South Carn

Island in Cornwall

England

South Carn

Table laid-out for the St Agnes Coronation Street Party The “street” in this case is Old Lane. No traffic order is required to close the road here! The Island Hall on the left had tables groaning under the weight of many cakes and other treats. — Table laid-out for the St Agnes Coronation Street Party Credit: David Lally

South Carn is a small island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. Situated in the Celtic Sea, it is part of the Isles of Scilly archipelago. The island covers an area of approximately 0.5 square kilometers and has a population of less than 50 residents.

South Carn is characterized by its rugged and rocky coastline, with towering cliffs that provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding sea. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers, as the island is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can spot various seabirds nesting on the cliffs, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

The island also boasts a rich history, evident from the ruins of an ancient settlement that can be found on its southern end. These remnants offer a glimpse into the island's past, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years.

Access to South Carn is limited, with no regular ferry services available. Visitors can reach the island by chartering a boat or joining guided tours that depart from the nearby islands of St. Mary's or St. Martin's. Upon arrival, tourists can explore the island on foot, as there are no vehicles on South Carn.

Overall, South Carn offers a unique and tranquil escape for those seeking a remote and unspoiled natural environment. Its breathtaking landscapes and historical significance make it a hidden gem in the Isles of Scilly.

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South Carn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.886239/-6.3690244 or Grid Reference SV8607. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Table laid-out for the St Agnes Coronation Street Party

The “street” in this case is Old Lane. No traffic order is required to close the road here! The Island Hall on the left had tables groaning under the weight of many cakes and other treats.

David Lally

Remains of a 19th century gig-shed

On the north east edge of Per Askin. Of all the islands St Agnes as it is the most south westerly was in the best-placed to spot incoming vessels and launch a pilot-gig . Per Askin at the south west of the island would further increase the chance of getting a pilot aboard first. St Agnes pilots (typically named Hicks) would then guide the ships as far as Bristol or the south coast ports. A major source of income for the Island throughout the 19th century. A Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1009280 Link

David Lally

A stile to Browarth

A tad more conventional than 15 years ago SV8708 : Crate Based Stile.

David Lally

Two post-medieval quays

These quays are believed to have been built to land coal for the St Agnes lighthouse. For more details see the details on their Historic England listing: List Entry Number:1016512. Link

The named quay “Uncle Tom’s Quay” is the more eroded of the two but can still be discerned to the right of the picture surmounted by a herring gull.

David Lally

Refloating Elvera

This small launch is probably about 90 years old now. It's spent the winter in a nearby field undergoing "months of work" according to its owner (on the right of the picture standing on the slipway.) I expressed surprise that they had towed it down at such a low tide "You are going to let the tide float her?" "Yes, she's full of leaks".

David Lally

The St Agnes Lighthouse and attached house

From Old lane. The lighthouse is both a Grade II* listed building List Entry Number:1328835 Link

and a Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1014999 Link

The house is Grade II List Entry Number:1218288 Link

David Lally

Refloating Elvera

Taken a few minutes before SV8708 : Refloating Elvera. This shows a family group bringing an heirloom back into use. 60 years ago this little launch would take my family (weather permitting) to Catholic Mass on St Mary's when holidaying on St Agnes . It would be sailed by the father of the man on driving the tractor and grandfather of the two men at the stern of the boat.

David Lally

Refloating Elvera

Taken a minute or two after SV8708 : Refloating Elvera. See that for a bit of history.

David Lally

Old Lane

A small group of isolated cottages between the lighthouse and Periglis do not merit even a Scillonian recognition as a "Town".

David Lally

Kate's Bakes

Cake stall with honesty box and card reader. Lovely cakes!

David Lally

Traditional woven "ink pot" lobster pots

Made from tamarisk and willow harvested on the island. And laid using oar and sail.

David Lally

St Agnes orchard

Now used for cider.

David Lally

Big Pool, St Agnes

A very gloomy day, so black and white looks best. This looks across the pool (part of an SSSI) towards St Agnes Lighthouse, grade II* listed Link

. The gabled house, "quarters for lighthouse and coastguard staff", is also listed Link

Derek Harper

Troy Town Maze, St Agnes

Part of a Schedule Monument; Link

contains a long description and discussion of the maze. "Local tradition maintains that the maze was originally laid out in 1729 by Amor Clarke, a keeper of the St Agnes lighthouse ... no other pre-20th century British mazes share the cobble-defined construction of this type of pattern". The rocks shown at SV8707 : Carn on Castella Down feature beyond.

Derek Harper