Monument to H M Grylls

The Grylls Monument stands at the edge of Helston’s bowling green. Built in 1834, it is a Gothic gateway of granite ashlar. The monument honours Humphry Millet Grylls, a local solicitor and banker who kept Wheal Vor tin mine open during hard times. Public donations paid for its construction after his death. The gateway frames the green and marks the entrance to a quiet public space. Grylls rescued Wheal Vor in 1820 by taking control of the mine’s shares. His actions safeguarded about 1,200 jobs at a difficult moment. Two thousand people later contributed to a fund to build the monument. Speeches at a dinner in his honour praised his efforts without mentioning earlier disputes. The monument became a Grade II* listed building in 1972. Visitors find a tall granite gateway leading onto the bowling green. The Gothic style includes pointed arches and simple detailing. The green itself is a flat expanse of grass bordered by trees. The monument stands at one end, visible from the town centre. The quiet surroundings contrast with Helston’s streets nearby.