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44 THE CHURCHES OF CORNWALL are highly interesting evidences of the local art of the 1 6th and 17th centuries; they are cunningly carved with effigies, armorial bearings, or handsome borders in low relief. A few are of the 16th cent., as at Whitstone, 1535; Lanivet, 1559; Talland, 1572; St. Thomas-by-Launceston, 1576 and 1578; Michaelstow, 1577; and Lanhydrock, 1599. Good 17th cent, examples may be noted at Blisland, Bod- min, St. Breock, St. Breward, St. Creed, Davidstow, Egloshayle, St. Ewe, St. Ive, Landrake, Lanlivery, Lanreath, Lelant, Ludgvan, St. Madron, St. Minver, St. Neot, St. Newlyn, North Hill, Pelynt, Porthilly, St. Stephen-by-Launceston, St. Teath, and St. Tudy. 1 As to the mediaeval WALL-PAINTINGS (often, but quite erroneously, termed frescoes), the story of their uncovering and subsequent destruction, either with intention or by wanton carelessness, in Corn- wall is exceptionally sad. In Mr. Keyser's South Kensington List of Mural and other Painted De- corations (3rd ed., 1883) 48 Cornish examples are given, and several more have come to light. As all the old churches of this county had plastered interior walls, it is highly probable that they were all more or less embellished by sacred designs in colour. Reformation and Puritan excesses de- stroyed many, and whitewashed more. In the 1 Seven slate memorials were shamelessly ejected from St. Thomas-by-Launceston in 1871, and now lie in the churchyard. The like action characterised the restorations of Lanteglos-by- Camelford and St. Mabyn, as well as several other churches.