A triangular pyramid of hewn granite standing 50ft high and rising from a base plinth. On one face is carved the word “Resurgam” along with the Knill family motto of ‘Nil desperandum’, the second face bears the inscription ‘I know that my Redeemer liveth’ and the third carries the name 'Johannes Knill 1782'. Blocked doorway to base giving access to interior cavity (said to be large enough for a single interment). Low granite wall to perimeter built 1829.
John Wood
Neo-Classical
Grade II* (England and Wales)
1782
Though built as a mausoleum for John Knill (1733-1811), the Collector of Customs in St Ives and later mayor of St Ives, difficulties in the consecration of the site are thought to have led to his burial at St Andrew’s Church in Holborn when he died in 1811. The mausoleum is especially significant in that Knill had specified that every 5 years a ceremony should be held at its base in his memory. Knill is reported to have personally overseen the ceremony in 1801, a whole ten years before his death which involved dancing girls, two widows dressed in black and a fiddler. The ceremony continues to this day.
St Ives Town Council are working with the World Monuments Fund on the conservation of the monument (2013).
(2013). Knill landmark will be repaired. Available: http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Knill-landmark-repaired/story-19626267-detail/story.html#axzz2cX9k8dOm. Last accessed 20th Augh 2013.
(2012). History of St.Ives. Available: http://www.stives-cornwall.co.uk/st-ives-history-2.html. Last accessed 20th Aug 2013.
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Worvas Hill
St Ives
Cornwall
TR26 2AY
England