A NEW biography of the founder of Kelly College, which also lays aside some myths, will help raise funds for Children's Hospice South West.

'Admiral Kelly of Kelly College' has been researched and written by Graham Kirkpatrick of Tavistock and all proceeds received by the author will go to the charity.

Mr Kirkpatrick spent much of his life in the docks industry — his father was in the Royal Navy and 'maritime matters' always interested him.

Mr Kirkpatrick said: 'When I came to Tavistock 12 years ago I knew Admiral Kelly was associated with Kelly College, so I got down to research.'

He said his research was 'a leisurely affair', having taken since 1991.

'I've had the most wonderful assistance from public libraries, including Tavistock, Holsworthy and Plymouth,' he said.

His research had also taken him to the National Maritime Museum, the Probate Sub-registry in York, Exeter and Plymouth Public Record Offices and Holsworthy.

He discovered several misconceptions about the admiral during his work.

'The college centenary book published in 1930, written by a former pupil, gave the impression Admiral Kelly was buried at Holsworthy, where he had been born, but I found he was buried in the churchyard at Kelly village,' said Mr Kirkpatrick.

He also found the admiral had not fought at Trafalgar, as had been believed, but was serving in the Channel Fleet of Ushant at the time.

And the foundation stone of Kelly College, which many thought was buried and lost, was quite clearly visible — 'a big surprise' to him.

The 48-page book details Admiral Kelly's family and his own life, and in particular his naval career and the ships on which he served — he joined the Royal Navy just before his fourteenth birthday.

His money was not made from the slave trade in the normal sense, but quite the reverse.

It was partly made from prize money derived from the capture of slave ships, and the release of slaves off West Africa and the Caribbean, after the first anti-slavery legislation.

After leaving the Navy Admiral Kelly became director of various railway and steamship companies. He married twice, his first wife dying in childbirth.

Following the terms of his will, the bulk of his fortune after his death went to the creation of a 'residential college for boys to be called The Kelly College'.

A provision of up to £6,000 was made for the acquisition or construction of a suitable property, in West Devon.

A further £1,000 was invested to provide for running costs and bursaries, and there was even a list of priorities for enrolling pupils.

The foundation stone for the eventual building weighed eight tons and was hauled from the Gunnislake Granite Company quarry by traction engine.

The book goes into much detail over the ceremony of the laying of the stone — which was followed by a lunch in the Town Hall with 29 speeches for principal guests, a meal in the Pannier Market for 3,000 people and a 'substantial dinner' at the college for the contractors.

The event also included sports and a fireworks display.

Copies of the book, which contains some black and white illustrations, can be obtained from Book Stop or Owen's Book Shop in Tavistock price £4.95.

Mr Kirkpatrick has already started work on his next project — a biography of a Scottish Victorian poet — which he said 'scared him by its very size'.

ANN PARSONS