Information AboutChapel Island |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT CHAPEL ISLAND | |
| islands of furness | |
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The island lies on the oversands route between Ulverston and Lancaster . In the 14th Century Cistercian monks from nearby Conishead Priory built a small chapel on the island to serve the needs of travellers and fishermen working in the Leven fisheries. Nothing remains of the original chapel but in the 1820s Colonel R.G.Braddyll built the modern-day Conishead Priory. To enhance the view from the priory he had a mock pseudo-classical ruin built on the island. This ''chapel ruin'' is now sometimes mistaken for the remains of the original. Prior to the building of the ruin the island was known as Harlside (or Harlesyde). On 6 October 1858 the Sloop ''Delight'' of Ulverston grounded on the rocks of Chapel Island. She was carrying a cargo of Iron Ore and empties. Her master was lost in the accident. Chapel Island is referred to by William Wordsworth in The Prelude, Book Tenth . The penultimate paragraph of the books reads: As I advanced, all that I saw or felt Was gentleness and peace. Upon a small And rocky island near, a fragment stood, (Itself like a sea rock) the low remains (With shells encrusted, dark with briny weeds) Of a dilapidated structure, once A Romish chapel, where the vested priest Said matins at the hour that suited those Who crossed the sands with ebb of morning tide. Not far from that still ruin all the plain Lay spotted with a variegated crowd Of vehicles and travellers, horse and foot, Wading beneath the conduct of their guide In loose procession through the shallow stream Of inland waters; the great sea meanwhile Heaved at safe distance, far retired. I paused, Longing for skill to paint a scene so bright And cheerful, but the foremost of the band As he approached, no salutation given In the familiar language of the day, Cried, "Robespierre is dead!" nor was a doubt, After strict question, left within my mind That he and his supporters all were fallen. Excellent beaches can be found at Chapel Island. Apart from a small area at the north of the island the land is completely overgrown with an impenetrable mat of brambles. The island can be accessed on foot at low tide. However, Morecambe Bay is notorious for Quick Sand s, and the Ulverston Channel usually flows between the shore and the island. Those wishing to visit Chapel Island should not attempt the crossing at any time other than low tide and should seek local advice. |
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