The church is situated in sand dunes east of Daymer Bay and Brea Hill on the River Camel estuary. Wind-driven sand has formed banks that are almost level with the roof on two sides. From the 16th century to the middle of the 19th century, the church was virtually buried by the dunes and was known locally as "Sinking Neddy"[citation needed] or "Sinkininny Church".[1] To maintain the tithes required by the church, it had to host services at least once a year, so the vicar and parishioners descended into the sanctuary through a hole in the roof. By 1864 it was unearthed and the dunes were stabilized.[2] The church is surrounded by the Church golf course of the St Enodoc Golf Club.[3] History[edit] The church is said to lie on the site of a cave where St Enodoc lived as a hermit.[4] The oldest fabric in the church dates from around the 12th century. Additions were made in the 13th and 15th centuries. By the 18th century the church was partly submerged in sand.[1] During the 19th century the sand was removed and the church was cleaned and restored under the direction of the vicar of St Minver, Rev. W. Hart Smith.[4] The architectural restoration was carried out in 1863–64 by J. P. St Aubyn I took this pic on 27/4 /15 while on our walk from Rock to Polzeath .

Churches

This image is available to purchase and is part of our Churches Stock Photos Collection.