Bodmin Beacon

Visitors to Bodmin Bowls Club should be aware of two nearby attractions. Within 100m of the club we have the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry museum and the Bodmin-Wenford steam railway.

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Bodmin was the garrison town of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (DCLI) and the museum is based in the former keep. It contains an outstanding collection of militaria.

The Bodmin - Wenford steam railway is based on the former GWR Bodmin Station. Steam railway rides along the former GWR branch line to Bodmin Road (Parkway) and along the former GWR - Southern railway link to Boscarne Junction can be enjoyed.
On the hill, which dominates Bodmin, is the Raleigh - Gilbert monument. The Gilbert family were squires of Bodmin and lived in Priory House which is now a Council office. The Raleigh - Gilberts were descendants of Sir Walter Raleigh - Gilbert, the colonist who brought us tobacco and potatoes, and Sir Humphrey Gilbert who discovered Newfoundland. Lt.Gen Sir Walter Raleigh - Gilbert distinguished himself in the Sikh wars and the family raised the monument in 1857 to commemorate his achievements. It is built with Cornish Granite and is 144 feet high. The surrounding area is called the Beacon and is 17.5 acres of public land from which both coasts of Cornwall can be seen on clear days.

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Our Club badge depicts King Athelstan who granted Bodmin its first Charter as a town in the 10th Century. Athelstan was the 1st King of all England and reigned between 925 and 940.