Local residents in Cornwall have scored a victory over a plan that would have made them pay steep fees to visit the island that contains the ancient castle on St Michael’s Mount, in legend once the home of the giant killed by Jack.
The castle itself, and its gardens, belong to the National Trust and have long had a fee for visitors, but there was no charge for the village and open grounds of the island, which has been a popular local spot for an excursion, a stop at a cafe and more. Last month, it was announced that the fee, £28 for adults and half that for children, would be applied to the island itself as well.
The St Auban family, the Lords St Levan, have lived in the castle, built on the ruins of a former Benedictine monastery, for nearly four centuries, originally as feudal owners, but in more recent days as leaseholders from the National Trust. They manage the property on behalf of the Trust. After waves of local protest to the Trust, the fee was withdrawn and there will be a new access system for locals.
The island is accessible by an ancient causeway that is above water only a few hours a day, and otherwise by boat.
