1080-Is the date of the first mention of the church. It was probably built about the same time as the Norman Castle.
1380-Is the date of thesecond church on the site. The tower which still stands, was built by the Black Prince, who was made the first Duke of Cornwall in 1337.
1511-Building the third and present church by Sir Henry Trecarrellto commenced in this year.
1524 June 18th- It had taken 13 years to complete the existing building, on this date John Veysey the then Bishop of Exeter consecrated the new church.
It is unique in that it is built of carved Cornish granite and is the only one of its kind in Cornwall (in fact there is not one like it in England). The various carvings depictthe different plants from which the spikenard ointment was made which was used by Mary Magdalene to anoint the feet of Jesus.
The Exterior Carvings contain interesting feayures. Over the entrance porch may be seen St George and the Dragon. ST Martin of Tours dividing his cloak with a begger. Figures of a rich man giving to the poor. A Windmill to grind corn which is being conveyed in sacks by a donkey toward a mansion. A begger seated waiting for a dole of bread.
The Unusual Vases running just below the parapet represent the Alabaster box containing the oitment used by Mary Magdalene. There are also Bears, Eagles, and Pelicans. Bears were commonly owned by the gentry in the 16th century. The Eagle typifies the Ascension. The Pelican stands for the Redeemer of mankind, who , it is alleged sheds its blood to feed its young. (The Pelican is often thought to be the celtic symbol of the Holy Spirit)
Above the East Window will be seen the Royal Coat of Arms with the Lion and Red Dragon ( the Unicorn was substituted for the Red Dragon by James 1, in 1603).
The roof with its beautifully carved timbers (nearly a mile in length) together with the 162 figures on the wall plates, is something to be noted.
Outside under the East Window can be found a recumbent figure of Mary Magdalene. It has become a tradition to throw a penny on the back of this figure. Also on the east wall are a company of people with strange instruments including a rebec, Lute, Bagpipe, Clarions and Hand Organ. These represent St Marys Minstrels who, in their day and generation were quite famous. There is also the roses of York and Lancaster, two great houses united in marriage by Henry VII and Elizabeth, daughter of Edward IV.
1718- There was a gallery in the west end which also contained the organ.
Note.
The Pulpit is one of the few wooden Pre-Reformation pulpits still in existance.
The Borough Standard hanging above the door of the choir vestry . the right to use this was granted by the Earl Marshall in 1907., and was the first made to any borough.
The Pew Ends represent the Benedicite (all the works of the Lord) are considered by experts to be the finest carved modern pew ends, anywhere.
The Reredos depicts our Lord standing on the Mount of Transfiguration. It is carved in Alabaster from one piece.