St Brevita’s Church, Lanlivery

The church dates from the late 14th century, with the south aisle, porch, tower, and some alterations dating from the mid 15th century. The dedication to Saint Bryvyth, or Brevita, is unique, and nothing else is known about this saint. Bryvyth is mentioned in three pre-Reformation sources; one such early source designates her as male, although other sources generally consider her female. Bryvyth was first mentioned in 1423 as Briueta, again in 1473 as Breutta, in 1539 as Bryvyth, and in 1763 as Brevita. The reference to her in 1763 may be based on an undiscovered medieval document. In 1870 and 1887, Saint Bryvyth's feast day was celebrated on the first Sunday after the first Tuesday in May,…

St Brevita's Church was built in the Perpendicular style out of granite rubble and ashlar. The current church dates originally from the late 14th century, with the bulk of the structure dating from the 15th century. In the 19th century, restoration was carried out, which included adding the current pews and pulpit. The interior of the church also contains numerous memorials dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The tower contains a peal of 8 bells.