Poundstock - St. Winwaloe - Grade I Listed - 14th Century. The parish church is beautifully situated in a secluded dell by a stream only a mile from the busy A39, six miles south of Bude. The name Poundstock is Saxon and means 'cattle enclosure' and the cattle pound was a feature of the village for centuries. From time immemorial a fair was held at Poundstock on Rogation Monday, and the revel or Dedication Festival is still observed on that day, the Monday before Ascension Day. The parish has had a colourful history: the Archbishop of Canterbury came to the parish in 1282, after the Rector of Morwenstow had seized the church and installed his own man as incumbent. No sooner had the Archbishop departed than his candidate was evicted. In 1357, at a time of bitter rivalry amongst robbers and pirates in the area, the assistant curate, William Penfound, was hacked to death before the altar, and it is said that his ghost may still be seen. Information leaflets about Church Services and contact numbers are available from Bude Tourist Information Centre - Tel: + 44 (0)1288 354240 - Fax: + 44 (0)1288 355769 or Holsworthy Visitor Information Centre - Tel/Fax: + 44 (0)1409 254185 or Boscastle Tourist Information Centre - Tel: + 44 (0)1840 250010 | Menu |