Pictures of Morwenstow

About Morwenstow

Standing high above the sea is the lovely village of Morwenstow where can be found the picturesque old parish church of St.Morwenna. The church is impressive and is of Norman origin. There is work here from several centuries, most notably the 13th, 15th and 16th-centuries and of the original church there remains the north arcade and south doorway and the font. Of the latter-day history of the church is the fact that the poet Robert Hawker, was vicar here. He was a jovial character, whose best known work was perhaps Song of the Western Men. His lasting legacy to the church was his introduction of the Harvest Festival. His sense of humour was well known and legend tells that he was once found seated on the seashore dressed as a mermaid - his hoax was only revealed when he stood up and sang the National Anthem. True or false this is a delightful tale. What is not in doubt though, is that Hawker was strong in his condemnation of the smuggling trade that was rife all along this coast during his time as vicar which spanned from 1834 to 1875. It is also said that Hawker built a driftwood hut on the cliffs where he spent time writing his poems. The National Trust bought the land between the church and the cliffs, it is dedicated to Hawkers memory.

The cliffs beneath Morwenstow are of a wild rugged beauty, above them there are picturesque coastal walks that give magnificent coastal and sea views. Nearby Bude is an excellent centre for surfing.