CORNWALL since. Some slight traces of the priory still remain — such as a few thirteenth century windows ; but the mansion and estate were chiefly brought to their present condition by the first Lord Eliot, the friend of Dr. Johnson, Reynolds and Gibbon. There is a valuable Reynolds collections of pictures. Sir John Eliot, one of the first and most zealous opponents of Charles L's misgovernment, died in the Tower. St. Gernine^s, midway between Helston and Marazion, has a quaint little church dedicated to Germoe or Germoc, who seems to have been an Irish bard of royal race. There is an old Cornish saying, " Germo mather, Breaga lavethas," which is interpreted to mean "Germoe a king, Breaca a midwife"; but it is difficult to catch the point of the words. There was clearly a connection between Germoe and Breage, whose churches are such near neighbours. The church at St. Germoe is Dec. in original design, but has Perp. N. aisle, apparently replacing a former transept. The porch doorways, deeply moulded, are very interesting, as also its gable-cross and corbels. The pinnacled and battlemented tower has a rather uncommon appearance. Blight thought the font one of the most ancient in Cornwall, and was probably right ; it is strangely plain and rude. More singular still is the structure known as St. Germoe's Chair, in the church- yard. This consists of three sedilia, roofed, and fronted by two pillared arches, 6 ft. in
