Roche

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East from Roche Rock
East from Roche Rock

Located in the heart of china clay country, to the north of St Austell, Roche is perhaps best known for the rock from which its name is derived - the Roche Rock. There are several legends attached to this rather spectacular granite outcrop most notably that of Jan Tregeagle, the tortured sinner who tried to find refuge in the chapel here when being chased by demons.

The 15th century chapel on the Roche Rock is said to have been built by a hermit as a cell. The identity of the hermit is not certain but some say he was a shunned leper from the Tregarnick family, whose daughter, St Gundred tended to him.
The chapel is accessible, but only by a steep ladder. Inside it is split into two levels by a further ladder.