A set of mystery graffiti from the 1700's found at St Michael's Church in Helston has sparked a quest to find out more.

At the top of the bell tower of St Michael's Church in Helston there are 28 names, and many more initials, that have been scratched into the lead of the access hatch leading to the tower roof.

Although the tower lead has been replaced over the years, the metal on the hatch is original and dates back to when the church was built, with the names possibly marks left by those who built the church itself.

This has led to the current tower captain Roger Nott appealing in the church magazine for any information about the people named.

These include IC Millet 1783, I Thomas 1799, W Thomas 1799, LD of Helston 1799, I James 1802, W Colliere 1832, E Penberthy 1839, R Hoskin 1842, W Wills 1867, MH??CMAS 1842 aged 21, W Hendy 1867, PJ Charles 1869, WH Cheffer 1872 and C Taylor 1874.

Other names featured are JJ Stephens 1875, HL Mundy 1877, WJ Carlyon 1877, HN Wakeman 1879, WC Penberthy 1881, W Brewer 1886, J Eddy 1916, G Eddy 1921 and J Goddard 1941.

Also written clearly, but undated, are WI Pappin, J Paul, AHP Dale and CF Dale.

More recently the name P Hoskin 28/3/96 has been scratched, which is believed possibly could be a contractor involved with work on the roof.

Mr Nott stresses: “If you know any of the above please let me know - no action will be taken against the culprits.”