That’s right. You didn’t misread the title. There is a little church in Zennor, west-Cornwall that is home to a mermaid.
Why a mermaid?
Before the Christian era, mermaids were one of the symbols for Aphrodite, Goddess of the sea and of love. In one hand she held a quince (love apple) and in the other a comb. Later the quince was changed to a mirror, symbol of vanity and heartlessness.
In the Middle Ages, when Cornish mystery plays were performed, the mermaid was used as a symbol to explain the two natures of Christ. She was both human and a fish. He was both a man and god.
Mermaid frescoes are found in other Cornish churches – Breage, Poughill and Altarnun – but Zennor is the only one with a carving.
The mermaid reminds us that St Senara also came by sea and founded a church at Zennor more than 1400 years ago.
The Legend of the Chair
The only remaining Medieval bench ends carved over 500 years ago are linked to the chorister Matthew Trewhella who, it is said, was lured into the sea at Pendour Cove by a mermaid who came into the church to hear his beautiful singing.
source: Zennor Church
Dawn of Lingering Look at Architecture has churches as the topic for the month of June so I am linking this post to her challenge.
And I shall link it to Paula’s Thursday Special too as she is interested in things from the past this week.
TRAVEL WORDS 
Freundliche Grüße, Wolfgang
I like the seat, and the old carving. It shows its age wonderfully. The fish-cushion is very appropriate too. It’s a long time since I have seen Zennor Cove Jude. That took me back.
Regards as always, Pete. x
The fish cushion is a delight Pete. Zennor is so lovely, you have to visit it if only for the name! We didn’t venture to the coast though – next time 🙂
Ah, this reminds me of the book The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. It feels kinda magical just looking at it and I LOVE that cushion with the fishes. Magical post Jude 🙂
That cushion is so pretty isn’t it?
I’d love to liberate it for my garden bench 😉
Maybe you could re-create it?
How wonderful, love the photos and the story, Jude! The Mermaid bench looks spectacular, what a beauty. You know our two little girls, they are all excited now and want to ask you if visited any Bookfayrie houses as well?
Lost of love from the four of us, Dina x
Sadly no bookfayries houses, though I did see some lovely books with fayries in 🙂
I suppose that’s the next best thing. 😉 Suddenly it’s boiling hot in Bonn (30+°) , have to dive in shade, phew. All the best!
Wow that IS hot! Very cloudy here, but when that sun breaks through it has got some heat in it – Glastonbury this weekend though so I guess it will rain 😉
You could link to Paula at Thursday s Special too! She’d appreciate this. It’s lovely! X
Done. Thanks Jo 🙂
What an interesting post and isn’t that carving lovely. Thanks Jude!
Inexplicably, we missed Zennor on our trip last year #reasonstogoback
Oh yes! Good food at the Tinner’s Arms too 🙂
Thank you – I didn’t know this about mermaids. I like the seat – could it be classed as a bench perhaps? 🙂
Haha… I suppose it IS a bench. Oh, dear!
I remember visiting here – and thank you explaining the presence of mermaids here. Cornwall has strong fishing tradition and sailors have different beliefs – mermaids included. They need all the prayers they can get from whatever god of the sea.
Indeed. A tough life. I do appreciate their catch though.
Very interesting and in our country quite timely as we debate the symbolism of a flag.
Really? I need to know more.
I am working on a post for Monday. I’ll try to remember to come back with the link.
Saw something about it on a news program here last night – the Confederate Flag? Opinion seemed divided. I’ll check out your blog on Monday.