St Michael's Mount, Cornwall


5th September 2013


Neolithic times - evidence of people living on the mount 
8th-11th century - mount was thought to be the site of a monastery during this time
1066 - St Michael's Mount in possession of monks of Mont St Michel (Normandy)
1100s - monks built church and priory 
1193 - mount captured by Henry La Pomeray
1473 - Wars of the Roses - mount held by Earl of Oxford
1497 - Perkin Warbeck occupied the mount 
Civil War - mount held by royalists against Oliver Cromwell
Elizabeth I gave the castle to Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, who then sold it to Sir Francis Bassett
1588 - it was at St Michael's Mount that the first beacon was lit warning London of the approaching Spanish Armada
Civil War - mount held by Royalists against Parliamentarians 
1659 - Mount sold to Colonel John St Aubyn, where today it remains in the St Aubyn family

Stunning location. Steep walk up to the castle – look out for the giant’s heart. Gardens were lovely and give great views across to the mainland (picnic lunch spot hint!). Lots to see on the island, the castle itself has a fair few original features but has a bit of an odd layout/suggested one way tour around the castle. The chapel is very peaceful and has lovely stained glass windows.

Owned by National Trust
Car park for the castle on the mainland at Marazion (an additional charge)
At low tide you can walk out to the Mount along the causeway but at high tide there are passenger ferries– so check the tide times before you visit!! 
Various shops (some National Trust, others not)
Cafes on the island which are not National Trust
Toilets
Dogs are not allowed in the castle and gardens but are welcome in the island harbour area.

N & K

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