Charles Ebenezer Treffry, High Sheriff, 1842 – 1924

The Squire, as Charles Treffry was known throughout Cornwall, inherited the prosperous Treffry estate aged 38. During his formative years he had succeeded at Cambridge and then served in the Royal Miners Artillery achieving the rank of Captain.

His interest in business was not as great as his father's but he became a partner in the forerunner to Barclays Bank, South Cornwall Bank, in 1881. He served as a JP and became High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1887.

His support for Fowey was steadfast and with his friend Sir Arthur Quiller Couch he was one of the Principal Petitioners for the new municipal Charter granted in October 1913, a day of great celebrations, and became the first Mayor under it. A year later the foundation stone was laid on land he gave on Park Road to build a new Cottage Hospital, where it has remained.

He is remembered as a true Victorian Gentleman.

Research Carol Eardley

Sources:  Adelaide Rideout The Treffry Family (Phillimore & Co Ltd 1984); I.D. Spreadbury B.A. A Brief History of Fowey (Fowey Old Cornwall Society 1969); Joan Coombs A Fowey Jigsaw (RFYC 2000)