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Ballacarnane Keeill, Cronk y Killey

Archaeology

The site of an early medieval chapel or keeill, thought to have been in use between AD 500-1000.  The chapel is orientated northeast to southwest and is built upon a small hillock. The grass-covered walls include some stones and have been preserved within a pasture field by the farmer. It is shown on the 1869 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map.


The site was excavated by P.M.C. Kermode in 1910-11. Internally, the chapel measured up to 4 metres long and 3 metres wide. The remains of a window sill were found in the east wall, above the remains of an altar. To the north side of the door through the western wall stood a stone pillar with two large diagonal scores in the middle of one face and three others at the foot.  This stone was reportedly brought from the nearby farm and erected here during the 19th century.  A fragment of an upper stone of quern was also found.


No surface trace remains of the cemetery enclosure but it is thought to have extended eastward; a human skull was apparently found when the foundations of the present house were dug. Lintel graves have also been noted in the past.

Connections

Book Chapters

  • Parish: Michael
  • Sheading: Michael
  • Grid Ref: SC3002088540

Sources

  • Isle of Man Heritage Environment Record
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