1169-There is documentary evidence to show that there was a church on this site prior to this date.
1200- The Font is late Norman of about this date. The bowl is sculptured with "gorgons, hydras, and chimeras dire" probably symbolic of the powers of evil renounced at Baptism. the four columns and the central support of the bowl symbolise the five wounds of Christ. The bowl is large enough to admit of the baptism of infants by immersion.
1259- Bishop Bronescombe, Bishop of Exeter consecrated the church on 9th October of this year. The list of vicars commences with this date.
1300- There was a Chantry Chapel here from this date to 1520., and on the wall of the church is a list of priests who served the Chantry The chapel. of St. Michael was used for this purpose and can still be seen as of Norman structure as the thick walls imply.
1520-The Chantry ceased under the rule of Henry VIII.
15th Century -Most of the present building dates from the end of this century. The old bench ends can be found preserved in the Tower showing the instruments of the passion (Hammer, Nails, Spear, Sponge, Pincers) there is one showing a Fox preaching from the pulpit, no doubt a satire on the preaching of the time. There is also a fragment of the original rood- screen.
1643-On the wall there is the Proclamation of King Charles I, painted on wood bearing the date September 10th this year, complimenting the Cornish on their loyalty and devotion. The last stand for "King Charles upon the throne" was at Tresillian Bridge, some 10 miles away where Lord Hopton surrendered to Fairfax.
1662-The oak chest carries us back to the restoration, part of the lid has been restored.
1872-The Reredos of alabaster and mosaic was erected in this year.
1881-The pulpit is of Derbyshire alabaster, and was first occupied by Archbishop Benson in this year. He was first bishop of Truro, Cornwall before this date being part of the diocese of Exeter.
1882- the interesting window over the Tower doorway was inserted in this year in memory of the Rev. Fortescue Todd, vicar of St. Austell for 43 years, and represents the division of the parish during Mr Todds incumbency. St. Andrew was the patron saint of Tywardreath Priory, St Peter represents Treverbyn, and St. Paul the Church at Charlestown. In the tracery are depicted reproductions of some of the carvings on the old bench ends.
1923-The present font cover was introduced as part of the Shilston Memorial.
Note.-Looking towards the altar from the west door you will notice that the Tower is not in line with the Nave, nor the Nave with the Chancel. Many churches have this deflection, though with this church it is unusually conspicuous. It is said to symbolise the droop of Our Lords head as he hung upon the cross, though more probably it is due to some practical difficulties encountered by the builders.
Also in the Tower can be found the old Fire Bell used to summon the brigade up to the time of the war of 1939.
The monument to Ralph Allen, whose father kept a small Inn at St Blazey, Ralph went to bath to live and became extremely wealthy. He became Mayor of Bath. He was the original Squire Allworthy of Fielding's novel "Tom Jones".
The monument to Charles Geach M.P for the City of Coventry, was one of the founders of the Midland Bank.