Helicopter lifts historic St Michael's Mount cannons for conservation work

A set of historic artillery pieces was lifted by helicopter from the tidal island of St Michael's Mount this week, beginning a carefully planned restoration programme aimed at preserving the weapons for future generations.

St Michael's Mount, a prominent landmark off the coast of Cornwall, is famed for its medieval castle, chapel and the dramatic tide‑linked causeway that draws thousands of visitors each year. The cannons, which form part of the island's defensive heritage dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, have long been exposed to the harsh sea‑air environment, accelerating corrosion and wear.

Conservation specialists assessed the condition of the guns and concluded that removal from the site was the most viable option to halt further deterioration. By transporting the heavy metalwork via helicopter, the team avoided the logistical challenges of moving the pieces over the causeway and through the narrow interior of the castle.

The operation involved a purpose‑built lift helicopter and a team of heritage engineers who secured each cannon with custom‑designed slings. Once airborne, the artillery was taken to a specialised workshop where experts will clean, stabilise and treat the metal, replace missing fittings and document the pieces in detail.

The removal is part of a broader effort to safeguard coastal historic assets that are vulnerable to the accelerating impacts of climate change. Restored, the cannons could be displayed either back on the mount once the conservation work is complete or in a nearby museum, offering visitors a tangible link to the island’s military past.

While the exact timetable for the restoration has not been disclosed, officials expect the process to take several months, after which decisions will be made about the cannons’ final placement. The project underscores the ongoing commitment of heritage bodies to protect and interpret England’s historic artillery and other at‑risk cultural treasures.