The Mermaid of Zennor
A carved mermaid on an old church bench in Cornwall recalls a sea-woman who lured a singer into the waves.
What was reported
In the village of Zennor, on Cornwall's north coast, the church of St Senara has a medieval wooden bench end carved with a mermaid holding a mirror and comb. Local legend says a beautiful stranger came to the church for years, drawn by the singing of a young chorister, Mathey Trewella.
One day he followed her down to the sea, and neither was seen again. Fishermen later said they heard his voice singing from beneath the waves at Pendour Cove.
Explanations offered
The legend was written down in the 19th century, perhaps to explain the carving, which may stand for vanity or carry a religious meaning in medieval symbolism. It's a much-loved Cornish tale, and the 'Mermaid Chair' can still be seen in the church.
- When
- Bench carved around 1500
- Where
- Zennor, Cornwall, England
- Witnesses
- Cornish tradition
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.