Hello Terry. What a wonderful place to be working. I know the owner is committed to keeping the temple in good repair, which is great news.

I’m currently working on Holme Island. Have photos of the temple

Yes Sam. Mr. Scholes purchased it from my gran in 1967 and is still there.

Hello Sam. Thanks for this, it’s always good to receive new information.

My father in law lived at Arnside and on one of his ordinance survey maps of the area he has noted the island belonging to a Mr Richard Scholes.

It was absolute idyllic. We went out after breakfast and were free to go where we liked. I particularly remember the old house that had been bombed and still had an old bike lean8ng against the fireplace. I so wanted to look around. It was always known by our family as the stepping stones due to the pond, filled with newts and water lilies you could walk across. Also went blackberry picking there. Also the putting green and watching the trains go by. Magical place. And of course the lido. Feel very nostalgic. I wonder why there aren’t more pictures of what is on the island considering a few families have lived there. Would love to see more. Thanks for sharing.

Hello Beverly. I hadn’t heard that story. The waters and sands of Morecambe Bay are fascinating (and treacherous). Pleased you have happy memories of the area.

We used to spend all our summers in Grange in the 60’s and 70’s as my Nanna lived there. I was always fascinated by the island and longed to go there. My mum always said that when the family built the causeway to drive there from the mainland it affected the tides. And this is why there was no sand anymore. I don’t know how correct that was.

Hello Claire and thanks for getting in touch with this very welcome extra information. I have updated the post with the information about the Italian craftsmen and the wonderful photo of the painted dome which you have kindly shared.

Interesting article about the early history of the Island. It was originally given as a Shooting Box to reward Sir John Harrington for killing the Last Wolf in England.
It is my understanding that 7 Italian craftsmen were brought over to construct the Temple.
Around 1860 it was the home of Alexander Brogden who built the Furness Railway, which you have to cross to access the Island.
During the 2nd World War it was occupied by the Women’s Royal Air Force.
Around 1947 my Grand Parents purchased it and owned the estate for 20 years till 1967 when the current owner bought it from my Grand Mother.
I have a photo of the inside of the folly but others sadly were thrown away..