St Agnes Arts and Heritage

“Aggie” in legends

St Agnes was originally called Breanek, most likely from the Cornish words brea, hill and Anek, Agnes. The saint was a 4th-century Roman woman, martyred for refusing marriage. In Cornwall, her story has become woven into the local legend of the giant Bolster. Rather than being killed for spurning Bolster’s advances, the Cornish version of Agnes tricked her unwelcome suitor into bleeding himself to death into a bottomless hole. If you happen to be in St Agnes over the May Day weekend, you can watch the annual procession of the giant along the cliff path.

St Agnes Museum

To find out more about St Agnes, both real life and legends, head to the fascinating St Agnes Museum (closed over the winter: see their website for opening times). The museum tells the story of the parish, including its mining and maritime histories, and it has a fabulous collection of local artefacts from farming tools to figureheads. We also recommend a walk around the parish church to get a feel for St Agnes’ past (look out for the unusual poor box).

Galleries and craft shops in St Agnes

As well as artefacts, there is Cornish artwork in the museum, including paintings by St Agnes-born artist John Opie. Like most Cornish towns and villages, St Agnes has an excellent selection of small independent galleries, studios and craft shops, such as Little Feathers and Churchtown Arts. Explore the quirky and fabulous finds at Treasure House Antiques, or for more contemporary holiday gifts, visit the studios of local artists Jo Polack and Celia Creeper.