The parish of Grade is situated on the Lizard Peninsular and covers 19412 acres. It is divided into four detached portions, surrounded by the parishes of St. Keverne, Landewednack, Ruan Minor and Ruan Major. The church (located at Ordnance Survey Grid Ref. 7114) is set amidst fields down a grassed track. This parish, was united with Ruan Minor in 1843 and then the three parishes of Ruan Minor, Ruan Major and Grade were all united in 1934 as Grade-Ruan. The dedication of Grade church is to St. Grada and the Holy Cross.

The church, in 1863, had become so dilapidated that all but the 14th century tower was taken down and now, instead of a chancel, nave and two transepts, it only has a chancel and nave. Fortunately, some of the ancient monuments were preserved. A brass from 1522 now lies on the south side of the alter (Ref. 8) and two marble plaque dating from 1699 and 1722 are located in the tower (Refs. 2 & 3), these later two are in need of preservation and the parishioners ( August, 2003) are attempting to raise the necessary funds. An old tomb cover is attached to the outside of north east wall (Ref. 70) which provides a fine commentary on the customs of the time.

Within the parish there is a Holy Well - St. Ruan’s Well - and water used in baptism was fetched from this well. The “romantic” fishing village of Cadgwith is partly in this parish and partly in Ruan Minor and there is a Chapel of Ease - St. Mary’s- in the village.

At the time of the survey in July 2003, 137 memorials in the parish were recorded with 273 names