PROBUS, a parish in the western division of the
hundred of POWDER, county of CORNWALL, 2 miles
(W. by S.) from Grampound, containing, with part of
the borough of Grampound, 1353 inhabitants. The living
is a vicarage, with the perpetual curacies of Cornelly and
Merther, in the archdeaconry of Cornwall, and diocese
of Exeter, rated in the king's books at £13. 16. 8., and
in the patronage of the Bishop of Exeter. The church
is remarkable for the beautiful simplicity of its architecture,
and its stately tower, a fine specimen of the
later English style, which, rising to the height of one
hundred and eight feet, forms a striking contrast with
the low thatched dwellings around. There is a place of
worship for Wesleyan Methodists. A market was former
ly held weekly; and large fairs for horses and cattle
are now held, on April 5th and 23rd, J\ily 5th, and
September 17th. A free school was founded, in 1688,
by Mr. John Williams, who endowed it with' about
£10 per annum. There is also a trifling endowment
in land by William Williams, in augmentation of the
master's salary.