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Penlee House is a gallery, museum, cafe and shop. Situated within Penlee Park, a space to reflect and great for family visits.

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A space for exhibitions & events

Alongside our Exhibition programme we run a variety of community events and workshops. The Newlyn School and Social history galleries change often. Find out what’s on.

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A space to learn

Penlee House is committed to lifelong learning. We run workshops for all age groups and offer a school workshop programme.

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A space for all

Built in 1865, as the home of the Branwell family. Penlee House is home to many paintings by members of the Newlyn School. It is also home to the Penzance Natural History and Antiquarian Society collection.

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You can search and browse our collections online. We also have a section dedicated to the Newlyn School.

black and white

Acc.no: PEZPH : 2016.50.478


IDENFIFICATION

Full Name: black and white

Brief Description: A photograph of the 'Knill Ceremony' at Knill's Steeple pre-1914, with 10 little girls, a fiddler, two widows, the mayor, vicar and customs officer and a Master of Ceremonies, watched by a large crowd of onlookers. John Knill was Customs Officer in St Ives between 1762 and 1782 and Mayor in 1767. He was instrumental in the building of Smeaton's Pier and the wall along Porthmeor Beach which prevented Downlong being inundated with wind blown sand. He built Knill's Steeple in 1782 and wrote his Trust Deed for the Knill Ceremony in 1797. Knill was present at the first ceremony in 1801 and he left an annuity for the upkeep of the Ceremony and several charities. The Ceremony took place on St James' Day (25th July) every 5 years. The 10 little girls & widows dance around the Steeple to the Furry Dance tune. Then the Old Hundredth Psalm: 'All People That on Earth do Dwell' is sung. Knill died in London in 1811. See also 2016.50.475 and 476.


PRODUCTION

Person: Gibson, James

Date: active: to 1940

Production Date: undated


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Material: Photographic paper


Category: Photography

If you are interested in learning more about this item please contact us and reference "PEZPH : 2016.50.478"

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Penlee House is a beautiful art gallery and museum, set within sub-tropical gardens, with a great café.

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