The History of Veryan Parish Church
Welcome to the history page of Veryan Parish Church, a place of worship and community for centuries in the heart of the Roseland Peninsula.
Our church is dedicated to St Symphorian, and it has stood at the centre of village life since at least the Norman era. Over the centuries, it has been shaped by the lives, faith, and stories of those who have lived in this unique Cornish parish.
Through this page, you can explore the fascinating history of the church, its architecture, local legends, and key moments — from early foundations to more recent events such as the Hera shipwreck.
Who Was St Symphorian?
St Symphorian was a young Christian martyr from Autun, in present-day France, who was executed for his faith around the year 180 AD during the Roman Empire. According to tradition, he refused to worship pagan gods and was sentenced to death by beheading. His mother is said to have encouraged him with the words: “Son, remember life everlasting. Be strong and do not fear death.”
St Symphorian became a symbol of courage and steadfast faith in the face of persecution. His story inspired many early Christian communities, and churches across Europe — including ours in Veryan — were dedicated in his honour.
The Hera Shipwreck
One of the more dramatic events in our church’s more recent history is connected to the wreck of the German barque Hera in 1914.
The Hera, a four-masted sailing ship carrying nitrate from Chile, was caught in a storm and sank off Gull Rock near Nare Head. Tragedy struck when 19 of her 24 crew were lost. Many of the sailors’ bodies were washed ashore and buried in the churchyard at Veryan, where a striking granite memorial still stands in their memory.
This deeply moving episode is an important part of our local heritage and a reminder of the church’s role as a place of comfort and remembrance in times of sorrow.
Explore More of Our History
Use the links below to explore more about the rich history of Veryan Parish Church:
- Timeline of the Church – from Norman origins to the present day
- Architecture and Features – including stained glass, the bell tower, and the lychgate
- Churchyard and Notable Graves
- Historical Documents, Leaflets & Booklets – browse and download materials for further reading
- Roundhouses and Local Legends
We hope you enjoy learning more about our church’s past — and the people and stories that continue to inspire us today.