The Story of St Piran
St Piran was a bishop from Ireland who was known for performing amazing miracles, but some people felt jealous of him, so they sent him away. Legend says, St Piran was chained to a heavy millstone and thrown into the stormy sea from a cliff but something magical happened, the sea became calm, the strong winds faded into a gentle breeze, and St Piran floated safely across the water until he reached Cornwall.
In Cornwall, St Piran chose to live quietly, spending time thinking and praying. The stories say his first friends were unusual but loyal animals, including a badger, a fox, and even a bear!
St Piran loved nature and often collected stones and pebbles. One day, he picked up a piece of black stone to use for his fire. When he lit a fire on the dark stone, something amazing happened. The heat made a shiny white liquid drip out of the stone. It turned out to be tin!
This discovery has shaped Cornwall’s history and earns him the title ‘patron saint of Cornwall & tin miners. The flag of Cornwall is even linked to the saint’s discovery of tin. The white cross on the black flag representing shiny tin flowing out of Cornwall’s dark rocks.
As a result, St Piran’s Day became an important celebration for tin miners in Cornwall. On this special day, they were even gifted extra money as a treat! People celebrated by enjoying big meals and spending time together. The celebrations often lasted all week, during a time called Perrantide, which led up to St Piran’s Day.
Stories say that St Piran loved feasts and good wine. One old legend even says he lived to be 206 years old and died after falling down a well! Because of these stories, a Cornish saying, “as drunk as a Perraner,” was created. Today, St Piran’s Day is still celebrated across Cornwall. People take part in parades, festivals, and fun Cornish-themed events to remember St Piran.
Introducing our scavenger hunt, East Looe!
Join us ahead of St Piran’s day this February half term & take part in our St Pirans themed scavenger hunt!
Here is what you need to take part:
- A camera or phone
- A sense of adventure
- Our Scavenger hunt list (screenshot below or pick up a physical copy at Looe Library & Community Hub, PL13 2AF!)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Follow the clues.
- Take a selfie at each location
- *Feel free to share with us at welcome@looetowncouncil.gov.uk
PICTURE ONE: If you are in trouble at sea, like St Piran this group of brave heroes may be able to help!
PICTURE TWO: As St Piran entered the sea the waters became calm. Shaped like a string instrument, this is a great spot to watch the calm seas around you. Pay attention to the gate which may close if the sea gets too rough.
PICTURE THREE: In Cornwall, St Piran chose to live quietly, spending time thinking and praying. Can you spot a building in East Looe that may be a good spot for praying?
PICTURE FOUR: St Piran was said to be friends with a badger, a fox, and even a bear! Did you spot any animals on your travels? Show us where you found them, they may be real, they may not!
PICTURE FIVE: St Piran loved nature and often collected stones and pebbles. If you’re looking for where Looe keeps its treasured objects and stories from the past, this is the place to go!
PICTURE SIX: St Piran the ‘patron saint of Cornwall & tin miners. Discovered tin when a shiny liquid appeared in his fire. Can you spot something shiny? Take a creative photo to show us your discovery.
PICTURE SEVEN: The white cross on a black background represents shiny tin flowing from Cornwall’s dark rocks. Can you spot a Cornish flag?
PICTURE EIGHT: St Piran’s Day was a big celebration for tin miners, who were sometimes given extra money as a treat! You can toss your pennies down here and make a wish.
PICTURE NINE: Celebrations often meant sharing big meals together. We’d celebrate with a Cornish pasty! Can you find a shop in East Looe that sells them?
PICTURE TEN: Now we’re sure you can explore like St Piran used to, find a spot to sit down for a moment or two!
*Photo & Data Consent: By submitting photos to us as part of the scavenger hunt, you consent to Visit Looe collecting and using these images for promotional purposes, including social media. Photos will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Photos including individuals under 18 must only be submitted with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. You may withdraw/ reject your consent at any time by contacting us via (welcome@looetowncouncil.gov.uk)
