The medieval bench ends were carved over 500 years ago and are 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.
When Cornish mystery plays were performed in the Middle Ages the mermaid was used as a symbol to explain the two natures of Christ - God and Man. Several Cornish churches have mermaid frescoes, but this is the only carving.
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