Chapel Island facts for kids
Spit of Chapel Island
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 Chapel Island
Location in South Lakeland
Chapel Island
Location in Morecambe Bay
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Morecambe Bay |
| Coordinates | 54°10′27″N 3°02′30″W / 54.1741°N 3.0416°W |
| Archipelago | British Isles |
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United Kingdom
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| County | Cumbria |
Chapel Island is a small, rocky island in Morecambe Bay, England. It's made of limestone and sits in the Leven estuary. The island is less than one mile (1.6 km) from the shore at Bardsea.
It's part of the Islands of Furness in Cumbria. Historically, this area was known as "Lancashire north of the sands." Chapel Island is about 450 yards (410 m) long and 100 yards (91 m) wide. Its total area is around 7.5 acres (3.0 hectares).
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What's in a Name?
Chapel Island wasn't always called that. In 1593, it was known as Harlesyde Isle. It got its current name in 1795. This name was given by Mrs. Radcliffe in her book, 'Tour of the Lakes'.
A Place of Prayer and Shelter
In the 1300s, monks called Augustinian canons lived nearby. They built a small chapel on the island. This chapel was for travelers and fishermen. It was a safe spot for those crossing Morecambe Bay. The island was on an old path from Cartmel to Conishead. Travelers caught by the tide could find shelter there. People believed the chapel was a place for prayers with travelers.
Over time, the crossing route changed. In 1843, it was noted that the path went south of the island.
The Chapel's Ruins
Sadly, nothing is left of the original chapel today. In 1774, Thomas West wrote that its ruins were still visible.
In 1821, Colonel Thomas Richard Gale Braddyll started building the modern Conishead Priory. He wanted a nice view from his new priory. So, he built a fake old ruin on Chapel Island. This "mock ruin" is sometimes mistaken for the real chapel's remains.
Life on the Island
There was also a small cottage on Chapel Island. It was likely built in the early 1800s. Fishermen lived there, probably with permission from the Priory's owner.
In 1851, Thomas Benson, a sailor, lived there with his family. By 1861, Edward Barker, a fisherman, lived there with his family. Later, his sons lived there and worked as quarrymen. They probably worked at a quarry on the Conishead estate. The cottage is now also a ruin.
Railway Dreams
In 1837, a famous engineer named George Stephenson had an idea. He thought Chapel Island could be a railway station. He was looking for easier routes for the main railway line. The current route over Shap Fell is very hilly.
Stephenson's idea was to build a railway across Morecambe Bay. It would go from Lancaster to Morecambe. Then it would cross the sands to Humphrey Head. Finally, it would cross the Leven Estuary to Furness. This plan involved building raised paths on the sands.
Shipwreck Story
On October 6, 1858, a ship called the Delight ran aground. This happened on the rocks near Chapel Island. The ship was carrying iron ore. Sadly, the ship's captain was lost in this accident.
Chapel Island in Poetry
The famous poet William Wordsworth mentioned Chapel Island. He wrote about it in his long poem, The Prelude, Book Tenth. He describes seeing a small, rocky island. On it were the remains of an old chapel. He imagined a priest saying prayers there for travelers.
Wordsworth describes a busy scene near the island. Many people were crossing the shallow waters of the bay. He wished he could paint such a cheerful scene.
Visiting Chapel Island
Chapel Island has excellent beaches. Most of the island is covered in thick brambles. You can walk to the island when the tide is low.
However, Morecambe Bay is known for its dangerous quicksand. Also, the Ulverston Channel often flows between the shore and the island. If you want to visit, only go at low tide. Always ask local people for advice before crossing. This will help you stay safe.
