Transfer from the ship this morning
to ‘the jewel in Cornwall’s crown’,
St. Michael’s Mount. Arrive at the unique and
ancient harbour, which is of great historical interest
in itself.
According to ancient Roman historians, the mount was
the island of Ictis, an important centre for the Cornish
tin trade during the Iron Age. It is dedicated to the
archangel St Michael who, according to legend, appeared
here in 495AD. Following the Norman Conquest in 1066,
the invaders were struck by the similarity of the mount
to their own Mont St Michel off the Normandy coastline,
whose monks were invited to build a smaller abbey here
in Cornwall. During Henry VIIIs dissolution of the monasteries,
St Michael’s Mount was turned into a coastline
defence to protect England from feared French invasion.
In 1659, the Mount was purchased by Sir John St Aubyn
whose descendants turned the fortress into a magnificent
residence.
St Michael’s Mount is now the ancestral home
of Lord St Levan. The tour will cover the gardens and
the medieval castle, including the east wing, which
is closed to the public.
Enjoy some free time to take photographs and soak up
the scenery. There are also some wonderful shops around
the harbour area– the perfect place to buy a memento
of your day.
The lovely seaside town of Marazion is easily accessible
either by foot along the causeway (¼ mile), by
amphibious vehicle (subject to availability) or by ferry,
depending on the tides. Cross to join a coach for return
to Penzance
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