St John's Church was first built here in 1704 but was entirely rebuilt in 1849. It is the focal point of Manx ceremonial life as it stands just to the east of the Tynwald Mound and has high historic as well as architectural interest.


The building is cruciform in plan and built with regular coursed cut stone walls and a tower at the west gable. The roofing is of slate with exposed eaves, the tower having a slender taper spire. The west door leads to Tynwald mound. The stonework is of granite from South Barule, the chancel steps are of Poyll Vaaish marble and the stained glass depicts early Saints of Man. The pointed arch windows and doorways are systematically deployed and the major elements of the structure are marked by buttresses which do not extend to the roof. The southern entrance is formed into a small vestibule which projects from the external plan form of the building. Internally the plan is regular except that the pulpit is accessible from the Vestry rather than from the church. The entire building is kept in first class repair and the grounds surrounding the church are well kept and set off the structure to best advantage.