A new initiative aiming to be Cornwall’s answer to the famous London blue plaques scheme has recognised its first historic figure.
Pobel a Gernow (“People of Cornwall”) aims to extend the work undertaken by numerous Cornish town plaques schemes into a Cornwall-wide initiative. It celebrates the achievements of previously overlooked people who have made a significant impact on Cornish history by installing plaques on buildings that are important to their stories.
It is a partnership initiative of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, Gorsedh Kernow and Cornwall Heritage Trust.
Right to left – Clare Jacques (Cornwall Heritage Trust Trustee), Nev Meek (President of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies) and Pol Hodge (Former Grand Bard of Gorsedh Kernow) on the stairs which were hand-carved by de Castro Glubb and his father. Image credit – Mike Davey
The initiative’s first plaque was installed at Pendean House in Liskeard this May to recognise the life and achievements of Albert de Castro Glubb.
De Castro Glubb was a solicitor who was instrumental in rescuing and protecting a number of historic sites and ancient monuments in the 1930s. These included King Doniert’s Stone, St Keyne Well, The Hurler Stone Circles, Dupath Well and several Cornish Crosses to name but a few.
Albert de Castro Glubb wearing the Liskeard Mayoral Chain in 1904 (Image credit – Liskeard Old Cornwall Society)
He was the first President of the Liskeard Old Cornwall Society and was barded at the Gorsedh due to his efforts to protect heritage in his local area.
He was born in Pendean House on 13th November 1865 and lived there for 82 years until his death.
The plaque was unveiled by de Castro Glubb’s granddaughter, Jenifer Roberts, in a special ceremony this May. The unveiling was followed by a tour by the current owners of the Victorian mansion, which was designed by prolific local architect Henry Rice. This included the opportunity to take a closer look at the staircase, which was intricately hand-carved by de Castro Glubb and his father.
A talk at Liskeard Public Hall also took place on the day to explore the life, achievements and passion for Cornish heritage of de Castro Glubb and the history of some of the monuments he helped save. It was led by Brian Oldham, President of Liskeard Old Cornwall Society, and Pete Herring, a Landscape Archaeologist and Historian.
Pobel a Gernow plans to install many more plaques over the coming years. All figures considered for the scheme are submitted via public nomination, and if you would like to make a submission, you can do so here https://www.cornwallheritagetrust.org/pobel-a-gernow-plaques-scheme/
