Scilly, Isles of (pop. 2,054), lie in the Atlantic Ocean off the English coast, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Land’s End, Cornwall. This group of approximately 150 islands has a total area of about 6 square miles (16 square kilometers). The Isles of Scilly also form a unitary authority (local government area).
Only five of the islands are inhabited. St. Mary’s, the largest island, has a small museum devoted to Scillonian history and natural history. Tresco, the second largest island, has bleak and wild scenery in the north, while its southern side is lush and tropical. Tresco Abbey is surrounded by colorful gardens. St. Martin’s, the third largest island, has beautiful beaches. Bryher is a small island with imposing cliffs on its north coast. St. Agnes is a tiny remote island reached by boat from St. Mary’s.
The Isles of Scilly form an area of outstanding natural beauty. Helicopter and steamer services operate to Scilly from Penzance, in Cornwall.
Economy.
Flower growing, favored by warm summers and mild winters, is the main feature of the islands’ economy. Many people also specialize in growing potatoes and broccoli. Other industries are tourism, and lobster and crab fishing.
History.
People have lived on the Isles of Scilly since Bronze Age times. Tin mining began during the Roman period and lasted until 1878. In the 1100’s, Benedictine monks set up a priory on Tresco. Up to the 1400’s, the islands suffered frequent pirate raids. In the late 1500’s, the islands were fortified against attack by the Spaniards. Life was hard for the Scillonians up to the 1800’s. Augustus Smith, who became lord proprietor of the Isles of Scilly in 1834, brought improvements in education to the islands. Then, with the introduction of the flower industry to the islands, the Scillonians began to achieve some prosperity.
