Stithians — Cornwall, England
Stithians is a village in Cornwall, located near the town of Falmouth. The parish is mainly agricultural with the River Kennal running through the land. There are a large number and variety of archaeological remains from standing stones, rounds, stone crosses as well as a holy well in the Kennal Valley. During the 19th century, the River Kennal was host to a number of flour mills, a foundry, a paper mill and gunpowder mills.
Since the completion of the Stithians Dam to the west of the village, it has garnered two Bronze Awards from Cornwall Tourism as best in Leisure Pursuits. This lovely reservoir boasts water sports, as well as being popular with bird watchers. The new Watersports and Angling Center opened in 2005 at Stithians Lake with state of the art facilities for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and trout fishing. There is a small informal campsite located here that is ideal for spending a weekend on the water.
While in Stithians you may wish to visit the Stithians War Memorial honoring those who died during both the First and Second World Wars. The memorial is a large stone cross set on an octagonal plinth with steps leading up to it. A plaque engraved with the names of those who perished in these wars is mounted on the memorial. It is located at the boundary of the St Stythians church. The church, who's spelling is only one variant attributed to the saint to whom this church was dedicated, has a long history dating back to the 6th century. During the 6th century the original church was on this site, and during the 14th century the oldest part of the current church was built. The lovely and imposing tower was added in the 15th century and is built of granite ashlars, it is buttressed and embattled, has crocketed pinnacles, angel corbels and a six bell belfry.1
Stithians is also known for its Agricultural Show which draws in excess of 20,000 people every July. It is one of the largest one-day agricultural events in the UK, and has been held every year since its inception in 1834, with the exceptions that were made during both World War I and World War II, in addition to the 2001 agricultural cancellation due to foot and mouth disease precautions at that time.
Interestingly enough, if you were to register for St. Stithians College, you would find yourself in Johannesburg, Africa. Two young Cornwallian friends (both born in 1859), Albert Collins from Stithians and William Mountstephens from Falmouth went to South Africa in 1880 to make their fortune. After they prospered they contributed to many charities, as well as setting up a Trust Fund (controlled by the South African Methodist Church) which was later used to build the College. Albert Collins also remembered his roots when he paid for the Playing Field in the center of Stithians village in 1934. The children of Stithians are still enjoying this field today.
Postscript:
1The Tower Captain of Stythians bell ringers, Mr. Harry Nicholls, informed us that the belfry has had six bells since 1950: "They are lovely bells with a beautiful sound. Unfortunately they are becoming difficult to ring and the maintenance work has been quoted at £9,000. This would not be a problem except that we also need £190,000 to renovate the granite stonework, to stop water soaking into the tower and causing severe damage. If anyone out there knows Stithians and would like to contribute, please do get in touch. Mention the bell ringers and you will be a kind friend."
Where is Stithians?Stithians is located between the A394 and A393. The nearest populated areas include Penryn and Falmouth to the south and east.
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