North Rock

Island in Cornwall

England

North Rock

St Germanus' Church, Rame The Grade I listed church dates to the 13th and 15th centuries. St. Germanus, a bishop of Auxerre in Late Antique Gaul is supposed to have landed in the neighbourhood when he came to Britain to suppress the Pelagian heresy in about 429. The church underwent restoration in 1848and again in 1883–1885, the latter at the sole expense of Kenelm William Edward Edgcumbe, the 6th Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. — St Germanus' Church, Rame Credit: Richard Rogerson

North Rock is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. Situated approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Trevose Head, it is part of the Padstow Bay and lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The island is composed of rugged cliffs, measuring roughly 15 meters in height, and covers an area of approximately 0.2 hectares.

Due to its isolated location, North Rock is a sanctuary for a variety of seabird species, making it an important nesting site. Birds such as kittiwakes, razorbills, and guillemots can be observed on the cliffs during breeding seasons. In addition to its avian population, the surrounding waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including seals and dolphins.

The island's inaccessibility and hazardous conditions make it difficult for visitors to explore on foot. The rocky terrain, combined with unpredictable tides and strong currents, pose significant risks. As a result, North Rock is primarily admired from a distance, often viewed from Trevose Head or during boat trips along the coast.

North Rock holds historical significance as well. In the 19th century, it served as a navigational aid for ships entering Padstow Bay. A lighthouse was built on the island in 1867, which operated until 1984 when it was automated. The lighthouse still stands as a prominent feature, contributing to the island's unique charm and character. Today, North Rock remains an untouched and protected natural gem, attracting nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers who appreciate its unspoiled beauty.

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North Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.334546/-4.1986078 or Grid Reference SX4350. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St Germanus' Church, Rame

The Grade I listed church dates to the 13th and 15th centuries. St. Germanus, a bishop of Auxerre in Late Antique Gaul is supposed to have landed in the neighbourhood when he came to Britain to suppress the Pelagian heresy in about 429. The church underwent restoration in 1848and again in 1883–1885, the latter at the sole expense of Kenelm William Edward Edgcumbe, the 6th Earl of Mount Edgcumbe.

Richard Rogerson

Lych Gate, St Germanus' Church, Rame

As with many old lych gates, there is a bier or lych stone to rest the coffin on until the clergyman's arrival.

Richard Rogerson

Maker-With-Rame : Penlee Point

The point lies at the entrance to Plymouth Sound.

Lewis Clarke

Maker-With-Rame : Coastal Scenery

Looking across the coast at the entrance to Plymouth South, with Kingsand in the background.

Lewis Clarke

Penlee Woods

Tony Atkin

Penlee Chapel

This "seafarers chapel" at Penlee Point is actually a 19th Century folly.

Tony Atkin

Rame Church

The church is situated between the tiny village of Rame and the headland of the Rame Peninsula. I understand that the church has no mains power and is lit by candlelight for services.

Tony Atkin

Penlee Battery Nature Reserve

At the end of one of the military roads built on the Rame Peninsula are the remains of Penlee Battery, now a nature reserve. The Battery was built in the late 1800's and was used up until the end of World War Two. The overgrown and derelict buildings now make an ideal home for many types of wildlife.

Tony Atkin

Rame, near Plymouth

Rame, from the sea off the western side of the Rame peninsula.

Jacko

Rame Church

This church has an unusual 'broached spire'. It was consecrated in 1259 and is dedicated to Saint Germanus.

Tony Atkin

Fields above Penlee

Part of an old military road can be seen on the right of the photograph.

Tony Atkin

St Germanus, Rame

The front of St Germanus, parts of this candlit church date from 1259.

John Poyser

Altar Window

The stained glass window above the altar at St Germanus, the church is damp due to no electric heating.

John Poyser

Stained Glass Window

The side window at St Germanus.

John Poyser

16th.century pew

One of the oldest parts of the church.

John Poyser

Collection box

Collection box inside St Germanus.

John Poyser

Stone floor

The headstones in the aisle at St Germanus.

John Poyser

Great Britain!!!!!!!!

I like this one of a Union Jack - perhaps an identifying flag from a small vessel - now in tatters stranded helplessly on a jagged rock, its former glory drained away with no one left to salute it - which perhaps represents the state of the UK at the moment?.

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North Rock is located at Grid Ref: SX4350 (Lat: 50.334546, Lng: -4.1986078)

Unitary Authority: Cornwall

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall