Heysham St Patrick's Chapel Ruins and Rock Hewn Graves

The much-photographed chapel stands on a prominent rock, overlooking Morecambe Bay. The chapel dates from around 750AD and most observers can no longer see any reason to support the myth that the chapel was built by St Patrick, who actually died around 490AD.

It is thought that the chapel was built to serve a monastic community. All that remains is the south wall containing a doorway and the east wall. Close to the chapel, and chiefly south of it, are burial grounds in which 85 sets of bones were found. St Patrick’s Chapel is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is now owned by the National Trust, as are adjacent burial grounds, the Rock Hewn Graves and a part of Heysham Head. Access available at all times.

Rock Hewn Graves, adjacent St Patrick’s Chapel. The eight graves (six on the west of the chapel and two on the south east) each have a socket for a cross but the crosses, the slabs which covered the graves, and the contents, were removed many years ago. The exact age of the graves is not known but it is thought they may be of a similar date to the chapel. They form part of a Scheduled Ancient Monument (picture by Lindsey Barrow).

For more information contact the Heysham Heritage Centre on 01524 854395 or Morecambe Tourist Information Centre on 01524 582808.