Who is Daniel Gumb?
Daniel Gumb is a legendary figure in Cornwall. Born in the early 18th century, many myths have been generated over the years so this site has been created by one of his direct descendants and is dedicated to understanding more about this talented and resourceful man.
Daniel Gumb’s home on Bodmin Moor
Daniel Gumb carved his home from the granite on the southern slopes of Stowe’s Hill, near the Cheesewring rock formation on Bodmin Moor.
This unique home was almost destroyed by quarrying and only saved when the quarrymen themselves salvaged some of the stones and re-located them to their current position, out of further harm’s way.
Daniel Gumb’s many talents
From a family of stone cutters, Daniel followed in his father’s footsteps. However we know he had some other remarkable talents
Stonemasonry
For sure he was a talented stone mason. But where else have you seen the stone mason ‘sign’ his work !??
Mathematics
Daniel’s knowledge of advanced mathematical principles went far beyond the basic geometry skills he learned from his stone cutter father.
Cartography
Daniel’s mathematical skills and spatial awareness no doubt helped him create maps for local landowners.
Daniel Gumb’s childhood
What would Daniel’s early life have been like in 18th century rural Cornwall ?
If, like me, you’re not a history expert, its hard to put some of Daniel Gumb’s achievements into context. But time-period wise think ‘Poldark’ and you won’t be far out!
This section delves into what day to day life might have been like for Daniel.
Living in the 18th Century
What were the key social, political and economic issues in the 18th century in Cornwall, England and the rest of the world?
To put some broader context around the amazing Daniel Gumb and his achievements, this section explores some of the wider influences and developments of the time, including which better-known historical characters were alive at the time.
Publications
A quick search will bring up countless publications that include mention of Daniel Gumb – sometimes a small paragraph, sometimes more. Here are some of the more substantive and believable texts that we’ve found.
All credits to the original authors and publishers are recognised.
“Daniel Gumb The Cornish Cave-Man Mathematician” by William H Paynter 1946.
This is our own rather ragged copy!
Wilkie Collins’s popular travelogue “Rambles Beyond Railways” 1851.
It was featured in an episode of BBC’s ‘The Countryman’ in 1975
“History of the Parish of Linkinhorne” by W Harvey 1876.
It includes ‘The Mountain Philosopher” a poem by J Abraham
“Historical Survey of the County of Cornwall” by C S Gilbert 1817
Has a detailed description of Daniel Gumb’s original cave.
“History of Borough of Liskeard” by John Allen 1856
His description includes visits from William Cookworthy
L
“The Penny Post” 1851
Has a few pages focusing on Daniel’s studies, philosophy and lifestyle.
Contact us
We’d love to hear from you with any comments, suggestions, or further information so please get in touch.