Calstock is a large village situated in South East Cornwall, on the border with Devon. During the English Civil War (1642–1651) Calstock became a Royalist garrison consisting of around 2,000 Cornishmen. These men helped defend Gunnislake New Bridge when it was under attack by Parliamentarians. They were led by Sir Richard Grenville and Captain Southcote but were unsuccessful in their defence, losing countless lives in the process. Whilst the bridge was lost, the Parliamentarians did not gain further ground in Cornwall, and in gratitude, Charles I commended the men of Calstock and Cornwall. The King’s letter to the Cornish people is still displayed at St Andrew’s Church.

Calstock parish records list several Grenfells who were Baptised (1865-1892), Married (1833-1889) and Buried (1861-1910) . In addition, there are baptism records for Calstock Wesleyan Methodist Church (1854-1860).

Further information can be found on the Calstock page of the Cornwall Online Parish Clerks website and the Genuki page dedicated to Calstock.