Ballachrink Keeill
The site of an early medieval keeill or chapel which would have been in use during the period circa AD500 to AD1000.
The site was marked by an uncultivated plot with some stones and a slight mound visible when visited and excavated by P.M.C. Kermode, circa 1909. Almost all the stones of the walls had been removed, but their surrounding banks still partly survived and it was possible to ascertain the approximate external dimensions of 6.4 metres by 4 metres and not more than 4.6 metres by 2.1 metres internally. Against the east bank was a large, perforated slab of clay-slate, 1.2 metres by 0.9 metres, overlying a 'recess' containing some very fine soil with ashes and apparent traces of burial. Adjoining it on the south were six small paving stones which were considered to have formed, with the slab, the base of an altar. At the northwest end of the slab were small stones set on edge.
On the south side of the excavations was a small, well-formed cist (PRN 0314.30) and in the northwest and northeast areas were further cists with ashes and clay, apparently crushed and dissolved pottery. It appeared certain that the keeill had been erected on the site of a Bronze Age burial place as at Ballingan.
The broken top of a socket stone was found near the west end of the excavation.
Connections
Book Chapters
- Parish: Marown
- Sheading: Middle
- Grid Ref: SC3072076710
Sources
- Isle of Man Heritage Environment Record