The key findings from a Heritage Impact Report into the memorial of Thomas Corker in King Charles the Martyr Church, Falmouth, will be presented at a meeting on Tuesday, April 15.

Report author Dr Alice Kinghorn, who has worked with the Church of England and other dioceses with contested heritage, will offer her recommendations for the most appropriate outcome regarding relocation of the memorial and will discuss the impact of the proposed move as well as outlining and sharing her evaluation of all the other options that have been considered for the memorial. Her recommendations are based on the Church of England’s Contested Heritage Guidance and have drawn on examples from other churches around the country.

The findings of this report will support a faculty application by the church for the relocation of the Corker memorial.

Dr Kinghorn was commissioned to the prepare the report by the Diocese of Truro on behalf of King Charles the Martyr Church Parochial Church Council. The paper not only covers the historical, artistic, architectural, and social context of the Corker memorial within the church itself, the town of Falmouth, and its connection with African chattel enslavement; it also includes further research into other memorials within the church with contested histories.

This presentation was an opportunity for feedback, engagement and questions and to learn about the history of the memorial, including precedent for monument relocation, the impact of the memorial on the church’s mission as a space of worship, and the considerations necessary for the next recommended steps.

If you would like more details, please email Rebecca Evans at rebecca.evans@truro.anglican.org