Little Petherick

The parish church of St Petroc, at {{gbmapping|SW 919 721}}, was restored in 1858 by the Victorian architect William White. It was originally built in the 14th century and is now Grade I listed.[https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1212675 Images of England] (John) Athelstan Riley (1858–1945) was patron of this church and a notable benefactor, responsible for employing Ninian Comper to restore it in 1908: his work includes the high altar, reredos and rood screen. Other features of interest are the monuments to Sir Roger de Lemporu, 13th century, and Andalusia, the Hon. Mrs. J. A. Riley, née Molesworth (d. 1912), ca. 1916; the Flemish 17th century relief in the north chapel.Pevsner, N. (1970) Cornwall, 2nd ed. Penguin Books; p. 105 Arthur Mee was impressed by the beauty of this bronze monument."She wears a graceful dress with embroidered borders to the sleeves and neck. The memory of her beautiful face is the best thing the visitor takes away from here." Cornwall, Hodder, 1937; p. 124

The official name of the parish is St Petroc Minor (distinguishing it from Padstow or Petrockstow). According to tradition St Petroc passed this way before settling at Bodmin. The parish was until 1830 a Bishop's peculiar and within the episcopal manor of Pawton. The church was rebuilt in 1745 and the Molesworth family have since been notable benefactors.Cornish Church Guide (1925) Truro: Blackford; p. 183

A copper mine at Creddis was a small scale venture in Little Petherick.Hitchins, Fortescue and Drew, Samuel. The History of Cornwall The shaft at Creddis was no deeper than thirty fathoms (55 m) and employed about forty men. Adjoining Creddis, but in the parish of St Issey, was the copper mine of Legossick. This had a steam engine on it, being a large adventure, it employed many men. There were a few mines of this sort in the area; and one, Wheal Paynter showed a course of lead at twelve fathoms (22 m).Berry, Claude Cornwall; p. 136

There were a number of small quarries along the creek. Several were on the east bank near Trevorrick and Tregonce, while there was one directly on the foreshore at Sunnycorner, where Chalcedony has been found on the low cliff nearby.{{cite web |url= https://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/geoindex/home.html?layer=BGSBoreholes |title= GeoIndex Onshore |author= |date= |website= |publisher= British Geological Survey |access-date= 11 April 2023}}

The village gives its name to the tidal creek of the River Camel, the location most likely being chosen as the highest navigable point with evidence of quays here still being visible.{{cite web |url=https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/3638338/Little_Petherick_CA_Statement.pdf |title=Little Petherick Conservation Area Character Statement |date=1997 |website=www.cornwall.gov.uk |publisher=North Cornwall District Council |page =3 |access-date=5 May 2019 |quote= Some of the wharves and quays where goods such as lime and grain were loaded are still clearly visible on the west side of the creek}}

Between Little Petherick and the River Camel is Sea Mills. Here a tidal lagoon was created to capture the rising tide, the outflow being diverted via a tide mill used to grind flour.{{cite book | last =Reid | first =Neil | title =Map & Guide to Exploring the River Camel & The Camel Trail | publisher =Cormorant Design | series =Friendly Guide | edition =First | date =1996 | location =Penzance | page =24 | isbn =0-9520874-1-3}}

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• Park, Jo (1982) Athelstan Riley, patron of St Petroc Minor, Little Petherick. Truro: [the Compiler] (includes extracts from the diaries of Athelstan and Andalusia Riley)
• [Riley, Athelstan?] (ca. 1910) The Church and Parish of St Petroc Minor of Nansfounteyn, Little Petherick, Cornwall.

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Category:Villages in Cornwall

Category:Former civil parishes in Cornwall