An old clay village
The village gets its name from a granite outcrop east of the village. It is one of the northern-most china clay villages, lying just south of the A30 on the B3274. Nearby are the towns of Bodmin to the north-east and St. Austell to the south, as well as the Eden Project just a few miles away. The population of the village was 3,686 at the 2011 census.
Roche is the Norman-French word for Rock. On the northern flank of the village is the 66 foot high Roche Rock, a large granite outcrop. The stone tower built on the outcrop is said to have been the dwelling of the hermit Ogrin who sheltered the lovers Tristan and Iseult. The ruined 14th century St. Michael's chapel clings precariously to the south side. The rock is also associated with the legend of Jan Tregeagle, a 17th-century magistrate, who after death found refuge in the chapel.
The church is dedicated to St. Gomondas, the tower is medieval but the rest of the church was rebuilt in 1822. There is a fine Norman font and a good churchyard cross.
Roche Sports and Social Club is in Trezaise Road and the village has several shops and small businesses.
Roche railway station is located approximately one mile north of Roche, at Victoria. The station has a single track, with a marker board showing direction of travel either to Newquay or Par.
Wilfred Melville Benetto (1902-1994), Writer of the first full length novel in the Cornish Language. He was born in Roche.
Charles Knight (1863-1941), civil servant was born in Roche.
Matthew Taylor (1963-) The Liberal Democrat MP retired here.
Bodmin Lanivet St. Austell St. Columb Major St. Dennis
Castle an Dinas Cornwall's China Clay Industry Goss Moor Multi-use Trail