{"id":4009,"date":"2016-10-19T13:19:04","date_gmt":"2016-10-19T12:19:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/launcestonthen.co.uk\/?page_id=4009"},"modified":"2020-02-21T12:52:02","modified_gmt":"2020-02-21T12:52:02","slug":"north-hill","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/launcestonthen.co.uk\/index.php\/the-parishes\/north-hill\/","title":{"rendered":"North Hill"},"content":{"rendered":"

.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
North Hill and Hawkstor in 1930.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

North Hill is a large rural parish on the eastern flank of Bodmin Moor bisected northwest to southeast by the River Lynher<\/a>. It is bounded in the north by Lewannick<\/a> parish, on the east by Lezant<\/a> and Linkinhorne parishes, on the south by St Cleer and on the west by Altarnun<\/a>. Settlements include the church town of North Hill and Coad’s Green, Bathpool, Congdon’s Shop, Middlewood, Illand, and Trebartha. The parish church is dedicated to St. Torney. The Trebartha estate is one of four farms mentioned in Domesday Book. There were Wesleyan chapels at North Hill, Bathpool as well as the present-day one at Coads Green. The Bible Christians had chapels at Congdon Shop and Middlewood.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There were formerly chapels at Landreyne and Trebartha. The manor of Landreyne, according to Mr Spoure’s MS. of 1694, belonged to William Lord Wallis, attainted temp. Edward III. whose daughter Christian married John Trebartha. Mr Lysons, however, could find no account in history of such a person as this Lord Wallis.<\/p>\n

The parish is divided into east and west portions by the river Lynher<\/a>. The eastern part is situated on slate; the western rests wholly on granite and displays some of the most rugged, grand, and romantic scenery of the County. It is in this parish the celebrated group of rocks called Kilmar are situated. Their position is almost as remarkable as the Cheesewring, and stands at even a higher altitude, being 1277 feet above sea level.<\/p>\n

\"Kilmar
Kilmar Tor, North Hill.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the north of Kilmar Rocks- are also two other piles of rocks, which are strikingly grand \u2014 Trewortha Tor, which includes King Arthur’s Bed, and Hawk’s Tor. Ridge Hill and the Cascade are both situated in the parish.<\/p>\n

The Church is dedicated to St. Torney and is an ancient building of granite in the Perpendicular style. It has a south porch, with a fine roof of granite and parvise, and an embattled western tower with crocketed pinnacles, containing six bells; also a chancel, nave, north and south aisles. The chancel was restored by the late Rector, Rev. Charles Rodd. Under the east window is an alabaster Reredos; at each angle are ogee-canopied niches; and there is an ancient piscina in the east wall and part of a hagioscope.<\/p>\n

The tower is built upon the hard elvan rock, which may be seen protruding through the floor near the south door. The exterior of the Church was restored in 1892 at a great cost, and in 1897 internally (seen below in 1900<\/em>) at a cost of \u00a31,100. It will seat 350 persons. The register of baptisms dates from the year 1621; marriages from 1555; and burials from 1630.<\/p>\n

\"North \"North<\/p>\n

Monuments<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the north wall, there is a tomb or Easter MONUMENTS, sepulchre; and at one end of the Church there is an ornamented altar tomb of slate, on which is the following inscription : \u2014<\/p>\n

” Here is ye body of Thomas Vincent Gentleman, and Jane his wife, by whome he had 8 sonnes and 7 daughters, he departed this life 29th of March 1600, she ye 7th Jany. 1601.<\/em>”<\/p>\n

The effigies of both parents and their fifteen children are displayed in the attitude of devotion. There are also figures of death and of our Lord with Latin inscriptions. This monument formerly stood in the east wall of the church on the site of the present organ.<\/p>\n

There are also monuments inscribed as follows : \u2014<\/p>\n

” Here lyeth the bodye of Henri Spoure, of Trebath, Esquier, who departed this life the VII daye of October, Anino domi 1603, who had issue V sonnes and VI daughters, his adge 61.<\/em><\/p>\n

As thou art, so was I,<\/p>\n

And as I am, so shalt thou be.”<\/p>\n

” Here lieth ye body of Richard Spoure; ye son and heire of Henry Spoure,<\/em><\/p>\n

Esq., and Elizabeth; who was buried ye 20th day of April in Anno Domini 1623.<\/em><\/p>\n

This carved tombe the sad inscription beares,<\/p>\n

Of my soone death, and of my parents teares<\/p>\n

For my departure, Though that happy I<\/p>\n

By that was freed from future misery ;<\/p>\n

And now instead of their fond dandling kisses,<\/p>\n

I now enjoy a heaven, \u2014 a heaven of blisses,<\/p>\n

Waile not therefore for me, but heavens implore,<\/p>\n

That God with other issue you would store ;<\/p>\n

Whose pious lives may cause you joyful! eyes ;<\/p>\n

And Tend your death with sacred obsequies.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the chancel there is a memorial window :<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

” To the glory of God and in memory of Francis Rodd, who died March<\/em><\/p>\n

2nd, 1880, aged 73. Also of Mary his wife, who died May 17th. 1866,<\/em><\/p>\n

aged 56.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Another large memorial window is in memory of Emma, daughter of the late Rev. Charles Rodd; and there is also one in memory of Charles Edward Rodd, who died 13th December 1865, aged 16 years. The Rev. Charles Rodd, late Rector of this parish, was buried in the family vault, and a modest marble monument has been erected in the chancel to his memory.<\/p>\n

In 1899, a stained glass window was erected in the south aisle by Sir Rennell Rodd and his mother, in memory of the late Major Rodd.<\/p>\n

It is evident from the only relic which is still preserved that there was once a Chapel licensed at Trebartha. It is a Mural Tablet of a child in a Chrysom garment, with a Latin inscription now quite illegible. This monument was originally found in a heap of rubbish near the Chapel at Trebartha, by Edmund Spoure circa 1694. It was subsequently re-discovered face downwards in the floor of an out-house at Trebartha and is now fixed in the east wall of the Church in the Trebartha aisle. With a diminishing congregation, St. Torney Church was closed for worship in 2018.<\/p>\n

List of North Hill Vicars from 1532-1901<\/strong>
\n1532 April 10th. Thomas Chard
\n1664 December 21st. Jonathon Darley
\n1700 June 29th. John Darley
\n1709 May 30th. George Porthbury
\n1714 October 7th. Peter Church
\n1717 July 22nd. John Roberts
\n1748 October 28th. James Trevillian
\n1767 June 3rd. Thomas Rowe
\n1772 June 27th. John Veryard Bratton
\n1821 May 31st. George Thomas Plummer
\n1828 November 27th. Edmund Trelawney
\n1832 April 30th. Charles Rodd
\n1885 March 25th. Theophilus Willing<\/p>\n

North Hill Marriage Registers 1555-1748<\/a><\/p>\n

North Hill Baptisms<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Congdon's
Congdon’s Shop, December 2019.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

Methodism <\/strong>from a piece published by Thomas Venning in 1901<\/p>\n

The first preaching places in the parish were at the houses of a Mr Richard Peter at Illand, and Mr John Nile at Batten’s Farm, in the village of North Hill. This John Nile previously referred to \u2014 who opened his house at the request of Adam Clarke for preaching services at Botternell, in Linkinhorne – removed from there to Batten’s Farm in 1786, where he also opened his house to the Methodist Preachers. Here services were conducted every Sunday afternoon, and in course of time a Society was formed, the Class Leader being Mr Thomas Jasper, of Tremollett. Adam Clarke preached at Batten’s Farm once, at least, and his visit is connected with an amusing episode. Molly Nile, the farmer’s wife, was a good old Christian and took great care of the preachers when they came to Battens, always providing something special for the preacher’s supper. On the occasion of Adam Clarke’s visit, Molly anticipated supper-time by cutting off some dainty slices of meat from the joint at the dinner table, which she put away very carefully in the pantry. Forgetting, however, to close the door behind her, the cat walked in and seeing those delicious morsels devoured them, and the preacher had to go without his supper.<\/p>\n

For several years there was preaching at Battens (below<\/em>), varied by services at other places in the village, while prayer meetings were held at Trekernel, the residence of Mr Wm. Wevill.<\/p>\n

\"Battens
Battens Farm, North Hill c.1900<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was in 1809 when the Launceston Circuit was divided and the Liskeard Circuit formed, that all the places from Caradon southward thenceforth belonged to Liskeard; and the Launceston Circuit reached from Botternell on the south to Kilkhampton on the north. The Revs. John Walmsley, Superintendent, and W. Beal, Junior Minister, were both stationed at Launceston when the Circuit was divided. The latter to the end of his long and useful life was never weary of talking about his first Circuit at Launceston, which embraced North Hill. Then there were flourishing Societies in this section of the Launceston Circuit, and it was suggested that suitable Chapels should be erected. The subject was discussed, approved of heartily, and in the year 1810, the building of Chapels began.<\/p>\n

\"North\u00a0\"North<\/p>\n

At North Hill, the first Methodist Chapel (above<\/em>) was erected (now converted to a private dwelling<\/em>). It was the oldest place of worship in the Circuit. A Mr Thomas Jasper, who was the Class Leader of the Society at Battens, took a prominent position in this undertaking and advanced the money for the purpose of the building. A piece of land was secured and legally conveyed to a body of Trustees, all of whom were hearty supporters of the Wesleyan Society. The names of those forming the Trust of the first Methodist Chapel in the North Hill Circuit were Thomas Jasper, Tremollett; Matthew Wevill, North Hill; Edward Jasper, Tremolltt ; Edward Brown, Northhill; William Pearse, Tremollett ; Walter Dawe, Kingbear ; Samuel Peter, Illand ; Thomas Vosper, Richard Vosper, and George Vosper, of Upton, Lewannick ; and Reginald Jenkin, of Penhole.<\/p>\n

The Chapel was opened by the Rev. John Riles, Chairman of the Plymouth Dock District, and great numbers came from, far and near. They trudged along the road; many came on horseback with their fair spouses on a pillion behind them; they thronged the Chapel to the doors, and many stood without unable to gain admittance; and the service was a memorable one.<\/p>\n

In 1786 Adam Clarke preached on Shrove Tuesday at Illand, in the house of Mr Richard Peter. For many years services were conducted here until Mr Peter’s death. The Methodists then held their services for a short time at Tremollett, after which they came to Coad’s Green, and occupied an empty cottage in the road leading to Penhole. Here they met in Class, held Prayer Meetings, and established a Sunday School.<\/p>\n

Four years before North Hill Chapel was built, a family resided at Trebartha Barton, which was destined to play an important part in Methodism in this parish and circuit. At that time a little boy was born at Trebartha Barton, and they called him Thomas. His father was removed by a painful and sudden death from his family. Some years after Thomas was taken to Lanoy farm at Coad’s Green, where he lived with his elder brother William. When about 11 years of age a revival took place and many in this locality were brought to God, among them being Thomas Pethick and Richard Hicks, then boys together on Lanoy farm. Their zeal for God led them to hold Prayer Meetings in the barn. This was not approved of by Mr William Pethick, and he forbade any religious service to be held on the premises. In fact, his opposition to Methodism was most decided at that time. One morning as William Pethick passed the bedroom of his younger brother, he heard him praying for his conversion; his wife first heard the prayer and then called her husband. He was affected by the earnestness of the prayer. He felt there must be something in this new sort of religion after all, if it caused his brother thus to pray for him. He thought it over. About this time he had a dream which produced a great effect upon him, and William Pethick and his wife converted.<\/p>\n

It was now decided to build a Chapel at Coad’s Green, and in 1826 a piece of land belonging to William Pethick was conveyed to Trustees, and the foundation of the present old Chapel \u2014 now used for a Sunday and Day School \u2014 was laid. Thomas Pethick, used to relate, with a smiling countenance, how he held one end of the tape by which the size of the building was determined, and watched the workmen put in almost every stone until it was finished. Thomas Pethick heartily and energetically laboured in connection with the cause, and some time afterwards the old Chapel had to be enlarged to meet the growing demands of the congregation. Thus Methodism prospered at Coad’s Green, and in all the prosperity no one rejoiced more than Thomas Pethick. Although for many years previous to his death Mr Pethick had not resided in the neighbourhood, yet he had always taken the heartiest interest in North Hill Methodism. Thomas Pethick, who went to reside at Bristol and succeeded in business as a merchant, was up to the time of his death, which occurred February 23rd, 1884, a great supporter of Methodism not only at Coad’s Green but throughout the Circuit.<\/p>\n

In the Chapel at Coads Green there is a beautiful Marble Tablet in the shape of a scroll on which is inscribed :<\/p>\n

” In Revered and Loving Memory of Thomas Pethick (late of Lanoy) Born at North Hill February 3rd, 1806. He received the Kingdom, of God as a little child and walked in its Light and Freedom For a Period of Sixty Eight Years. As Local Preacher, Class Leader and Steward, He served his Generation Faithfully, and Fell Asleep In Jesus February 23rd. 1884.<\/em><\/p>\n

Also of Susan his wife who entered into Rest September 9th, 1886.<\/em><\/p>\n

‘ Lo He bringeth them unto the Haven where they would be.’ \u2014 Ps. 107.30.”<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Coads<\/p>\n

The present neat and pretty little country Chapel at Coads Green (seen above in 1900<\/em>) was erected in the year 1848. There are convenient vestries adjoining the Chapel at the rear. A School-room is also near, which was formerly used as the old chapel.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

In 1868, when the North Hill Circuit was divided from Launceston, Coads Green was made the head of the Circuit, being the most central. In addition to the complete set of premises which the Wesleyans previously possessed, a Minister’s house called “The Manse” (above<\/em>) was erected very near the Chapel, the site of which was granted by the late Mr. Thomas Pethick, who also contributed largely towards the erection, the cost of which, about \u00a3400, was soon entirely defrayed by the Circuit. There were eleven places of worship in the Circuit, nearly all of which had possessed complete premises with conveniences attached, including Cemeteries. The North Hill Circuit was often called ” The Model Country Circuit of Methodism.”<\/p>\n

\n

Trebartha<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Early
Early 19th-century drawing of Trebartha House<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"trebartha-hall\" \u00a0\u00a0 \"trebartha-hall-north-hill\"<\/p>\n

Trebartha Hall (above<\/em>) has a long history with the original house being built in the 12th century. In the time of Edward III, the property was held by a family who assumed the name of Trebartha. Nicholas Trebartha, the last male heir, died in the reign of Henry VII, leaving a daughter who married Thomas Spoure. Thereafter Trebartha was the seat of the Spoure\u2019s and the Rodd\u2019s in turn for over 200 years each.
\nOne of the descendants, Henry Spoure, discovered a rich tin lode on the estate. The yield was so generous that he gave \u00a31,000 to each of his five daughters. According to Edmund Spoure, the family chronicler of 1694, this was the first \u00a31,000 ever given to a daughter \u2018for a portion by any private gent of his quality in Cornwall.\u2019 Gold in small quantities was also obtained, and some of it was fashioned into a seal ring which became a family heirloom. \u2018Full five descents this old ring has been possessed,\u2019 wrote the chronicler, \u2018since first extracted from the tin by the Spoure\u2019s, so by succession now has come to me, of the first line now the last son. Then let\u2019s begin and dig, ne\u2019er doubt of small things, leave the success to Him who governs all things.\u2019
\nThe reign of the Spoure\u2019s ended in 1727. In that year, the heiress, Mrs Mary Grylls, a widow, died before her intended marriage to her cousin, Francis Rodd, and to him she bequeathed Trebartha. The property remained with the Rodd\u2019s until 1940. Curiously enough, a portion of the estate was levied in the payment of a feudal due to the Duke of Cornwall whenever he crossed the Tamar into the Duchy. It was a pound of cummin. The last payment of this aromatic seed was made at Launceston Castle in 1973 to Prince Charles.
\nIn the 18th century the mansion of the Trebartha\u2019s, Spoure\u2019s and Rodd\u2019s, including a domestic chapel, was demolished by Colonel Francis Rodd and he built Trebartha Hall on the same site.<\/p>\n

\"rodd-will\"
\nIn 1940 the ancestral home was sold by Major Edward Rodd to Trebartha Estates Ltd who were based in London. The hall was then commandeered for use in turn as an RAMC hospital for British then US soldiers and finally for POW\u2019s. The heavy expenditure necessary to restore the property, and the impracticability of converting the hall to flats, were among the economic reasons which led to the company\u2019s decision to demolish the premises with the materials being placed for auction.<\/p>\n

\"1940-trebartha-estate-sale\"<\/a> \"1949-trebartha-sale-by-kittows\"<\/p>\n

Some of the buildings to the north of the main hall still survive today and are in domestic use. The estate and the wonderful gardens still survive and are now in the hands of the Latham family. For more on Francis Rashleigh Rodd<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"trebartha-hall-1938\"\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"trebartha-house-in-the-1930s\" \"trebartha-cascades\"\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \"trebarath-hall\"<\/p>\n

\"Major
Major E. Rodd with the Huntsman of the East Cornwall Hunt in 1933 at his residence of Trebartha Hall which part of can be seen.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

North Hill Gallery.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n