The Mermaid of Zennor.

‘ One of the country’s most scenic drives’
Well that may be, but not when it is so misty that you can’t see more than a few yards in front of you!
We had called at St Buryan Farm Shop for coffee and bought some more of our favourite Cornish Galic Yarg cheese and spotted a bottle of South African, Percheron, Chenin Blanc wine, another favourite.
Then called at McFaddens butchers in St Just, before driving along the coast road to Zennor.
By now it was also raining heavily.
Pulled into the car park at The Tinners Arms Zennor and got drenched just dashing to the front door.
A nice warm welcome and got the last table.
After a an enjoyable leek and potato soup we had another dash over the road and up the steps to the church.

The church is dedicated to St Senara, Who is linked to the legendary Breton princess Asenora.
The earliest record of this building dates from 1150, but the whole church was restored in 1890.

However it is most famous for the Mermaid Chair. The only remaining Mediaeval bench carved over 500 years ago and linked to the legend of the chorister, Matthew Trewhella. It is said he was lured into the sea at Pendour Cove by the mermaid who came into the church to hear his beautiful singing. Never to be seen again.
See collage.

We could now hear it thundering! No chance of a look round the graveyard, where among many interesting gravestones and monuments there is a memorial to Vera May Atkins, who co-ordinated French resistance fighters in World War II. A fascinating life story. She was awarded a CBE, Croix de Guerre and Legion of Honour.

We took a short cut back to Penzance. The road flooded in places. Glad to get back safe and sound.
I must say today has been the worst weather we have ever had in Cornwall!
Hopefully the reservoirs are filling up as they still have a hosepipe ban down here.