The small isle of St. Michael's Mount, accessible by foot when the tide is
out, has been home to a priory, castle and stately home.
Bernard of Le Bec, Abbot of Mont St. Michel in Normandy, built the
Benedictine Priory of St. Michael's Mount in 1135. There is a similarity between
the two islands, although St. Michael's Mount could never match the scale and
grandeur of Mont St. Michel, and was only ever a dependency of the Norman Abbey.
When King Henry V declared war on France in the early 15th century, he seized
St. Michael's Mount for the crown as an alien priory, and by 1424 all links
between the two priories had been broken.
Home of the St Aubyn family for 300 years, and separated from the town of Marazion
and the mainland by a 500 yard long granite causeway, it is only reachable by boat
when the tide is in.
We weren't allowed to take pictures inside, so here are a few around the
outside.
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St Michael's Mount is an island off the
southern coast of Cornwall. (61kb)
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A view from the town of Marizion. (74kb) |
Another shot as we walk down to the
boats. (84kb) |
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On the boat, heading toward the castle. (152kb) |
The vorpal bunny got there first,
bounding up the hill, because he wanted to check it out. (275kb)
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A view of the castle entrance. (225kb) |
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The coat of arms over the door into the
castle. (331kb) |
A view of the castle gardens from one of
the castle terraces. It is a LONG way down! (275kb)
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The vorpal bunny on the railing of a
terrace. (240kb) |
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A view of the small harbor and the town
of Marazion. (208kb) |
Peter and the vorpal bunny in an
observation corner of the terrace. (276kb)
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An ancient carved stone pillar top from
the chapel. (340kb) |
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Debbie on the boat, heading back to
shore. (164kb) |
The mount, again seen from the boat. (165kb) |
Debbie and the vorpal bunny sitting on
the coast. (164kb) |
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One last shot of Debbie and the vorpal
bunny before we leave St. Michael's Mount. (174kb) |
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