The Mewstone from Wembury Point, S. Devon
A distinctive feature visible from Wembury Beach is the Mewstone, a triangular island which is currently uninhabited. In the past it has been host to a prison and a private home, as well as a refuge for local smugglers. Its most infamous resident was Sam Wakeman who avoided transportation to Australia in favour of the cheaper option of transportation to the Mewstone, where he was interned for 7 years. After his internment he remained on the island, paying his rent by supplying rabbits for the Manor House table. It is said Sam Wakeman is responsible for carving the rough stone steps to the summit of the Mewstone.
The island was painted several times by J M W Turner. The Mewstone and Little Mewstone is now a bird sanctuary and access is not permitted to visitors.
The Mewstone from Wembury Point, S. Devon
A distinctive feature visible from Wembury Beach is the Mewstone, a triangular island which is currently uninhabited. In the past it has been host to a prison and a private home, as well as a refuge for local smugglers. Its most infamous resident was Sam Wakeman who avoided transportation to Australia in favour of the cheaper option of transportation to the Mewstone, where he was interned for 7 years. After his internment he remained on the island, paying his rent by supplying rabbits for the Manor House table. It is said Sam Wakeman is responsible for carving the rough stone steps to the summit of the Mewstone.
The island was painted several times by J M W Turner. The Mewstone and Little Mewstone is now a bird sanctuary and access is not permitted to visitors.