Living in History

Twenty-two Latter-day Saints living in the small market town of St Columb Major in Cornwall are surrounded by historical sites. The town was founded in 1333 by the descendants of the Dumnonia tribe, who had built their hill fort at Castle Dinas in the second century B.C. The St Columb charter, given in 1333, was renewed by Elizabeth I. The town is named for St Columb, a sixth-century Irish saint and daughter of the pagan King Laden and Queen Manigold.

Because of the efforts of architect William White, the town has many fine building that reflect the importance of St Columb when it was at the peak of its powers during the 19th century. One interesting landmark is a 15th century church, reputed to have the finest brasses in Cornwall.

St Columb, which stands amidst the beautiful farmlands of mid-Cornwall, is one of the last bastions of the game hurling, a sport that may have originated from local kingship contests held in early times. - Clive Payne, St Austell Ward, Plymouth Stake