St Michael's Mount

St Michael's Mount is located in Mount's Bay in Cornwall. Approximately 2000 B.C. the area was woodland, but it was flooded by the sea, and the island which is now known as St Michael's Mount appeared.

By 400B.C. the island was being used as a port to export Tin & Copper to Europe. Not much is not known about this time in the island's history, although recently a Christian grave has been discovered suggesting that Saxons were living there around 900 A.D.

Following the Norman Conquest, the island was given to Mont St. Michel. By 1135 a church is built on the island, which is consecrated in 1144 by the Bishop of Exeter. This was the start of the island's religious use. In 1193 Henry de la Pomeray and his men, disguised as pilgrims, seized the priory and built a castle.

By the 16th Century, the church on the island was dissolved and the island becomes a strategic location for the defence of the country. In 1588, the first beacon was lit to warn of the approaching Spanish Armada.

In 1726, the harbour is rebuilt and the mount's use changes once again. For 150 years, it is one of the most important ports in the area, until Penzance improves it's facilities. The mount was never captured again, although in 1812 a French privateer was disabled by guns, and the canons captured.

In 1954 St Michael's Mount was given to the National Trust, but with the condition that the St. Aubyn family had the right to live in the castle. As the island is still a working community, it has limited opening times (also affected by access to the island). Please see the National Trust Website for opening times and prices.