the Perpendicular, which is that of the churches of the
county. Now, instead of looking like the mother of
these, which are her chicks, she holds herself up as of
a distinct and alien breed. The poorest features are
its over-enriched porch, which is elaborate without
being pleasing, and the reredos, which looks as if
shorn away at the head, and cries out for rich pinnacle-work to take off its ugly baldness. But perhaps the
most pleasing portion of the cathedral is S. Mary's
aisle, that belonged to the old parish church. An
enduring debt of gratitude is due to the first Bishop
of Truro, afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury, in
making a bold stand against the designing of the
building being left to local incapacity.
A visit to Probus should on no account be omitted. The magnificent tower is interesting as having been erected so late as the reign of Elizabeth. The church is dedicated to S. Probus, to whom also Sherborne Abbey was dedicated by Cenwalch. His history is not known.
Just below Malpas, the point of juncture of the Truro river and that of Tresillian, are the remains of Old Kea Church.
Kea is a contraction for Kenan. He was one of the hostages held by Laogaire when S. Patrick came before him. Every high king in Ireland retained about him hostages delivered over by the under kings who acknowledged his sway. In fact, as an Irish law tract says, "No hostages, no king," and a king's dun was always provided with a court for the hostages. When S. Patrick preached before Laogaire Kenan believed, and he obtained his release through
