St Michael’s Mount
Shrouded in romance and mystery, and in a truly magnificent setting off the southern Cornish coast, St Michael’s Mount is linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway, and boasts a history stretching back to pre-history, during which time it has operated as a trading port, monastery, shrine, fortress and mansion.
The British Isles were first referred by the ancient Greeks as the Tin Islands, and it is probable that St Michael’s Mount was the port known to ancient writings as Ictis. The priory dedicated to St Michael was founded by Benedictine monks in 1135, and was once owned by its French counterpart Mont Michel. The church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1275.
The military history of St Michael’s stretches from the War of the Roses to the English Civil War, after which the entire island was bought by army officer by the name of St Aubyn. His descendents still live there, although today it is owned and maintained by the National Trust. Highlights include the medieval gatehouse, Tudor hall and Georgian chapel. Do heed the guide’s advice on local tides. Many have left it late in making their way back to the mainland, and found themselves paddling along the causeway instead of walking!