Chapel Of St Michael At Roche Rock

The Chapel of St Michael at Roche Rock is a historic chapel licensed in 1409, constructed from squared dressed granite. It resembles a three-stage tower, featuring a lower room for a chaplain and the chapel situated above. The chapel is built on the side of a massive jagged outcrop of schorl, with the floor of the lower room formed by the rock itself.

The east front displays moulded string courses, with no windows on the first stage. The second stage features a small single light with a trefoil head, complete with moulded granite jambs and a lintel with voussoirs. The third stage includes a large two-centred arched window, also with moulded jambs and a relieving arch, topped by an upper gable end. On the south side, there is a doorway to the chaplain's room, characterized by a four-centred arch and a roll-moulded surround.

Inside, the floor between the chaplain's room and the chapel has been removed. At the upper level to the north, there is a small window with a flat lintel. St Michael's Chapel is noted for its outstanding landscape value, having been chosen for its isolation and suitability for dedication to St Michael. Although it is no longer used as a chapel and lacks a roof, it has taken on the qualities of a romantic folly. The combination of the jagged rock face and the dressed granite creates an architectural unity, whether viewed as a medieval chapel or as a romantic ruin.