ST. MARTIN’S, which is situated about three miles eastward of St. Mary’s, appears from the remains of the numerous enclosures which intersect it in various places, to have been formerly well cultivated, and it would in all probability have been entirely deserted, had not Mr. Thomas Ekines, a respectable merchant of these islands, encouraged some people to settle here about a century ago. This gentleman likewise caused a tower and spire to be erected on it, as a land mark to seamen passing this part of the channel. The inhabitants chiefly consist of between 30 and 40 families, who are mostly related to each other, and much attached to the place. They have also a church, the service of which is performed by the minister appointed by the same Society, who also officiates at Trescow and Bryher. Borlase has noticed a druidical circle on this island; and from the several _barrows_ which are also to be seen, concludes that not only this, but most of the other islands were in former ages very populous, and the lands much cultivated. “The barrows,”says that learned writer, “were all constructed in one manner; the outer ring is composed of large stones pitched on end, and the heap within consists of smaller stones, clay, and earth, mixed together: they have generally a cavity of stone work in the middle, covered with flat stones; but the barrows are of various dimensions; and the cavities, which, being low, and covered with rubble, are scarcely apparent in some, consist of such large materials in others, that they make the principal figure in the whole monument.” Although he had several of them opened, nothing of any consequence was discovered. TRESCOW, which is situated two miles south-west of St. Mary’s, is only about half the size of that island; although _Leland_ describes it as the largest of the whole cluster. It is, however, chiefly remarkable for having once possessed a monastery, some small remains of which are to be seen in a very beautiful situation, near the borders of a lake, separated from the sea by an ever-green bank. There are also the ruins of several other buildings; but those belonging to the _Old Castle_, which are situated on an eminence overlooking the harbour are most extensive. “Some other fortifications are called _Oliver’s Castle_, _Battery_, &c., in honor of Cromwell; though that called _Oliver’s Castle_ seems to have been originally fortified many years prior to the civil wars; about the conclusion of which, these islands were seized for the king, by Sir John Grenville, who afterwards capitulated to Blake and Sir George Ascough. This event was chiefly effected through the judicious disposition of the Parliament’s forces on this island, and on Bryher; which prevented supplies being carried to St. Mary’s, where the King’s forces were concentrated.”[55]