The site of an early medieval chapel and burial ground known as Keeill Crore, thought to have been in use between AD500 and AD1000. The name is thought to be derived from the keeill (chapel) of Crore or Crogh i.e. 'Cruimthir' - priests. Nothing now remains but the site is marked by a little triangular plot below the road by the side of Glion Keeill Crore stream. It was formerly part of the Bishop's Barony.
The site of an early medieval keeill or chapel known as Keeill Crump is thought to be at this location by the highroad, opposite the entrance to Ballakelly in the Treen of Leodest.
Medieval chapel and burial ground. The site lies in a slight valley and consists of a subrectangular enclosure measuring 27 by 20m surrounded by a substantial bank. The interior of the enclosure is raised to a more level profile than the surround land, which falls eastwards towards a stream gully, and is planted with trees. The site was investigated by the Manx Archaeological Survey in 1908.
The chapel measures just 4 by 3m internally, and has a door placed unusually towards the east end of the south wall. The turf-capped walls survive to a height of 1.2m above the floor, but no window openings have been recognised. Investigation of the interior by the Survey found evidence of pottery and ash, leading to the suggestion that the site had previously been used for prehistoric burials or cremations. The limited excavations of the Survey did not identify any Christian burials, but the raised nature of the substantial and well preserved enclosure implies that inhumations are present.
Medieval chapel. The site was investigated by the Manx Archaeological Survey in 1908.
The chapel measures just 4 by 3m internally, and has a door placed unusually towards the east end of the south wall. The turf-capped walls survive to a height of 1.2m above the floor, but no window openings have been recognised. Investigation of the interior by the Survey found evidence of pottery and ash, leading to the suggestion that the site had previously been used for prehistoric burials or cremations.
Medieval burial ground. The site lies in a slight valley and consists of a subrectangular enclosure measuring 27 by 20m surrounded by a substantial bank. The interior of the enclosure is raised to a more level profile than the surround land, which falls eastwards towards a stream gully, and is planted with trees. The site was investigated by the Manx Archaeological Survey in 1908.
The limited excavations of the Survey did not identify any Christian burials, but the raised nature of the substantial and well preserved enclosure implies that inhumations are present.
The conjectured site of an early medieval keeill or chapel. This is based on the discovery of a feature described by a Mr Lowey as a 'narrow grave, flagged above and below and at the sides' in the field shown as Plot No. 1090 on the 1870 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map. It was interpreted as a Christian lintel grave which was likely to be associated with the site of a keeill, but may be a Bronze Age burial site (now recorded as PRN 0595.00).
The conjectured site of an early medieval keeill or chapel. This is based on the discovery of a feature described by a Mr Lowey as a 'narrow grave, flagged above and below and at the sides' in the field shown as Plot No. 1090 on the 1870 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map. It was interpreted as a Christian lintel grave which was likely to be associated with the site of a keeill, but may be a Bronze Age burial site (now recorded as PRN 0595.00).
The site of the early medieval keeill known as St Mary's Chapel, or Keeill Moirrey, which stands on a mound known as Cronk Keeillane, which is is thought to be a possible tumulus or prehistoric burial mound. The site consists of a grass covered mound 24.0 metre in diameter and 1.6 metre high with no surrounding ditch but which is apparently raised upon a natural mound. The northeast portions have been destroyed by a road and no trace of the chapel or burial ground enclosure remains but it seems likely that the upper mound is substantially the remains of a bowl barrow.
The outline of the Chapel was still traceable, and numerous stone-lined graves were found, when the public road was constructed through the burial ground. The enclosure was described as measuring "80-50 feet" and "probably twice as large originally". Lintel graves, which were certainly Christian, were exposed when the road was cut and similar ones ploughed up 100 metres to the west-southwest. Oswald stated that at one time a foundation of stone walls existed but these have long been removed. Graves have been identified for over 50 metres around the barrow. Cartloads of human remains were reportedly exposed and buried again at the foot of the ridge. All graves were parallel, lying on an east-southeast to west-northwest alignment.
At a lower level than the lintel graves, it was reported that larger stone cists were seen containing human remains. The fact they contained inhumations with an absence of pottery, suggested that this site had been a burial place in the Neolithic.
Medieval chapel and burial ground, holy well.
The Ordnance Survey First Edition 1:2500 map records 'Chapel Gate, Site of St Mary's Chapel & Burial Ground (Keeill Moirrey) at SC20836806, without a marker defining the site. The chapel dedication gives its name to the moden settlement of Port St Mary. The Manx Archaeologyical Survey (1968) notes that Speed's map of the Isle of Man, publised in 1605 (surveyed by Durham in 1595) includes a conventional pictogram labelled 'Chappell' on the shore of 'Portell Morrey' which would appear to indicate the keeill-site. The Survey draws a comparison with Keeill Catreeney (PRN 0028), suggesting that the chapel must have stood close to the shore; no physical remains, however, have ever been recorded.
A description of the site by Prof Sir John Rhys recorded in 1894 states that stones from graves were used as flagstones in the construction of a house: this would appear to be the property 'Chapel Gate' at SC2091568054. Rhys was told that 'The inscribed side of the tombstones is said to be mostly undermost; in any case there is no doubt about the burial ground, seeing that plenty of men still living remember the bones exposed on the declivity.' The Survey records that no inscriptions were found when the stones were lifted and re-used in 1964.
The Survey also examined a photograph dated c1882 which showed 'Chapel Gate' under construction and stones visible on the slope below at c SC20946806, and draws the conclusion that these must be exposed lintel graves. A photograph in the Manx National Heritage collections (MNH/PG/10288) taken a few years later likewise shows stones on the slope centred c SC2094568025. Development in the 1920s resulted in the remodelling and landscaping of the slope below Bay View Road, since when no graves have been observed. A major landslip in 2010, and subsequent engineering works to stabilise the slope, likewise did not result in any graves being noted. Graves have, however, been observed during drainage works under Bay View Road itself, adjacent to 'Chapel Gate' cottage at c SC20916804 in c1930, and during the development in c1910 of buildings at the lower end of Victoria Road, c SC20886805.
A well, variously known as Chibbyr Moirrey and the Lady's Well, issued from near the foot of the slope of Castle Bay a little to the east of the Chapel Gate area, and was marked by the OS at SC2095068100. Its name establishes a clear connection with the chapel and burial ground. It has now been piped under a footpath and forms a wishing well around 10m to the east.
The site of the early medieval keeill known as St Mary's Chapel, or Keeill Moirrey, stands on a mound known as Cronk Keeillane, which is thought to be a possible tumulus or prehistoric burial mound. The site consists of a grass covered mound, 24.0 metre diameter and 1.6 metre high, with no surrounding ditch and which sits upon a natural mound. The northeast portions have been destroyed by a road and no trace of the chapel or burial ground enclosure remains but it seems likely that the upper mound is the remains of a bowl barrow.
The site of the early medieval keeill known as St Mary's Chapel, or Keeill Moirrey, stands on a mound known as Cronk Keeillane, which is is thought to be a possible tumulus or prehistoric burial mound. The site consists of a grass covered mound, 24.0 metre diameter and 1.6 metre high, with no surrounding ditch and which sits upon a natural mound. The northeast portions have been destroyed by a road and no trace of the chapel or burial ground enclosure remains but it seems likely that the upper mound is the remains of a bowl barrow.
The outline of the Chapel was still apparent, and numerous stone-lined graves were found, when the public road was constructed through the burial ground. The enclosure was described as measuring "80-50 feet" and "probably twice as large originally". Lintel graves which were certainly Christian were exposed when the road was cut and similar ones ploughed up 100 metres to the west-southwest. Oswald stated that at one time a foundation of stone walls existed but these have long been removed. Graves have been identified for over 50 metres around the barrow. Cartloads of human remains were reportedly exposed and buried again at the foot of the ridge. All graves were parallel, lying on an east-southeast to west-northwest alignment.
At a lower level than the lintel graves, it was reported that larger stone cists were seen containing human remains. The fact of inhumation and the absence of pottery, as well as the description of these older graves, suggest that this site had been a burial place in the Neolithic.
Medieval burial ground.
The Ordnance Survey First Edition 1:2500 map records 'Chapel Gate, Site of St Mary's Chapel & Burial Ground (Keeill Moirrey) at SC20836806, without a marker defining the site.
Subsequent finds and observations of evidence for graves have been made on a number of occasions.
Medieval burial ground.
The Ordnance Survey First Edition 1:2500 map records 'Chapel Gate, Site of St Mary's Chapel & Burial Ground (Keeill Moirrey) at SC20836806, without a marker defining the site.
The Manx Archaeological Survey (1968) examined a photograph dated c1882 which showed 'Chapel Gate' under construction and stones visible on the slope below at c SC20946806, and drew the conclusion that these must be exposed lintel graves.
Medieval burial ground.
The Ordnance Survey First Edition 1:2500 map records 'Chapel Gate, Site of St Mary's Chapel & Burial Ground (Keeill Moirrey) at SC20836806, without a marker defining the site.
The Manx Archaeological Survey (1968) examined a photograph dated c1882 which showed 'Chapel Gate' under construction and stones visible on the slope below drawing the conclusion that these must be exposed lintel graves.
A photograph in the Manx National Heritage collections (MNH/PG/10288) taken a few years later likewise shows stones on the slope centred c SC2094568025. Development in the 1920s resulted in the remodelling and landscaping of the slope below Bay View Road, since when no graves have been observed. A major landslip in 2010, and subsequent engineering works to stabilise the slope, likewise did not result in any graves being noted.
Medieval burial ground.
The Ordnance Survey First Edition 1:2500 map records 'Chapel Gate, Site of St Mary's Chapel & Burial Ground (Keeill Moirrey) at SC20836806, without a marker defining the site.
Graves have, however, been observed during drainage works under Bay View Road itself, adjacent to 'Chapel Gate' cottage at c SC20916804, in c1930.
Medieval burial ground.
The Ordnance Survey First Edition 1:2500 map records 'Chapel Gate, Site of St Mary's Chapel & Burial Ground (Keeill Moirrey) at SC20836806, without a marker defining the site.
Graves were, however, observed during the development in c1910 of buildings at the lower end of Victoria Road, c SC20886805.
Medieval chapel.
The Ordnance Survey First Edition 1:2500 map records 'Chapel Gate, Site of St Mary's Chapel & Burial Ground (Keeill Moirrey) at SC20836806, without a marker defining the site. The chapel dedication gives its name to the moden settlement of Port St Mary.
The Manx Archaeologyical Survey (1968) notes that Speed's map of the Isle of Man, publised in 1605 (surveyed by Durham in 1595) includes a conventional pictogram labelled 'Chappell' on the shore of 'Portell Morrey' which would appear to indicate the keeill-site.
The Survey draws a comparison with Keeill Catreeney (PRN 0028), suggesting that the chapel must have stood close to the shore; no physical remains, however, have ever been recorded.
An early medieval cross slab was found at Keeill Moirrey in 1925. Its measurements are recorded as "36 inch x 17 inch x 1.75 inch". It is now kept at the Manx Museum (Accession No. 1954-1781). This is probably the cross which had at one time served as a lintel in a cow shed and recorded as having been buried for witchcraft.
Medieval holy well.
The Ordnance Survey First Edition 1:2500 map records 'Chapel Gate, Site of St Mary's Chapel & Burial Ground (Keeill Moirrey) at SC20836806, without a marker defining the site. The chapel dedication gives its name to the moden settlement of Port St Mary. The Manx Archaeologyical Survey (1968) notes that Speed's map of the Isle of Man, publised in 1605 (surveyed by Durham in 1595) includes a conventional pictogram labelled 'Chappell' on the shore of 'Portell Morrey' which would appear to indicate the keeill-site. The Survey draws a comparison with Keeill Catreeney (PRN 0028), suggesting that the chapel must have stood close to the shore; no physical remains, however, have ever been recorded.
A well, variously known as Chibbyr Moirrey and the Lady's Well, issued from near the foot of the slope of Castle Bay a little to the east of the Chapel Gate area, and was marked by the OS at SC2095068100. Its name establishes a clear connection with the chapel and burial ground. It has now been piped under a footpath and forms a wishing well around 10m to the east.
The site of an early medieval keeill or chapel and burial ground, thought to have been in use from circa A.D. 500 to A.D. 1000 and known as Keeill Oran. Gill copied an entry from the Ordnance Survey's Object Name Book (destroyed in 1940) recording that at this site the foundations of an old chapel and many stone-lintel graves had been discovered by William Taggart, the then tenant of Pooillvaaish Farm. At the time of the survey, however, there were no visible remains on the ground, but the eminence could be seen from other parts of the field. The ascription of this keeill-site to St Oran - possibly St Odhran of Latteragh is postulated by Kneen. The site was visited by J.R. Bruce in 1963-65. Beyond the slight natural rise in the ground there are no surface indications now visible. The land has been well-cultivated for many years.
The site of an early medieval keeill or chapel and burial ground, thought to have been in use from circa A.D. 500 to A.D. 1000 and known as Keeill Oran. Gill copied an entry from the Ordnance Survey's Object Name Book (destroyed in 1940) recording that at this site the foundations of an old chapel and many stone-lintel graves had been discovered by William Taggart, the then tenant of Pooillvaaish Farm. At the time of the survey, however, there were no visible remains on the ground, but the eminence could be seen from other parts of the field. The ascription of this keeill-site to St Oran - possibly St Odhran of Latteragh is postulated by Kneen. The site was visited by J.R. Bruce in 1963-65. Beyond the slight natural rise in the ground there are no surface indications now visible. The land has been well-cultivated for many years.
Medieval chapel and burial ground. The name of the site means 'St Patrick's chapel on the ridge', which exactly describes its location. The site was investigated by the Manx Archaeological Survey (1910), before which the site had the appearance of a mound of some 18m, rising to between 1.3 and 1.7m. The position of the chapel itself was already apparent, and had been identified by the Ordnance Survey some forty years earlier.
The Survey's excavation found the chapel to measure 5.5 by 2.9m internally, with walls averaging 1m high and thick. The chapel was orientated ENE-WSW. The exterior faces of the 'north' and 'east' walls were particularly ruinous. The doorway was in the 'wes't gable, but no evidence for windows was recognised. Remains of the base of the altar survived, indicating a structure 1.2m wide and 0.6m deep. There was almost no evidence for paving on the floor, except for a few slabs of stone.
Three burials in lintel graves were found about 0.3m below the floor level. Graves have been reported 25m north-east of the mound and a similar distance to the west as a result of agricultural activity, and highway works have also historically revealed burials to the west of the chapel.
During excavation several layers of burnt red and ashy material were found above the floor within the chapel, leading to the Survey to suggest that it may have had a thatched roof which was destroyed by fire.