Jenkins Obelisk Approximately Ten Metres West Of Church Of Saint Mary

The Jenkins Obelisk is a memorial located approximately ten metres west of the Church of Saint Mary in Bolton-on-Swale. Dated 1743, it commemorates Henry Jenkins, who died in 1670 and was said to have lived to the age of 169. The monument is made of sandstone ashlar and stands about 5 metres high. It features a square base that forms a dado and a pyramidal obelisk topped with a coved diamond finial. The west side of the base has the inscription "HENRY IENKINS," while the east side reads, "This monument was Erected by CONTRIBUTION In ye year 1743 to ye memory of HENRY IENKINS." Although the longevity of Henry Jenkins is not proven by documentary sources, it is supported by eyewitness accounts of notable events, making him the longest-lived English person ever recorded. He was born and lived at Ellerton-on-Swale.