Image by Iris Rainbow
Iris Rainbow Reports.
As one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks in the country, when St Michael’s Mount is mentioned, many of us invision the unique landmark that lures thousands of visitors every year to experience the rich history, sub tropicality and majesty of this place. And yes, the history is fascinating, it’s been a home to so many through the ages... but we don’t hear much about what life on the island is like to the current day.
Whilst many places in Cornwall suffer gentrification through the tourism industry and second homeowners. St Michael’s Mount is unique, a community that is responsible for that magical immersive experience when you step foot on the island.
True to its Cornish heritage with its quaint houses, ancient tales and legends, rich history and Keltic cuisine. It’s more than pasties and knowing that Jam must go first when assembling a cream tea. It’s a way of life that continues to this present day.
Preserving St Michael’s Mount’s historical and geological legacy is so important because it stands as a cultural icon shaping the identity of Cornwall for centuries. With it’s celebrated folklore and history, the island encapsulates fortitude, faith and family lineage. There’s a reason why so many visit and keep returning, this place is kept alive with it’s lasting Cornish community.
This island has lived many lives from being an ancient trading post for tin to it’s undeniable name for being steeped in folklore and legends, though now, it has taken on a different purpose, and that’s one of admiration and preservation, people want to know what it is all about, and who better to tell them than the islanders themselves.
999 year lease:
In 1954, Francis St Auybn – the third lord St Levan – gave most of St Michael’s Mount to the National Trust, along with a large endowment fund for it’s upkeep. Within this agreement, he retained a 999 year lease for generations of his family to live in the castle and run this visitor business under the National Trust.
Living in castle to this present day are James and Mary, also know and as Lord and Lady St Levan.
James and Mary’s happily hold responsibility in maintaining our Cornish community and this unique and vibrant way of life that keeps the magic of the island alive whilst also educating community groups and schools of West Cornwall through a learning hub funded by the St Aubyn Foundation, a charitable programme that supports initiatives that make a difference in the local community.
Why do people that work on the island stay on the island?
The nature of this partnership supports community life on the island. Families live there permanently, with everyone having a role, such as the boatmen, the head gardener and the castle steward.
With less access to the mainland, us islander's responsibilities encompass other roles too; our boatmen aren’t just boatmen, they are postmen, firefighters, medically trained builders and all sorts of other things, you name it, us islanders have it covered.
Whether you arrive via the ancient causeway when the tide is low, or by ferryboat when the causeway is closed, you’re sure to come across one the islanders; Josh in the boatshed, Holly in the restaurant, Darren in the gardens, or me, often writing my diary in a sunny spot (if there is one).
When opening hours come to an end, us islanders get back to our usual antics. The friendly greetings over the granite wall to our next-door neighbor and fellow boatman Steve, the crackle of the radio when tom receives a message from the Changehouse informing him that there are “two adults, three children and one hound” booked on for the 6pm amphi-craft home, the messages in the island group chat telling us that there are dolphins in the bay, so I run out in whatever random attire I’ve got on to catch a glimpse whilst Derek hands me his binoculars and points them out for me “there over ere look”. It’s magic, and we wouldn’t have it any other way, this is a community like no other, it’s lending a helping hand, it’s friendship, it is Cornish, it’s one big island family.
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