The calvary in the churchyard, a remarkable monument, completes the
history, by a multitude of small statues representing all the principal
episodes of the Passion. Its date is 1610. Even the crosses are
surmounted by statuettes, as if the designer had not known how to heap
up sufficient richness of ornamentation. The carved pulpit in the
interior of the church is also remarkable.
We could only devote an hour to St. Thegonnec; Guimiliau had still to be
seen, and we wished to be back in Morlaix by a certain time, for "the
night cometh." Fortunately the drive was not a long one.
Guimiliau is a village not half the size of St. Thegonnec, and is even
less civilized. Into the inn, which no doubt is respectable, but was
rough and primitive, we did not venture. The driver and the landlord
were apparently on excellent terms, and whilst they fraternised over
their glasses, we inspected the church.
The place takes its name from Miliau, a king of the Cornouaille, who was
treacherously murdered by his brother Rivod, who then proclaimed himself
king about the year 531. The church and the people canonised him, and he
has become the patron saint of many a Breton village.
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