Summary
A C17 boundary stone marking the former boundary of the Borough of Penzance. One of a pair that survive from an original group of four.
Reasons for Designation
The boundary stone in front of No. 8 Chyandour Cliff, Penzance, is designated at Grade II, for the following principal reasons:
* Intactness: it is a good example of a C17 borough boundary stone;
* Historic interest: it illustrates the establishment of local government in this part of Cornwall;
* Group value: it has strong group value with the other surviving boundary stone.
History
James I granted a charter for the Borough of Penzance in 1614, and four inscribed stones were erected in 1687 to determine where the boundary was crossed by the main roads into the Borough. These were located at Chyandour, Chapel St Clare, Alverton and Wherrytown, costing £1 19s 6d to make and £1 10s 0d to erect. As late as the mid-C19 the stones were used as markers for a traditional race carried out by Penzance councillors called "beating the bounds".
Details
The boundary stone is set at the rear of the footpath, in front of No. 8 Chyandour Cliff. It is constructed of granite, rectangular on plan with a rounded top. The stone is 74cm tall. There are rectangular recesses on three faces, where the stone has been cut back to leave a raised inscription, which reads: P 16 87. The lettering is rounded and worn.
End of official list entry
