As my days living on Lundy draw to a close, I am revisiting some of my favourite places. Being on an island of only 28 people, it might seem ironic, that sometimes I seek out solitude. But there is a place where (if the wind is in the right direction), its just perfect for quiet reflective moments – Benjamins chair.
A short walk to Benjamin’s Chair
Rather than take the direct route from the Village to Benjamin’s chair, I often go via the Castle, then head north-west. This is a short walk steeped in history and one that feels particularly rugged and exposed. It is a walk that I have done many, many times.
If you dont know where Benjamin’s Chair is or how to get there – I have made a short video for you. Excuse the wind noise – Its Lundy!!
A Picnic with no food
Benjamin’s Chair is usually quiet—mostly only visited by those searching for the letterbox—but it carries a sense of history. The Heaven family were apparently known to picnic here. This moment was captured in a photograph, where the family sit at Benjamins Chair in their Sunday best finery, supposedly having a picnic!
If you have not seen the photograph you can see it in Paul Connolly’s book, the Humble Observatory. The book is on the Tavern shelf or you can buy your own copy in the shop. I’ve also seen the photograph hanging on the walls in some of the houses such as; Big St John’s and Millcombe.
I have taken a few guided walks where we have stopped off at the Chair and created or read poetry. One time, I took a guided walk via Benjamin’s chair and Eleanor Harris read Paul’s poem above the chair. This was a great way of connecting to history through verse (Sorry i got in the way of Eleanor’s great reading as I wanted to record it!)
Where did the name Benjamin’s Chair come from?
Suggestions are that the name Benjamin’s Chair comes from a boat called ‘The Benjamin’ which was wrecked on the rocks below. This fits with other places on the island named after shipping incidents such as; Jenny’s Cove or Montagu Steps.
However, the story I prefer Is the one where ‘Benjamin’ was said to be a copper miner who sat here on his break eating his lunch. This resonates with me as its closer to what I do when I come here —sitting, eating, reading, crocheting, sometimes just napping.
Today, though, as I sit at Benjamin’s chair, my thoughts turn to leaving this Island.
Visitors who have left their mark
As my departure approaches, I find myself reflecting not just on the landscape, but on the people who have shaped my experience here. Working in the Marisco Tavern, I’ve met an extraordinary range of visitors—people I would never have encountered otherwise.
Even now, I’m sitting here in a T-shirt gifted by one visitor, on a mat given by another. Interactions like this and the generosity and kindness of visitors, will stay with me beyond Lundy.
There are too many to name and I wouldn’t want to leave anyone out. But I have had some great times with Island visitors, who have invited me into their temporary Lundy Homes. I’ve enjoyed both breakfast and Mid-morning coffee & cake in Millcombe – warming up after several Lundy Bluetit chills swims. Iv’e been invited to sip evening gin and tonics in many Lundy Landmark properties; Old School, Old House North, Old Light Upper and Hanmers. I enjoyed a recital evening in Stoneycroft. I’ve been invited to discuss writing with a ‘soon to be’ published author at Old Light cottage. I’ve been for cream tea at Tibbets, where the host decided to do the Tibbets run whilst i was juggling my cream and jam! I’ve received free tuition on my spinning wheel at Quarters. Yoga in Millcombe Gardens and Board games Old House South.
Carrying Lundy Forward
Today, Benjamin’s Chair feels like more than just a place. It is where all these interactions settle—where memories embed themselves into the body. I realise I will leave the island, but I will carry these encounters with me, embodied in ways that are hard to fully articulate.
I keep telling myself that this isn’t an ending—but a transition.
I’ll continue walking, writing, and creating in new landscapes. And I hope you’ll continue the journey with me.
References
Connolly, P., (2020). My Humble Observatory: A Collection of Lundy Poems. Rocket Pole.