Quirky Lease in Cornwall Lasts Until Year 4652, Baffling Locals

A unique property in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, has captured local interest due to a granite plaque declaring that its lease will not expire until the year 4652. This unusual statement has left residents and historians curious about the origins and implications of such an extraordinary lease.

The plaque, affixed to the house, commemorates Walter Kendal, who took out a lease on the property in 1658. It states, “Walter Kendal of Lostwithiell was founder of this house in 1658. Hath a Lease for Three Thousand Years which had its beginning on the 29th of September Anno 1652.” The original lease document, which remains preserved in the archives at Kew in London, was co-signed by Kendal and a man named Francis Butler.

Local blogger Elizabeth Dale provided insights into Kendal’s life, noting that he was born in 1608 and came from a prominent family in the area. He married Margaret Symon in 1642, and the couple had three children. Dale explained that Kendal was regarded as a “gentleman” and his life coincided with the tumultuous period of the English Civil War, during which Lostwithiel experienced significant conflict.

The town endured a fierce battle between August 21 and September 2, 1644, which resulted in the destruction of many buildings, including the Old Duchy Palace. Dale speculated on whether Kendal’s decision to secure such a long lease was influenced by the instability of his time. “It makes me wonder whether Walter was involved in any of the fighting and whether his idea of planning ahead, having a 3,000-year-old lease, came from the insecurity and turmoil he had experienced in his life,” she said.

The house is currently occupied by Jo Caistor, who has lived there for the past seven years. She acknowledged the historical significance of the Kendal family in the area, stating, “I know the Kendals were a big name around Lostwithiel, and the family owned a lot of property in the area for hundreds of years.” Caistor noted that the building was originally a malt house, with ancient symbols of fertility and harvest carved into its walls.

The house has become a point of interest for visitors. “People come on walks and guided tours around the town, and we’re on that walk. I do know they all stop and have a look at the house, and people are always taking photos of that stone,” Caistor remarked. She added that the lease itself is “irrelevant” to her current ownership, stating, “I don’t have to pay a fee or anything. The house is old, there’s no question about that – but I don’t know if I’ve got the deeds or not! It’s a bit of a mystery!”

As the mystery surrounding the long lease continues, the house remains a fascinating part of Cornwall’s history, drawing interest from both locals and tourists alike.