Have you ever thought when travelling on the A30 Cornwall, heading west near Redruth & Camborne, what is that imposing structure on top of the big hill?

Well I can tell you it is a 90 ft high granite obelisk.  The huge column was erected in 1836 in memory of Francis Bassett, Lord De Duntstaville.

The bassets were the most important mining family in the area.  Francis Bassett was the first to be elevated to nobility, mainly due to his efforts to raise an army of miners to defend the port of Plymouth from invading French and Spanish fleets.

Francis did a lot to improve the welfare of the miners he employed and was a patron for many other good causes, a well-respected gentleman.

After his death in 1865 over 20,000 people formed a procession at his funeral.  The monument was paid for by public donations.

Lanyon Holiday Park has some spectacular views to this historic monument, where we live and is about a mile away from our touring and camping park.

It is an interesting place to visit and for children and adults that are mobile a great place to climb on the massive granite boulders with panoramic view to the coast towards St Ives in the distance.

A rough road leads to the Bassett monument from the village of Carnkie.  I have seen all types of vehicles on the car park, including a three wheeled reliant robin and the original mini, just go carefully.

Why not pay a visit when you are in the area.

For more information of other places of interest visit www.cornwalls.co.uk

Carn Brea Tin Mines