Cornwall is unique among English counties, though similar to other Celtic lands, in its religious history. Its churches, chapels, and place-names commemorated not only the major saints of Christendom, but also many minor 'Celtic' ones, unique to single churches. This book breaks new ground by considering them all, comprehensively and in detail. The introduction explains how the cults came into existence, and how they shed light on early Christianity in the county. It follows their history up to the Reformation, and shows how popular devotion to the saints lingered even in the eighteenth century. The main part of the book provides a history of every known religious cult in Cornwall from the sixth century AD to the Reformation, with relevant information about its later history down to the present day. Every known site is identified (church, chapel, altar, image, holy well, or other outdoor feature), and every written source is discussed (saint's Life, liturgical commemoration, and calendar festival). This is the first time that a complete inventory of cults has been produced for an area as large as an English county. The work also includes many saints venerated in Brittany, Wales and England, and makes copious references to all three countries. It provides a major resource in the fields of medieval Church history, Reformation studies, folklore, and Celtic studies, as well as the history of Cornwall.

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Who were the Celtic saints of Britain? Why did them embark on long pilgrimages? Where were they going and what prompted them to make such journeys? Elizabeth Rees recreates the experiences of many of the well-known and lesser known Celtic missionaries, saints, monks, nuns and martyrs, pieced together through archaeological and literary evidence. Furnished with maps of sites mentioned in the text, routes taken and drawings of artefacts and buildings.

New essays shed light on the mysterious St Samson of Dol and his Vita.

People assume that parish church dedications are ancient, but many of those in use today are inventions of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and the original dedications were entirely different. This startling discovery reveals fresh information about the history of English parish churches and throws light on religion in England in all periods of history. Part One of English Church Dedications is a general history of Church dedications in England from Roman times to the present day. Part Two provides a gazetteer of dedications in Cornwall and Devon, with dates and references, showing how far each one can be traced back and what changes and misunderstandings have occurred. It offers totally new evidence about the Cornish saints and provides a guide and model for similar research in other counties.

In Thomas Taylor's 'The Celtic Christianity of Cornwall: Divers Sketches and Studies,' the reader is immersed in the world of Cornwall's unique religious history. Taylor meticulously examines the Celtic Christian practices of this region, shedding light on its distinctive traditions and beliefs. His writing style is scholarly and detailed, providing a thorough exploration of the religious landscape of Cornwall during the Celtic period. Through his vivid descriptions and in-depth analysis, Taylor transports the reader to a time long past, capturing the essence of Celtic Christianity through his evocative prose. The book stands as a valuable contribution to the study of early Christian practices, offering insights into a little-known aspect of religious history. Thomas Taylor's extensive research and knowledge of the subject shine through in this enlightening exploration of Cornwall's Celtic Christianity. His passion for the topic is evident, as he delves into the complexities of this lesser-known branch of Christian history. 'The Celtic Christianity of Cornwall' is a must-read for anyone interested in religious studies, history, or Celtic culture, offering a glimpse into a fascinating and intriguing world.