Marazion and the Magical St.Michael's Mount, Cornwall

St. Michael's Mount,  Marazion, Cornwall

We were in the Marazion and Mounts Bay area yesterday. The main attraction, in my opinion, being St. Michael's Mount. I find it very magical. Unfortunately it isn't open during the winter months so had to admire from afar.

There are numerous stories linked to St. Michael's Mount such as :

(1) It is said that the Archangel Michael appeared before local fisherman on the mount in the 5th century.

(2) Prior to the 6th century the island was once the home of an eighteen feet tall giant named Cormoran. He lived in a cave with treasures he accumulated by terrorising the local towns and villages.

(3) Sea-lore claims that Archangel Michael sat in a great stone chair at the top of the mount protecting England. 

Marazion Sign

We started out in the the ancient market town of Marazion.

RSPB Reserve

Opposite the Marazion sign, on the other side of the road, there is a RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of  Birds) reserve.

Town of Marazion

The town of Marazion is very old. I read on Marazion Info that it is one of the oldest chartered towns in the UK. The first charter of incorporation being granted by Henry III in 1257 and this was reaffirmed on the 13th of June, 1595 by Queen Elizabeth I.

Marazion shop and cottages.

Marazion is all very pleasant but we like to take in some of the back streets as well, so made our way up Back Lane having no idea where it would lead.

The Back Lane - had no idea where it would lead

The lane had some lovely views over the town and sea.

Views from the Back Lane over the sea and Mounts Bay

The weather had turned quite dull but there was a lovely view of St.Michael's Mount across the house tops.

St. Michael's Mount  seen over the roof tops

Finally we felt we had to look at Marazion's well, though there isn't much water in it nowadays! It's strange to think, though, that this was the main source of water for the residents of the town until 1879. 

Marazion Well

Having had out fill of the town we walked along the waters edge. It wasn't a good day for photos but the man made causeway to St. Michael's Mount has some nice shades of colour on the stones. The tide wasn't out far enough to actually walk to the island.

The Causeway Leading To St. Michael's Mount - when the tide is right

Not many people in the water!

We continued along the beach until we reached Coast Path leading to Penzance.

The beach cafe was closed - but we had a very pleasant day, and walked a fair distance.

All being well I'll return to St.Michael's Mount in the main season to snap a few photos - when the island is open for visitors.

Lostwithiel, Cornwall: Comparing How It Looked In 1908 With Today

Lostwithiel, Cornwall circa 1908

Lostwithiel was once the capital of Cornwall. The name is derived from the Cornish Language word lostwydhyel which means a tail of a wooded area. 

While there I wanted to compare an old photo of the town with how it looks nowadays. But, oh dear, I forgot to take the old 1908 photo with me! 

I still clicked a few photos trying to remember the old photo. When I got home I compared my efforts and was quite pleased that my memory had served me reasonably well.

The photo above is from 1908 and below are photos I snapped. Though the angle is different I did manage to get the exact same buildings. The two houses on the left are now retail outlets, otherwise much is the same as it was - other than the people.

Lostwithiel, Cornwall Today

While in Lostwithiel we popped into St, Bartholomew's church. Difficult to take a photo as the spire is so tall and the streets are so narrow - so not a very good picture.

At, Bartholomew's Church, Lostwithiel

The spire is made of Cornish Pentewan stone and was added in the 14th century. As for the clock, the heavy weights that drive it have to be wound up by hand every day.

Inside St Bartholomew's Church, Lostwithiel

Other similar Posts: 

Comparing Old Cornwall With Today : Truro

Lerryn Bridge and How It Looked in 1890

Pentewan, Cornwall: Comparing How It Looked in 1900 With Today

Newquay Harbour, Cornwall 1875 and 2019

The Green, Green Grass of St.Mewan: But For How Long?

We were walking along the road to St.Mewan, Cornwall and remarked about how green the fields are. Most likely because of all of the rain we have had.

After the green fields came St.Mewan church which dates back to Norman times. The bell tower foundations and the base of the font were built in 1100.

We carried on walking onto the main Truro to St.Austell road - the A390 ...

... and then there was the sign below. It's been there for quite a while but somehow it really struck home. This will/may become 60 acres of houses and retail units. In other words yet another 60 acres of green fields will disappear forever.

This probably isn't the place to debate affordable housing, an increasing population, transport links, sewers, roads etc. But, whatever, it equates to green fields disappearing.

The signs are there: The times, they are a-changin'.

Polruan, Cornwall : Coastal Views, Chapel Ruins And A Castle

Polruan and a Boat Yard

Today, photos of a visit to Polruan - and where I snapped the photo for this blog's heading.

We left our car in Fowey and then crossed the River Fowey to Polruan. The photo below is the first of Polruan. It's a small village with one road in and one road out.

Polruan

The Polruan road is quite steep but this allows lovely views across the Fowey river. That is, if you are okay walking backwards up a steep incline! The good thing is there aren't many cars about.

Looking from Polruan across the river to Fowey

At the top of hill are wonderful views of the River Fowey - and a convenient seat!

The River Fowey

At the top we find St. Saviours chapel - well the remains.

The chapel was partly destroyed following King Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. It is said that local gentry removed the chapel bells for safe keeping - but the location is unknown. The chapel fell into disrepair from 1572.

Ruins of St.Saviour's Chapel

Alongside the chapel is a National Coastwatch Station, where visitors are welcome.

Coastwatch Station and remains of St.Saviour's Chapel

A view from the top of St. Saviours Hill.

View across to the Gribbin Head

And, at last, the photo I took for this blog's heading :

Photo I used for this Blog's heading

After having had our fill of the views from St.Saviour's Hill we made our way back down to sea level and had a quick look at the remains of Polruan Castle.

Polruan Castle

The castle is a Blockhouse and was erected in the 15th century for the defence of the harbour. It was linked by a large chain with a similar Blockhouse on the Fowey side of the river. The chain could be raised to stop unwanted ships entering the harbour - and was last used way back in 1666.

Inside Polruan Castle

So, it was then back to Fowey by the same small ferry boat. The photo below shows the view of arriving back in Fowey.

Approaching Fowey

Looe, Cornwall On A Cloudy Day

Yesterday's Post featured Polperro. Just along the coast is Looe. The photo was taken on a cloudy day, just before the rain arrived. But people still looked for treasures along the beach.

Walking The South West Coast Path Into Polperro, Cornwall

A few photos walking the South West Coast Path and approaching the village of Polperro.

Lots of ups and downs as we walk the coastal path. In the photo below you can just see the top of the small Polperro lighthouse at Spy House Point. Built in 1911, it is only ten feet tall but the light can be seen for eight miles. There is a track down to the lighthouse.

The path gradually starts to go downhill.

Finally we reach the outskirts of Polperro - still downhill!

At last, Polperro harbour and the tide is out. The old fishing village is like stepping back in time, with cottages clinging to the hillside - a great place to visit.

Par Sands : Photos of Beach and Surroundings

Grasses on the sand dunes at Par

We were passing Par Beach - or Par Sands as it is now known - and decided to stop so I could snap a few photos. It's not my favourite beach by any means, but many years ago we owned a couple of caravans here which we let out to holiday makers. So, in a way, the visit was to see how the area has improved.

Golden grasses are still on the sand dunes. The beach is very flat and the tide goes out quite a long way, leaving seaweed and the like behind. To the nearside of the beach the scenery is very pleasant - and it's possible to walk along the cliffs for many miles.

Par Beach, with the tide out

A few large rocks are on the far side of the beach but ...

Rocks on the beach

... unfortunately, also on the far side of the beach is a clay factory, though it is reasonably hidden.

Clay works at the far end of the beach 

The beach is a favourite with dog walkers at this time of year.

Dog walkers on the beach

There are many holiday caravans and a few chalets at the back of  the beach. All very neat and tidy - and far superior to the ones we used to let out. Times have changed, holidaymakers expect much more nowadays.

Caravans at Par Sands

Par Beach has it's own lake with geese, ducks, swans and other birds

Seagull on watch at the lake

Children enjoy feeding the ducks here, but the swans and geese can be a little overwhelming for small tots.

Geese, ducks and other birds at the lake

Chalets at Par are on the far side of the lake and some overlook the water, again all very neat and tidy.

Chalets at Par Sands