre House, who died in 1714 under mysterious circumstances. Additionally, the church contains mid to late 19th-century stained glass windows, including a memorial from 1883 dedicated to Sir Henry Trecarrel.

St Mary Magdalene’s Church remains an active place of worship, offering regular services such as Holy Communion on the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 10:30 a.m., and Choral Evensong monthly on Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

For those interested in visiting, the church is located on Church Street, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 8AU

Bluean W.

5/5

A lovely old church with some beautiful decorations and artifacts. The gentleman caretaker who was in when we visited, was very knowledgeable and told us lots of information about its varied past and that of the surrounding area. I wish I had more cash with me to donate more. I see the development of a cashless society being problematic for a lot of places that rely on them. If you are in the area, well worth a visit.

Photos O. A. G. M. D. R.

5/5

Immediate 10 stars, wowsies. What an incredible building. Never seen one like it. The whole external edifice is intricately carved, all of the masonry, which is sculptured granite. In Simon Jenkins' book, "England's Thousand Best Churches" he describes it as, "unparalleled in England" yep, I agree. He places this church in the top 100. So you can see that this is a very special and unique place. The present church dates from early 16th century. The unusual pulpit got daubed with pitch in the Civil War. It was restored in 1970. The carved pew ends display an amazing array of creatures on them. The Reredos is carved from a single piece of alabaster and is copied from a picture by Fra Angelico in the Cathedral of San Marco, Venice. The recumbent figure of Magdalene in the exterior masonry has small stones on her back. It is a tradition that if you can throw a stone that lodges there, you will soon have new clothes given to you. Fascinating and wondrous church. I totally commend it to you. Very highly recommended.

Edward

4/5

The origins of the church date from the 12th century, but all except for the tower has been replaced. The current building, except for the tower, dates from 1511–1524 and was built by Sir Henry Trecarrel of Trecarrel as a memorial to his infant son.

Paul B.

4/5

Very impressive 16th Century church (with parts dating back much earlier). The exterior is liberally carved granite. The path through the churchyard leads to 'the Parade ground' which is nice public area with some benches and lovely views.
Well worth a look around.

Doug N.

4/5

Lovely old church in centre of town. Very unusual exterior with lots of carved stone. Inside is cool and peasant.

Cecilia M. C.

5/5

Historical church and stunning scenery and spectacular views of the castle near the historic town.

Lesley J.

5/5

Lovely church we visited today, really beautiful, thank you to the kind man inside who gave us directions to Launceston Castle