Logan Rock: The 80-ton granite behemoth that "rocked" at a touch

Logan Rock is an 80-ton granite behemoth that once defied the laws of physics. As the most famous of Cornwall’s “logging” (rocking) stones, it was perfectly balanced on the cliffs above Porthcurno, legendary for the way it would sway with just a gentle nudge. 

That changed in 1824. A group of restless sailors from the Royal Navy cutter HMS Nimble, led by one Lieutenant Hugh Goldsmith, took it upon themselves to disprove the assertion that no mortal man could dislodge the rock. In a feat of misguided strength, they managed to heave the giant over the edge, watching as it tumbled down the cliffside. 

The seamen may have laughed at their cleverness, but they faced a riot from the locals. The angry townspeople banded together and forced the British Admiralty to make amends.

Logan Rock, circled in red.

Goldsmith wrote to his mother on April 24, 1824 saying,

"The Rock was so idolized in this neighbourhood. I found all Penzance in an uproar. I was to be transported at least. The newspapers have traduced me, and made me worse than a murderer, and the base falsehoods in them are more than wicked." 

The Admiralty ordered Goldsmith to return the rock to its former position at Goldsmith’s own expense. At a cost of over £130, it almost bankrupt the young lieutenant.

Hoisting the rock back up took several months just to organize the necessary equipment. According to the Royal Cornwall Gazette, on November 6, 1824 crowds of people watched the Logan Rock being hoisted back into position and a great cheer went up when it was seen to rock.​

Unfortunately, Logan Rock's easy rocking nature was lost forever and today it takes much more force to move the rock. Silly sailor boys.

The Logan Rock Inn in the nearby hamlet of Treen is a 16th century village pub that looks pretty much like it did hundreds of years ago. Cozy ambience, ancient tables and chairs, benches covered in warm faded red velvet, and fantastically delicious bone-warming soup.