Constantine, Cornwall

The land holdings in the parish were the manors of Polwheveral, Trewardreva, Merthen (also a tithing and barton), Tucoys (also a tithing), Treworval and Treviades; the barton of Bonallack; and Trenarth and Budock Vean.[6] Trewardreva Manor House was built circa 1600 and remodelled in 1719–49; the west wing was demolished in 1860.[7] It is now Grade II* listed. Treviades Barton, also Grade II* listed, is a gentry house with historic garden.

Andrew Langdon (1999) lists twelve stone crosses, or parts of crosses located in the parish. One of these was carved and erected in 1991. Several have been transferred from other sites. The stone cross at the cross-roads in High Cross was found in 1992 and re-erected nearby.[8] Arthur Langdon (1896) recorded six Cornish crosses in the parish; in the churchyard, at Bosvathick, at Merthen, at Nanjarrow, at Trevease and at Trewardreva.[9]

Little remains of the Norman church, which was rebuilt between 1420 and 1480: the tower has been called impressive.[10] There is a brass of 1574 to Richard Gerveys and family.

The chancel was rebuilt in 1862 and there was other restoration work between 1859 and 1901.[11] Restoration of the roof timbers (costing £1,200) commenced in 1874, completed in 1878, with the re-opening ceremony held on 22 January 1879 by Edward Benson the Bishop of Truro.[12] In 1882 the north aisle was restored with a new roof of pitch pine and slates, as well as new seating.[13] The restoration of the Bosahan aisle was commenced in the summer of 1882 and completed the following May.[14]

The church was given a grade I listing on 10 July 1957.[15]

The settlement called Constantine Churchtown grew up around the church. Mineral extraction led to an increase in population and the village expanded down what is now called Fore Street, during the 19th century.[16] However, one property, "The Bow Window", is thought to be a 300-year-old farmhouse. The parish had three main industries: agriculture; mining for tin, copper, and iron;[17] and quarrying granite.[18][19] The largest mine was Wheal Vyvyan, which was worked from 1827 to 1864. The production figures for copper 1845–1864 and for tin ore, 1855–1864, are given in Cornish Mines.[20] The value of copper raised peaked in 1845, 1850 and 1855. The peaks of value in tin ore production were in 1856 and 1863. In 1864, the value of tin raised was only a quarter of the previous year's value and the mine closed.[21]

View of the Church and the Recreation Ground, showing the Social Club on the left of the picture

In 1921, Alice Hext of Trebah gave the playing field and sports pavilion to the village, in memory of her husband, Charles Hawkins Hext, who died in 1917.[22] She supported the development of the Sport and Social Club until her death in 1939.[23]

In 1933, overhead cables, providing electricity to homes were installed in the village.[24]

Port Navas has an ancient oyster farm.[25]

Cornish wrestling tournaments, for prizes, have been held in Constantine, for example at the Bowling Green.[34]

Saint Constantine's "Feast" is celebrated in the village, on or around 9 March. The Agricultural Society (founded 1900) and the Cottage Garden Society run shows early in July. The Constantine Social Club runs a carnival, usually on a weekend at the end of July. The Constantine Art Society has a two-week exhibition, starting at the end of July. An annual "Cornish Talk and Taste" festival takes place in January.