A PLAQUE detailing its history has finally been installed beneath the well known figurehead that now rests inside the Church of St Morwenna & St John the Baptist away from the elements.

The Caledonia figurehead has been a familiar sight in Morwenstow Churchyard for 162 years resting on the Masters grave with crew members close by.

In 2004 the figurehead was found to be in an advanced state of decay, and urgent conservation work was required.

The Church of St Morwenna & St John the Baptist, parochial council (PCC) then formed a project team of four members to arrange and supervise a complete restoration which was completed in 2008, after consultation and professional advice the figurehead was relocated inside the church to protect it from the prevailing elements on the North Cornwall Coast.

Project team member Arthur W Bryant told the Post: “It had always been the project team’s intention to place a display board beneath the figurehead, explaining the wreck, crew members and pictures of the conservation work.

“Due to various reasons and circumstances this did not take place immediately. The vicar a team member at the time left the parish and later sadly passed away. Two other members of the team also relocated away from the area.”

This left Mr Bryant as the sole remaining member. He was instructed by the PCC to complete the project, this he has done to the Diocesan Advisory Committee’s acceptance over many months, and is now fixed in the church beneath the figurehead.

A simple dedication service is planned to take place early in the New Year 2022 and will be announced in due course.

A replica of the figurehead now stands in the churchyard.