Submitted by Area Representative Sheila James
The Ignioc Stone
This early Christian memorial stone stands in the churchyard of St Clements, a pretty village on the banks of the Tresillian river not far from Truro. The south face of the stone carries a Latin inscription VITALI FILI TORRICI (Vitalus son of Torricus). The style of the lettering suggests that the stone dates from the sixth or early seventh century.
At a later date a medieval wayside cross has been carved on both of the principal faces of the stone. On the south face, under the cross and above the Latin inscription, is a second inscription which reads IGNIOC, which is a personal name. It is thought that this could have been added at the same time as the medieval cross, and it is this inscription which gives the stone its name.
It has been said that at one time there was also an inscription in Ogham script down each side of the stone, but this is no longer visible.
The memorial stone was first recorded by Borlase in 1754, when it was in use as a gatepost in the vicarage grounds. It was first scheduled in 1932, and re-scheduled in 1939 following its move to the churchyard in 1938.
Historic England has more information on-line about this interesting scheduled monument, and the village and church of St Clements are well worth a visit.
