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St
Michael's Mount

Marazion
is famous for the legendary St Michael's Mount, the jewel
in Cornwalls crown with its fairy-tale castle surrounded
by the tide. The name comes from the vision of St Michael seen
by local fishermen around 495 AD. An old carved stone cross offers
evidence that the Mount had been used by the religious community
since before the Norman invasion. In fact, St Michael's Mount
is thought to have been the site of a tin port in the late Iron
Age, just before the Roman Invasion. Since the Benedictine Monastery
was built in 1135AD, the Mount has been a priory, fortress, place
of pilgrimage and finally became a private home coming into the
ownership of the St Aubyn family in 1659.In 1587 the beacon signal
on the Mount was lit to warn of the approach of the Spanish Armada.
Although not successful on this occasion, in 1595 four Spanish
galleons landed two hundred men at nearby Mousehole and burned
it virtually to the ground. Newlyn and Penzance were also set
on fire, but the Spaniards were repulsed by a local fighting force
under Sir Francis Goldolphin. The Mount then held a garrison for
many years, obtaining guns and ammunition by petitions to the
Crown.On display throughout the castle are many paintings and
engravings of the Mount. Such a picturesque scene has inspired
artists through many centuries and helped the Mount become one
of the most visited National Trust properties in Britain and together
with Land's End, is probably one of the two most famous and visited
parts of the county of Cornwall.
THEY
ARE OPEN ALL YEAR
1st
April to the end of October: Monday to Friday Castle open 10.30am
to 5pm.
weekends: Most weekends during the season which includes the private
gardens.
Last admission is 3/4 before the castles closing time.
ADMISSION
Adults
6.60 Children £3.30 Family ticket £16.50
Please note National trust members must pay normal admission charges
for weekend visits as these are special charity open days.
GARDENS
The private gardens are also open by arrangement to the public
daily during April and May. These exotic sub-tropical hanging
gardens defy the elements and have much to fascinate the visitor.
Admission: £3 adults £1 Children including National Trust Members
GROUPS
By arrangement with Mrs. sandry, Manor Office, Marazion. Tel:
01736 710507 Fax: 01736 711544
BOATS
Access is by Causeway on foot at low tide: when the tide is in,
do experience a memorable trip by ferry boats. Our visitors do
enjoy this exciting journey to the historic harbour following
in the path taken by the Queen Victoria. The cost of the boats
is £1.00 per person each way and 50p each way for children
(under 15 years of age). Depending on the state of the tide, boats
leave from any of the three embarkation points on the mainland.
if the weather is inclement, information on boating conditions/arrangements
can be obtained from ringing 01736 710507 or 710265.
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