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Keeill Vael

Archaeology

The remains of a chapel lie at the west end of the hilltop. The structure measures 5 by 3m. The walls are low, so no architectural features survive 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 internal wall faces showed signs of having been plastered and lime-washed red, while areas of rough-cast seen during excavation in 1918 suggest that the exterior was once rendered.


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.

Chapel Hill, Balladoole

Connections

Book Chapters

  • Parish: Arbory
  • Sheading: Rushen
  • Grid Ref: SC2462968169

Sources

  • Isle of Man Heritage Environment Record
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