Helston rewind: The history behind Grylls Monument

Did you know Helston's Grylls Monument was made for just over £300? Or 196 tons of the finest local granite were used in its construction?

In this weeks history feature, we look at the details behind Grylls Monument.

When was Grylls Monument built?

The granite ashlar structure was erected in 1834 and 196 tons of local granite was used in its construction.

It was formerly encompassed by stout protective railings which were withdrawn during the 1939-45 war for scrap metal.

The Monument serves as a bold entrance to what was alleged to once have been the site of a Castle, but even over 100 years ago there was no trace of its existence.

Who built the monument?

Humphry Millet Grylls was a Helston banker and solicitor who saved 1200 jobs when he took action to keep the local Wheal Vor tin mine open during the recession of 1820. He was also alderman of the borough and four-times mayor.

Humfry died in 1834 at the age of 45, and it's reported that he was so popular his funeral procession snaked for two miles from his home in Bosahan to Helston Church.

2,386 people gave money for this neo-Gothic archway to be built at a cost of £324.

The design architect was Richard Wightwick of Plymouth and the building contractor was John Eva & Sons.

Other key facts

A latin eulogy was written by Derwent Coleridge and a copy of it made on vellum was put in a bottle and deposited in a hole made in the first stone laid at the south-west corner on the 23rd October 1834.

An inscription engraved on a piece of brass was also put in the foundation stone.

Information courtesy of Helston History, you can see more from them here.

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