St Mary Magdalene Church, Launceston

St Mary Madalene Church, Launceston was built between 1511 and 1524 and its intricately carved granite exterior has hardly changed since that time. Inside, following two restorations, it can be more accurately described as late Victorian.

Described in 'England's Thousand Best Churches' (Simon Jenkins 1999) as "unparalleled in England" it is one of the finest churches in the country.

Look for the carved recumbent Magdalene on the east end of the exterior, with a vase of ointment beside her and surrounded by surpliced choristers and minstrels with their instruments. You may see a small pile of stones on her back - tradition tells that if you can turn your back and throw a stone that lodges there, you will soon have new clothes given to you!