this era than arrived legally into the whole of the Port of London. It is claimed that the church porch roof was a handy store for the hidden contraband! With its hole and prominent outline (often likened to Queen Victoria’s head), the rock often provides the focal point for any photograph of the area. Despite being constantly battered by waves driven by the prevailing south west winds, it continues to stand tall and resolute. A local proverb sums it up: “Brave
every shock like Thurlestone Rock” Thurlestone is not only a place to visit on sunny evenings. Like the proverb, it often pays to be brave and visit the beach during a winter storm. Any cob- webs will certainly be blown away and the towering waves crashing over and through the rock are both mesmerising and memorable.
