Historic effigies return to Truro Cathedral
They were originally part of the old St Mary's Parish Church
Two historic sculptures have returned to Truro Cathedral - for the first time since the second World War.
The effigies are believed to be John and Christabel Michell, who were members of St Mary's parish church, which later became part of the Cathedral.
When they died in the 1620s, the alabaster effigies - which are almost life-size and show them kneeling in prayer - were made and placed in the church.
They stayed there, even when the new Cathedral was built in 1800 - but after World War II, then were stored in the Cathedral Crypt, and then sent to the Royal Cornwall Museum on long-term loan.
But they've now returned - four hundred years after Christabel Mitchell's death.
Simon Robinson, Interim Dean of Truro Cathedral, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr and Mrs Michell back to their rightful place in St Mary’s Aisle. They are a fascinating reminder of Truro as a bustling port, nearly 300 years before our Victorian cathedral was built.
"These kneeling figures also help us to remember the 750-year history of Christianity on this site, and the countless generations of Cornish people who have worshipped here.
"I hope that the excitement we feel at Mr and Mrs Michell’s return will encourage even more people to get behind our urgent appeal to renew the roof of St Mary’s Aisle, the oldest part of the cathedral. This will prevent further water damage and enable us to refurbish the interior, providing a beautiful space to extend our programme of activities for all ages.”