History - Lundy Island

Historic Lundy Island has tales of pirates, Kings, shipwrecks, Civil War and maritime history. experienceDevon’s tailor made itineraries take you into this history where you can experience the Island’s heritage and all its intrigue.

Lundy Island, England’s only statutory Marine Nature Reserve due to its unique flora and fauna, lies 11 miles off the north Devon Coast where the Atlantic meets the Bristol Channel and with nothing between it and America. The Island is protected nationally as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is managed by the Landmark Trust, on behalf of the National Trust.

The history of Lundy stretches back to the Neolithic period, with evidence of visitation or occupation from this period and onward. It is peppered with tales of Vikings, pirates and intrigue. The name Lundy is believed to come from the old Norse word for "puffin island", or as an alternative explanation ‘Lund’ referring to a copse, or wooded area.  According to the genealogist, Edward MacLysaght, the surname Lundy is from Norman de la Lounde, a name recorded in medieval documents. King Henry 111 built the castle on the Island in the 13th century, to establish the law after capturing William de Marisco, who had built a stronghold there.
A period of anarchy followed, with English and foreign pirates and privateers taking control of the island for short periods, capturing the many passing Bristol merchant ships bringing back valuable goods from overseas. Ships were forced to navigate close to Lundy because of the shingle banks and 32 feet tide in the River Severn and Bristol Channel.

In the 17th century Barbary pirates occupied Lundy and in the Civil War the Island was held for King Charles 1. The late 18th and early 19th centuries were years of lawlessness, with shiploads of convicts bound for Virginia being diverted to Lundy.
William Hudson Heaven purchased Lundy in 1834, as a summer retreat and for the shooting. He was succeeded by his son the Reverend Hudson Grosset Heaven, who was able to fulfill his life's ambition of building a stone church on the island. St Helena's was completed in 1896, and stands today as a lasting memorial to the Heaven period.With the outbreak of World War I, matters deteriorated seriously, and in 1918 the Hudson family sold Lundy to Augustus Langham Christie. In 1924, the Christie family sold the island to Martin Coles Harman, who proclaimed himself a King. Harman issued two coins of Half Puffin and One Puffin value, nominally equivalent to the British halfpenny and penny, resulting in his prosecution under the United Kingdom's Coinage Act of 1870. The House of Lords, found him guilty and he was fined. The coins were withdrawn and became collectors' items.

Lundy was put up for sale in 1969 and Jack Hayward, a British millionaire purchased the island. He gave it to the National Trust, who leased it to the Landmark Trust, who still manage it today.

Geologically, Lundy is predominantly granite rock, rising 400 feet out of the Atlantic Ocean. The waters, warmed by south western currents, support a huge array of marine life. Lundy Island is a haven for wildlife and the nature reserve can boast the biggest seabird colony in the south of England, an important stop off point for migratory birds. There are about 35 different species of bird that breed on the Island from ravens to wrens. However, most people associate it with puffins.There is a variety of coastal habitats above the water line, with plants such as the unique Lundy cabbage, ferns, rare lichens and heather and wildflowers growing there. Lundy is home to a range of unusual mammals, almost all introduced, including a distinct breed of wild pony, the Lundy Pony. Other species which have made the island their home include the Grey Seal, Sika Deer, Pygmy Shrew, feral goats, rabbits and Soay Sheep.

There are two ways of getting to Lundy, depending upon the season of travel. During the summer months (April to October) visitors are carried on the MS Oldenburg, which sails from both Bideford and Ilfracombe, taking on average two hours. During the winter months, (November to March) the Oldenburg comes out of service, and the island is served by a scheduled helicopter service from Hartland Point.