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Pirates Graves, Portland

Amid the ruins of a church on the British island of Portland, a surprising symbol among the headstones.

Easton, England

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tch
What hidden tales lie buried beneath?   tch / Atlas Obscura User
Did notorious pirate Harry Paye ever pass here?   tch / Atlas Obscura User
The once proud St. Andrew’s Church.   tch / Atlas Obscura User
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Hidden from all but the most curious eyes and set back from the beautiful Church Ope Cove below, lie the ruins of St Andrews Church. 

This small church fell into disrepair long ago and sits today as safely explorable ruins surrounded by headstones dating back to the 1700s. These latter days of piracy may not be connected with the skull and crossbones adorning a number of graves — or they might.

Exploring with younger children undoubtedly raises shrieks of delight and long conversations about who might actually have been buried there.

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Know Before You Go

Access is relatively easy from the coastal path, which itself makes for a lovely walk around Portland. For a dedicated visit, you’re best-off parking at Cheyne Weares Car Park and taking the short walk down to Church Ope Cove, then up towards the Portland Museum to find the ruins. The way down and back up is steep but incredibly pleasant on a summer day.

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tch

Edited By

Dark Nebula Deluxe

Published

July 15, 2025

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