P.M.C. Kermode conjectured that there may be an early medieval chapel or keeill site in the vicinity of Alpine Lodge, Ballacurnkeil, probably based on the "keil" element of the placename.
The site of a mound at the top of the field, now ploughed out, which is thought to be a late Neolithic or early Bronze Age burial barrow. A flint scraper was retrieved from the mound and P.M.C. Kermode also recorded flints in the surrounding area. A further mound downslope at the lower end of the field maybe a natural outcrop.
Crop and soil marks have been noted by A & S Clucas whilst farming in OS Fields 1399 and 1400 / IoMG Field 414200 at various times.
The features may be related to the recovery of worked Neolithic flints from the same field.
The site of an early medieval burial ground associated with chapel or keeill is shown here on the 1869 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map. The name of the keeill is lost and the foundations of the chapel seem to have been entirely removed and the area ploughed over.
It appears that the correct site of this keeill is 50 metres to the south-east of that marked by the Ordnance Survey, being about 230 metres north-west of Beary farmstead, on the skyline as seen from the road in the glen. The position of the burial ground was proved 'some years ago' by the then proprietor of Beary Farm, Mr George Smith, who found lintel graves while ploughing in this field.
Iron Age hillfort, medieval ship burial, medieval chapel and burial ground, Mesolithic artefacts. The earliest recorded activity on the site occurred during prehistoric times, leaving a scatter of Mesolithic midden material.
The earliest identified structure, however, are the remains of a Bronze Age burial cist towards the north side of the hill. Unfortunately there are no records of finds from inside the cist and any monumental mound that may have originally been associated with it has been destroyed by later activity.
The hilltop is encircled by an earthwork, most visible at the eastern end where there appears to be an entrance. Excavation here revealed a number of postholes, which convinced the excavator that the hilltop was occupied as a prehistoric hillfort.
The earthwork was faced with a stone wall, though little of this survives. Where excavated, the amount of collapsed stone suggested it might have stood to a height of as much as 3m, creating a significant obstacle. There are gaps, however, which raise doubts over its defensive purpose and capability. The largest of these, in the north-west, may have been formed later during the use of the chapel.
At the west end of the hilltop lie the remains of a chapel, measuring 5 by 3m. The walls are low, so there are no architectural features save for a doorway towards the west end of the south wall. Excavation showed that the interior was paved with small limestone flags, and a large boulder against the eastern wall formed part of the base of an altar. The keeill was constructed on a low, almost rectangular platform, which was also paved.
Geophysical survey suggests that the platform may be associated with a buried ditch, which, together with the discovery of fragments of a Bronze Age cremation urn found buried below the floor of the chapel, is consistent with several other sites where prehistoric burial sites have been re-used during the Christian era.
The ship burial is now visible as a boat-shaped arrangement of white stones that form a kerb around a low mound. The mound was significantly larger before excavation in the 1940s, which led to an expectation that it formed part of the defences of a hillfort.
The ship survived only as a spread of 300 or so iron nails that had been used to fasten the timbers together; their layout suggests a vessel 11 metres long. Some of the stones within the burial cairn had been placed so as to support the mast or a substantial post, thus drawing further attention to the burial.
Within the ship were found the remains of a man and his grave goods. These included a bronze ring-headed pin and a gilded belt buckle. There were also iron knives, a flint strike-a-light, and an iron cauldron. The most spectacular items, however, were a collection of riding gear, including a bridle, stirrups and spurs with ornamental buckles. There was also a shield, but no sword.
The burial was completed with the cremated remains of animals representing the dead man's domestic possessions - his land and livestock - which had been sacrificed so that they could accompany him in the afterlife.
The excavations also revealed the remains of lintel graves belonging to a Christian cemetery, which had been disturbed during the burial of the ship. The damage has been interpreted as a mere accident, or as deliberate desecration but may equally have indicated an appreciation of the significance of the site and a desire to share the space.
A polished Neolithic stone axehead recovered from Balladoole. The axe is broken and its butt lost. It was 'ploughed up near the house'. There are no further details and the grid reference is centred on the farmstead.
The axehead is in the Manx National Heritage collections, accession no. 1954-0597.
A fragment of a stone axe was found in a 'field by the farm' at Balladoole in 1985. The fragment represents the butt end of what appears to be a very battered Group VI axehead, and measures 94 x 53mm.
It is not clear whether the description refers to the field to the west or to the east of the farm, so the grid reference is centred on the farmstead.
The stone is in the Manx National Heritage collections, accession no. 1985-0147.
Modern horsewalk.
The Ordnance Survey First Edition 1:2500 map of 1868 shows a horsewalk at this location.
This 19th century horse walk is unusual in having a roof and enclosing walls. The mechanism was overhead, allowing up to four horses (instead of the more usual single horse) to work the mill.
The main house consists of a large three storey 'double' roofed rectangular block with single storey wings extending parallel to the main facade on both sides. The treatment of the wings and the main facade contrast although they are in the same plane. The wings have castellated parapets or scalloped gables with semi-circular headed windows, whereas the main facade is plain with series of five window of decreasing rectangular proportions from floor to floor. The ground floor is painted white and the main entrance is marked by a modest porch projection with pitched roof reached by a short stone flight of steps. The building is constructed of masonry cement rendered. The outbuildings are extensive and include an 'Horse Walk' whose character is established by cast iron columns which form part of the open byre. No interior inspection has been made. The complex appears to be in good repair. The complex represents one of a series of 'gentleman farmers' residences on the island dating from the early nineteenth century. Its significance stems from the relative intactness of the grouping of buildings rather than from the particular merit of any individual feature. The cast iron columns in the horse walk have interest and should perhaps be protected although their siting is not essential to this. It is suggested that the whole complex be listed for preservation as a grouping whose individual elements can still be subject to amendment or alteration provided that the overall character is maintained.
A lime kiln is shown here on the 1870 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map. It appears to have had two kiln pots. Its ruined remains are visible on modern aerial photographs.
