Rights Managed > Royal Cornwall Museum > Places > Paul
Dolly Pentreaths memorial, St Pol de Leon churchyard, Paul, Cornwall. Early 1900s
Filename: TRURI-PAUgv-11.tiff
Size: 6047 x 8280 (50MB)
Date: 3rd August 2018
Source: Royal Cornwall Museum
County: Cornwall
Location Name: 50.08909, -5.544818
© RIC
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
Dolly Pentreaths memorial, St Pol de Leon churchyard, Paul, Cornwall. Early 1900s
A view of Dolly Pentreaths memorial set in the wall of Paul churchyard. Dolly Pentreaths main language was Cornish and she only learned a little English as an adult. She is considered by many people to be the last person to speak Cornish fluently as a first language, although this is contested by some. She died in 1777 and was buried at Paul where, in June 1860, a monument in her honour was set into the churchyard wall by Prince Louis Lucien Bonaparte, a nephew of Napoleon, and by Reverend John Carbett, the Vicar of Paul of the time. Photographer: Samuel John Govier
Royal Cornwall Museum is the UK's Greatest Museum For Cornish Life & Culture
TRURI : PAUgv.11
Media ID 15263379
© RIC
Parish Aurelian Dorothy Language Memorials Pentreath
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the solemn beauty of Dolly Pentreaths memorial, nestled within the historic St Pol de Leon churchyard in Paul, Cornwall. Dating back to the early 1900s, this image transports us to a time when Dolly's legacy still resonated strongly with the local community. Dolly Pentreath holds a significant place in Cornish history as she is widely believed to be the last individual who spoke Cornish fluently as her first language. While some debate this claim, there is no denying that her impact on preserving and celebrating the Cornish language remains profound. In 1777, Dolly was laid to rest at Paul where she spent most of her life. Over eight decades later, in June 1860, Prince Louis Lucien Bonaparte paid tribute to this remarkable woman by commissioning a monument dedicated to her memory. Alongside Reverend John Carbett, they carefully embedded it into the ancient churchyard wall. The photographer behind this evocative image is Samuel John Govier. Through his lens, he immortalizes not only Dolly's memorial but also an enduring symbol of cultural heritage and linguistic diversity. As we gaze upon this photograph today, we are reminded of Dorothy Aurelian Pentreath's indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment towards preserving an integral part of Cornwall's identity - its unique language.
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