Old Town, Isles of Scilly

Article By: Dan Hill

a year ago

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Nature-Beach Settlement-Town

As we walked east along the coastal path from Peninnis Head, we came to a sandy cove, a stone church and the sound of school children playing at Five Islands School during their break time. We'd arrived at Old Town, the oldest settlement on the island of St. Mary's. Back in the medieval ages, it was here in Old Town (formerly "Porth Ennor) that the administrative capital of the Isles of Scilly lay. The natural harbour here sheltered boats way before the harbour at Hugh Town was conceived. Also of medieval origin is Ennor Castle - the remnants of which remain on a knoll at Old Town. Walking along the coast path, we looked down onto the rocks below and saw sea gulls feasting on a dead dolphin that had washed ashore. Perhaps it was once part of the pod of dolphins that we had seen from the Scillonian III as we sailed over from Cornwall. Just to the east of Old Town lies the main airport for the Isles of Scilly: St. Mary's Airport. The Skybus plane ferries passengers to here from Land's End airport on the Cornish mainland. Also residing within Old Town are two cafés and The Old Town Inn pub. Former UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson is buried in the church yard in Old Town.