K  n  i  l  l   M  o  n  u  m  e  n  t

This is a tall slender granite pyramid 50 foot high, sat on a hill just outside of St Ives. It was built in 1782 by a Mr John Knill. It seems Mr Knill, a local customs and excise man, who later became Mayor of St Ives, wanted to be remembered after his death, so he built this monument as a mausoleum. However he died in London in 1811 and was buried in Holborn eventually.

The motto "Nil Desperandum" on the recently painted coat of arms translates, "Do not despair, trust in god!" while the inscription above it "Resurgam" translates "I shall rise again!"

As a goodwill gesture, before his death, Mr Knill left ten pounds in his will to the St. Ives port collector and the minister, for a hearty dinner, -on him!

Instructions were left in his will for 10 young virgins and 2 older women, possibly widows, accompanied by the local minister, the mayor of St. Ives, a violinist, and a customs and excise man, to dance around the pyramid every year whilst spectators sang the 100th psalm, "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands." This is still performed in St Ives on the 25th July, although it is now every 5 years that the ceremony takes place.

The last ceremony was held in 2006.

 

Co-ords 151630 038670 / SW 516386   

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