St Mary's

St Mary’s is the largest and most populous island in the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago off Cornwall’s south-west tip. Four small tidal islands join it at low tide, and the main settlement, Hugh Town, sits on the western shore. Old Town, Porthloo and Pelistry are smaller communities scattered across the island. The island once belonged to the Duchy of Cornwall and was sold to its residents in 1949. The late Prime Minister Harold Wilson is buried in Old Town Church’s cemetery. The island’s lifeboat station has operated since 1837, earning 26 RNLI medals for bravery. John Wesley preached here in 1743, and Cornish wrestling champion Captain James Williams White was born on the island. Telegraph Tower, built in 1814, once received wireless signals from Porthcurno across 30 miles of sea. Harry’s Walls, an unfinished artillery castle begun in 1551, overlooks Hugh Town from a hilltop. Visitors walk the coastal path past Iron Age cliff castles and the 1911 metal lighthouse at Peninnis Head. Star Castle, shaped like an eight-pointed star, stands within the Garrison’s fortification walls. Porthellick Cove holds a memorial to a shipwreck, and the island’s quiet lanes lead to sandy coves and heather-covered downs.