Historically Manx ← Education & Activities

A Short History of the Isle of Man

A seven-week school course for Key Stage 2–3

7 weeks · 14 lessons Ages 9–14 · KS2–3 Free · workbooks & companion materials

This course takes students through a thousand years of Manx history, from the Norse kingdom that stretched across the Irish Sea to the island's place in the modern world. Each week includes a student workbook with source-based activities, and a companion website page with maps, photographs, and further reading.

The course is designed to be used flexibly. It can run as two lessons per week over seven weeks, or be adapted to fit different timetables. All materials are free to use in schools.

Week 1

The Kingdom and the Hill

Lessons 1–2 The Norse kingdom of Mann and the Isles. Godred Crovan and the Battle of Sky Hill. Tynwald: a thousand-year-old parliament. Available
Week 2

The Sea Kingdom and the New Lords

Lessons 3–4 The extent and end of the sea kingdom. The Stanley lordship and how the Isle of Man gained its own ruling family. Coming soon
Week 3

The Rebellion and Hango Hill

Lessons 5–6 The English Civil War on the Isle of Man. The Manx rebellion, William Christian (Illiam Dhone), and the executions at Hango Hill. Coming soon
Week 4

The Bishop and the Running Trade

Lessons 7–8 Bishop Wilson and his influence. Smuggling, trade, and the merchants who made the island prosperous. Coming soon
Week 5

Signed, Sealed and Ruined

Lessons 9–10 The Revestment Act of 1765. What Parliament did, why it mattered, and what happened to the Manx people. Coming soon
Week 6

Service and the Language

Lessons 11–12 Manx people in the Royal Navy. The decline and revival of the Manx language. Coming soon
Week 7

Recovery and a Thousand Years

Lessons 13–14 Reform, achievement, and Tynwald's millennium. Assessment and reflection. Coming soon

For teachers

Download workbooks, access lesson plans, and find teacher notes for each week of the course.

Teacher section →

About this course

This course was written by Steve Babb for use in schools on the Isle of Man and beyond. The source materials, maps, and photographs are drawn from the Historically Manx archive, which holds over 2,900 items relating to Manx history, culture, and heritage.

The course is part of the Historically Manx education programme. All materials are free for educational use.