Cornwall has its fair share of old chapels and churches, but in Roche is a particularly unique example. Perched on a 66-foot granite rock is the remains of a medieval castle. Dedicated to St Michael, this is the most recognisable of its kind in the county, posing a striking figure in the centre of the town.
The lower floor would have been accommodation of a chaplain, while the chapel was in another room above, accessed via stairs built into the rock itself.
First built in 1409, this chapel is surrounded by plenty of mystery. Folklore says that it was once inhabited by a wide range of individuals, including a hermit and his daughter, a family plagued by leprosy, a sinner trying to escape the devil and by medieval legends Tristan and Isolde.
Access is free to anyone. It is possible to climb the rock into the chapel remains, but this is very a small metal ladder, so be careful.
There is no official parking, although there is some permissive parking in the football club (just check this is still in place during your visit).
Altasobscura (2021) Roche Rock Hermitage. Available at: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/roche-rock-hermitage (Accessed: 2 April 2021).
Historic England (2021) Medieval chapel of St Michael’s on Roche Rock. Available at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1006664 (Accessed: 2 April 2021).