The iconic Land’s End signpost is set to be removed after 66 years as people call it “the end of an era”. The famous monument in Cornwall is set to be dismantled, with the man whose job is manning the post confirming the rumour.
Peter Puddiphatt, who has spent 28 years working beside it, said that Land’s End had opted not to renew its contract with the local company that erected the sign and managed it for all these years. His last day was on Thursday, December 28, and he says it will soon disappear altogether, reports CornwallLive.
Courtwood Photographic, a Penzance-based photo processing company, has held a contract and owned the signpost for nearly seven decades. Generations of visitors have paid a visit to the location just to take home a poignant reminder of their visit to Land’s End.
Sharing the news in a Facebook post, Mr Puddiphatt said: “End of an era! After 66 years, Land’s End have not renewed their contract with Courtwoods of Penzance for 2024. So, from 31st December 2023 there will be no more Courtwoods signpost 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.
“Breathtaking sunsets, beautiful cloud effects and all the big storms. I have seen so much wildlife, including a humpback whale, in Dollar Cove.
“Sadly we don’t see the basking sharks that we did in past years, but now see the huge bluefin 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.”
The iconic Land’s End signpost was first established in 1957 when the local family-run business first put up the Cornish landmark. Thousands of people have been photographed alongside it since including the many charity fundraisers who take part in the JOGLE trip from end to end.
The Land’s End website states: “A local photography company still owns and operates the signpost today, with generations of visitors having paid to take home a unique record of their time here at Land’s End. Nowadays, in keeping with tradition, just tell the photographers your home city and they’ll make up its name and fit the lettering into the signpost.
“They’ve calculated the distance from Land’s End to thousands of cities worldwide, so they’re able to complete your ‘personal’ Land’s End Signpost with the number of miles to your nearest town or city – or any other message you’d like.”
