Torrington Myths and Legends

The nearest site of mythological interest to Torrington is Lundy Island which lies 12 miles off the coast of North-Devon and can be reached by boat from Bideford, 7 miles from Torrington.

In common with many other islands off the west coast of Britain, Lundy was known to the Celts as an Isle of the Dead. These Holy Islands were said to be gateways to the Other World, the Celtic place of afterlife to which the illustrious dead were ferried after death. Lundy means ‘puffin’ in Norse which is evidence of the Viking past that Lundy shares with few other parts of the West Country.

The ancient Britons seem to have believed that their Gods inhabited the islands and were served there by priestesses such as Arianrhod, Ygerne, Morgan and Elaine, names straight out of Arthurian legend.

In the Christian era, these ladies and the gods they served were displaced by monastic communities, a process which severed the islands from the Old Religion.

In the case of Lundy, legend has it that the Christian connection extends to the hidden presence on the island of a crystal walled castle in which is housed the Holy Grail itself. During more recent times Lundy island was known as the Kingdom of Heaven. However, this may have been a local joke on the rector who was called Thomas Heaven.

To really explore the Myths and Legends of the west country, you have to come and visit us. Search for the The Holy Grail yourself. Visit Lundy Island or the amazing Tintagel castle.