The hilltop at Carn Brea has been settled by humans since Neolithic times (in the 4th Century BC). Traces of Neolithic longhouses, pottery and stoneworking tools have been found by archaeologists.

More recently, the Medieval castle, (you can just see it on the other side of the hill beyond the monument, press shift to zoom in) originally built in the 14th century was rebuilt in the 18th century by the Basset family and is now a restaurant.

The granite monument, which is 30 metres tall, was erected by public subscription in 1836. An inscription on the south side reads 'County of Cornwall to the memory of Francis Lord de Dunstanville and Basset A.D. 1836'

As you can see, the view from up here is amazing. To the North West, beyond the monument, is Redruth. Turn to your left and you can see beyond Pool and Cambourne to Tehidy, which was owned by the Bassets, and beyond that the North Cornwall coast and the beaches of Portreath and Godrevy. To the South, midway to the horizon and to the left of the radio mast, is another legacy of the Basset family, Wheal Basset Stamps.