CADGWITH—CALLINGTON
Callington (9 m. E. of Liskeard), formerly called Killington and Calvington, has by some been identified with the Celliwig or Gelliwic of Arthurian tradition; but it is certain that Killibury Castle, or the Kelly Rounds (which see), has a better claim. But if there was a large principality, or tribe-land, known as Celliwig or Celli, Callington may have been included within its borders. It was formerly a prosperous town, with mines and a woollen trade; and it returned two members to Parliament. Horace Walpole once represented the constituency. Its mother church is St. Samson's, Southill, 2 miles distant, dedicated to the St. Samson of Guernsey and of Dol. A holy well of the same saint is near, and here was found an inscribed stone bearing an ogham. Southill church is Dec., consisting of chancel, nave, S. aisle and N. tower; it has a good Norm. font. Callington Church proper, dedicated to St. Mary, is a fine Perp. granite building, containing a very striking monument to Lord Willoughby de Broke, 1503. The effigy represents him in armour, wearing the insignia of the Garter; on the soles of the figure are monkish figures, said to be unique. The church was poorly restored in 1859, but has since been greatly improved by the addition of a N. aisle. There is a good brass to one of the church's benefactors. Sir Nicholas Assheton and wife; also, what is rare in Cornwall, a clerestory. The western tower has some fine carving.
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