The Sentinels of Lundy stand at the edge of Landing Bay. When you arrive on Lundy, they are easy to miss if you’re focused on the steep climb ahead. Two rocks, weathered and still, which rise from the shoreline. Once you notice them, it’s hard not to feel their presence.

The Sentinels – The Guardians

If you do not know of the Sentinels, below is a video of my visit. Let me Introduce you to them.

Before the Beach Road

Before the beach road was carved into the island, this stretch of coastline was more isolated. The cliffs ran uninterrupted by road, straight to the sea. They did not stand apart, separated from the cliffs by the road, instead they would have been part of the continuous edge.

Then came the Beach Road

When the Beach Road was cut. Rock was removed, the line of the land redrawn, and in that act of shaping access, these two forms were left behind. What was once connected became separate. And so they began their quiet watch over the Island. A new role as Sentinels.

The Sentinels – The Guardians at High Tide

Now they stand beside the road rather than within the cliff—set slightly apart, as if placed there with intention.

There’s something in their stance that invites a story. It’s not difficult to imagine them holding the line between sea and land. Defenders of the island against whatever might approach from the water. Pirates, unwanted visitors or maybe waiting for sailors who evade paying a landing fee!

Other Guardians

Standing by the Landing Bay, they remind me of Verity, who stands tall at the entrance to Ilfracombe Harbour. The statue depicts a pregnant woman holding aloft a sword whilst carrying the scales of justice and standing on a pile of law books. A Modern controversial statement. She watches over the comings and goings of boats, including the Oldenburg.

Or, if you have been to Watchet in Somerset, you may have seen the statue of the ancient mariner. An anguished sailor with a crossbow, clutching an albatross, overlooking the harbour.

Where Verity is bold and deliberate, the ancient Mariner brooding and muscular. The Sentinels though are quieter in their role, less seen, perhaps, but no less present.

So the Sentinels remain, not as grand monuments, but as quiet witnesses, holding the island in a kind of careful protection—allowing it to be what it is, rather than what it could be made into.

Holding their place at the edge of Lundy.

Have you ever stopped to look at the Sentinels, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments?