The John Knill celebration

In 1782 John Knill bought a piece of land called Worvas Hill overlooking St Ives bay and build a 3 sided granite pyramid (called The Steeple) as a mausoleum after his death.

He was never buried there due to difficulties over consecration of the ground but the request in his will for a celebration every 5 years is still fulfilled today.

He appointed 3 trustees The Mayor, The Vicar and the Customs Officer to arrange for 10 girls under 10 (the daughters of fisherman, seamen or tinners) to be accompanied by 2 widows aged over 64 and a fiddler. They all process thought the town then travel to The Steeple and dance around it.

He left provision in his will to ensure this was paid for. The Girls are paid 10 shillings (50p) and a further 20 shillings (£1) if they wear a white ribbon as a Breast Knot. The Fiddler and the widows are each paid 20 shillings (£1). He also awarded £5 to the best knitter of fishnets and packer of pilchards and £5 to the man and wife who had raised the largest family of legitimate children under 10 without any financial aid from the parish.

I think the chap had a great sense of humour as the sight of elderly vicars and majors dancing with little girls around his grave is enough to make anyone (dead or alive) smile.