Lands End Signpost To Be Removed
The iconic Land’s End Signpost was established in the 1950s when a local family-run business erected this now legendary Cornish icon.
However, from January 2024, the signpost is set to be removed, as people call it "the end of an era".
The famous monument in Cornwall is made famous by the thousands of celebrity End-to-Enders who have posed beside it before or after their remarkable journeys across the length of Great Britain.
Nowadays, more than 500,000 visitors from all over the world travel to Land’s End every year, according to their website.
Most recently, DJ Chris Evans, singer Gary Barlow, Professor Brian Cox and broadcaster James May posed next to the signpost before they set off for John O’Groats to raise money for Breast Cancer Research.
However, this week, Land's End had opted not to renew its contract with the local company that erected the sign.
Peter Puddiphatt, who has spent 28 years working beside the post as a photographer, released a statement on Facebook confirming the news.
”After 66 years, Land’s End have not renewed their contract with Courtwoods of Penzance for 2024.” he said.
”So, from 31st December 2023 there will be no more Courtwoods sign post to have a photo with . My last shift today, after a total of 28 years, 1979 to 84 and 2000 to 2023.
”I’ve always called it my fun job. You meet some very interesting people, lots of celebrities, and always the fabulous views over Land’s End to enjoy.
”Breath taking sunsets, beautiful cloud effects and all the big storms. I have seen so much wild life, including a Hump Back Whale, in Dollar Cove.
”Sadly we don’t see the Basking Sharks that we did in past years, but now see the huge Blue Fin Tuna instead. Great memories!
“I have been fortunate to have had three of my granddaughters work various summer seasons alongside me, and this year my daughter-in-law.”
Land's End is either the start or finishing point of end to end journeys with John o’Groats in Scotland.
One of the earliest was by Carlisle who left Land's End on 23 September 1879, went to John O'Groats House and arrived back at Land's End on 15 December; taking 72 days; covering 3,899 miles.
To prove his journey, he kept a log book which was stamped at any post office he passed.
Reacting to the news on social media, one person said: “This sign post is part of the history of Lands End.
”People from all over the world look forward to having a picture taken.”
”Why does it have to come down to money? Honestly, how much would it really cost to upkeep this signpost. This is no different than saying a road sign has to come down.”
Another person added: “How sad that these small but memorable long standing attractions disappear. Is it because of money or do they no longer see any value in it because of phone cameras etc.”
Another comment said: “That's a shame! Quite sad about that.. They can put another sign up I suppose, but it won't be THE sign. Pants..”
The iconic signpost will officially be removed at the start of the year (January 2024). So if you’d like one last photo with it, you better be quick!
If you’d like to share personal photos that you’ve captured of the signpost, please feel free to share them on our Facebook page.
Land’s End History
Known as Belerion (The Shining Land) in Ancient Greek times, Land’s End is a treasure trove of history.
Fascinating discoveries found on-site dating as far back as the Mesolithic Period (10,000-4000 BC) prove that people have been travelling to and living at Land’s End for 10,000 years or more.
The many names for Land’s End are centuries old.
The earliest name for the site seems to ‘Penwith Steort’ recorded in 997. Penwith is Cornish for ‘extreme end’ and Steort is Old English for ‘tail’ or ‘end.’
The Middle English name ‘Londeseynde’ appears in 1337 and ‘Penn an Wlas’, Cornish for ‘end of the land’, is first recorded in 1500.
Throughout the ages, Land’s End has held a fascination for many people and the place has inspired many stories and works of art.
The mythical ‘Lost Land of Lyonesse’ is said to lie beneath the waves between Land’s End and the Isles of Scilly.
According to legend, Lyonesse was a rich part of King Arthur’s realm that was drowned by the sea on a cataclysmically stormy night.
There are over 130 recorded shipwrecks around Land’s End, as well as countless more unrecorded.
In modern times, Longships Lighthouse at Land’s End forms one point of an important protective triangle.
Longships Lighthouse, Wolf Rock Lighthouse and the Lizard Lighthouse collectively create one of the most well lit waterways in the British Isles.
Undoubtedly, the breadth and depth of history at Land’s End has a part to play in the continuing appeal and popularity of this world-famous attraction.
Nowadays, more than 500,000 visitors from all over the globe travel to Land’s End every year and the site employs between 50 and 150 local people each season.
That’s according to their official website.
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