The Flat Holm Project
Flat Holm - 23/6/18
Lying approximately 4 miles from Lavernock Point, Vale Of Glamorgan is the wonderful island of Flat Holm, which is the most southerly point in Wales. It was my first visit to the island and I was lucky enough to share it with my dad as a special father's day treat. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, If you have a interest in local history/archaeology or you just enjoy an adventurous walk, then this is the place to go and visit.
Standing proudly over the island is the impressive historic lighthouse, which was finally constructed in 1737 after many failed proposals. Over the years it’s seen various modifications, and it became fully automated in 1988.
In 1860, under the direction of Lord Palmerston the island was fortified along with Steep Holm, Breen Down, Lavernock Point and Nell’s Point. All of which became known as the Palmerston Forts, designed to protect the channel from the French Navy. Today on the island you can find remains of four battery sites - Castle Rock Battery, Farm House Battery, Well battery and Lighthouse Battery, all of which give a fascinating insight to the island’s war time history. The stone barracks, which still stand today were built in 1869 originally to sleep 50 men, but are now used for educational purposes.
Also on the Island are the remains of the old Isolation Hospital that was built in 1896 for suspected cholera patients, which consisted of two six-bed wards, a laundry building and a wooden crematorium and other small out buildings. The Ministry of Health condemned the Sanatorium in 1935 and it has remained derelict ever since. It’s the only unaltered example of a Victorian isolation hospital uniquely sited on a British Offshore Island within the U.K
In 1995 the county council agreed to obtain Flat Holm from the Crown Estate. The island is now managed by Cardiff Council as The Flat Holm Project and is designated as a local nature reserve, site of special scientific interest and a special protection area. It’s home to a number of rare plants, such as rock sea-lavender and wild leek. The wild leek can grow up to 6 ft and Flat Holm is one of only five places in the UK where it is found!
