Two ancient churches serve the North Cornish port of Boscastle, and nether is in the village itself. One is at Forrabury, on the clifftops south-west of Boscastle harbour. The other is Minster Church, tucked away in a shaded dell on the slopes of the Valency Valley, well inland. Minster church can lay claim to one of the most idyllic, peaceful settings of any church in Cornwall.

The origins of Minster Church go back to at least the early 6th century, when a Welsh princess named Madryn settled by a spring, or holy well, in the Valency Valley. Madryn, who was later sanctified as Materiana, or Merteriana, was the eldest daughter of King Vortimer the Blessed of Gwent. She became known as a healer, and the spring waters were reputed to have healing qualities.

A small monastery grew up around a holy well, and St Merteriana's relics were kept in the monastic church near where the vicar's stall now stands. You can see the top of the saint's tomb set into the floor beside the font.

Minster Church was immortalised in a poem by Rev. R. S. Hawker of Morwenstow, who wrote:

The Minster of the trees! A lonely dell .
Deep with grey oaks, and 'mid their quiet shade 
Grey with moss of years, yon antique cell!

The church is still 'grey with moss of years', and is one of the most picturesque and beautiful historic churches in Cornwall.

(Courtesy of www.britainexpress.com)