Has anyone ever read The Mermaid Chair, by Sue Monk Kidd? It’s one of my favourite books, and today I went to the little church in Zennor, Cornwall that was the inspiration for the book. The legend of the mermaid of Zennor tells the tale of a chorister being lured into the sea by a mermaid, who pursued him for his singing. Apparently, she would often come to the church disguised as a rich and beautiful woman, and listen to him sing at evensong, leaving a mysterious puddle of water on the floor of the church! And then one night, as she let out a sigh at the sound of his voice, he followed her into the ocean, never to be seen again by the villagers.
Into one of the church pews, a mermaid was carved as a reminder of his disappearance and a warning to others. It still sits in St Senara’s Church in Zennor.
I can see why Sue Monk Kidd was so inspired by this legend, the beauty of the little church, and the rugged cliffs and wild blustery moorland that flanks it.
Now I have to go read the book again!
Roadschooling Claytons 