Micheal Curry was executed on the 4th of September 1739, after murdering the landlord of the Three Horseshoes Inn at Old Hartley and his body was hung in chains from a gibbet at the spot near the mainland end of the causeway which has been known as Curry's Point.
Another noteable point in the history of St Mary's is New Years Day in 1861, when the "Lovely Nelly" a brig from nearby Seaham collided with a submerged reef and began to sink. The coastguardsmen were called, who rescued all but one of the crew, a cabin-boy named Thomas Thompson.
We visited at probably the best time of day near sunset with a rising tide. At low tide, the rocky shore is left exposed and offers very little in the way of foreground interest. Higher waters bring waves within easy reach of the island and lighthouse and both can be squeezed into a relatively tight frame.
We also bumped into a couple of members of South Shields camera club who we talked to for some time however it did remind me a little of the scene from 'The Life Of Brian' where the 'Campaign For Free Galilee' meet with 'The Peoples Front Of Judea'.
Again another great night with tuition, questions, answers and plenty of fresh air.
'I know I have a big head because every time I'm in a picture, it always looks like I'm really close to the camera.'