52 DIGS.NET
| 12.2.22
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steep, sloping terraces and find plants
that are impossible to grow anywhere else
in the UK thriving in this "curiously mild
microclimate," describes Michell. "Despite
the gales and salty winds that you'd expect
here, frosts are a rarity and the rock acts
as a gigantic radiator—absorbing the heat
by day and releasing it at night."
Those who ascend the steep walk to the
island's summit are also rewarded with
incredible views across Mount's Bay to
the mainland and out to sea from the
castle battlements and terraces. That's
to say nothing of the view into the past,
which is as compelling as it is unavoid-
able. Here the past is always present—no
matter what rolls in with the ride. "Whether
it's religious beliefs, spiritual energies, or
simply the opportunity to take a breath
and reflect, people of all sorts are drawn
to pause and become immersed in the
uplifting atmosphere of the Mount and its
unique location and historic architecture,"
says Michell.
stmichaelsmount.co.uk
range from a rococo drawing room to an
armory and gun batteries.
The church, meanwhile, is sacred to the
spiritually vigorous St. Michael's Mount.
Witness to untold pilgrimages over the
years, it was built in the late 14th century
with stones from a predecessor erected
in 1135. Inside is a 1786 organ that Colo-
nel John Lemon—an insomniac with a
penchant for playing the instrument while
others were sleeping—sold to John St.
Aubyn at the urging of his complaining
neighbors; a 15th century Cornish stone
lantern cross; a bronze of St. Michael,
and a trio of Nottingham-made alabaster
panels, also from the 15th century.
The grounds are equally glorious. Beauti-
ful and fragile, they were designed in 1878
for Sir John St. Aubyn and his family of 11
(following an initial walled garden created
in the 1780s). From aloe
and agave to rosemary, lavender and
Lampranthus tumbling down terraces,
the landscape appears rendered by an
Impressionist's brush. Stroll among the
