John Knill

John Knill (1 January 1733 – 29 March 1811) was an English attorney who served as the Collector of Customs at St Ives, Cornwall, from 1762 to 1782.

Knill is primarily remembered for having his own memorial constructed, a three-sided granite obelisk known as Knill's Steeple (also known as Knill's Monument or "The Steeple"), which still stands. It was sited on the summit of Worvas Hill with views over St Ives Bay with intention that he should be interred in a vault within it; however, he was laid to rest in London. Slightly eccentric, He was elected mayor of St Ives in 1767, although the duration of his term is unclear.

In 1777, Knill became the private secretary to John Hobart, 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire, the newly made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

Legacy

Monument Knill had a three-sided granite obelisk built on the summit of Worvas Hill overlooking St Ives Bay. on another side are the words Johannes Knill. 1782.; and on the third side I know that my Redeemer liveth. There is, in the interior, a huge granite coffin, presumedly for his body. It is a Grade II* listed structure.

Quintennial celebrations In his will, Knill left money for the upkeep of his monument and for celebrations to take place every five years on the Feast of Saint James, 25 July. He directed that every five years, £25 should be expended, including on a dinner for St Ives officials, and that 10 young girls dressed in white should walk in procession with music, from the market house to the monument, around which the whole party was to dance. After dancing for 15 minutes, participants are to sing Psalm 100, "All People that on Earth do Dwell". The first ceremony, which took place within Knill's lifetime, was held on 25 July 1801. led by the fiddler. At the Malakoff, they were transported up to Knill's Monument in buses.

Notable dates The 200th anniversary of Knill's death occurred on 29 March 2011 The most recent ceremony took place on 26 July 2021 The next ceremony is due to occur on 25 July 2026