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Keeill Unjin

Archaeology

The site of an early medieval keeill or chapel, thought to have been in use between AD 500 to AD1000.  The building measured 6.5 metres by 3.65 metres, with an entrance 0.60 metres wide in its western gable. The Archaeological Commissioners who visited the site in 1878 recorded the measurements as did the Rev E.B. Savage circa 1885 who also noted well-built walls standing about 1 foot high and 2 foot 8 inch thick. 


The remains of the keeill and 'Chibbyr Unjin' holy well, which are traditionally associated, were both destroyed by a local farmer, in 1899.  The site was visited by J.R. Bruce at many times between 1931 and 1966, who commented that there were now no surface remains of the keeill nor was there any knowledge of graves having been ploughed up. The field is now grass covered and there is no visible trace of a chapel or burial ground enclosure remaining. 


During the destruction of the site an early cross-slab was found, which is now in the Manx Museum, an alleged 'holy-water stoup' (also now kept at the Manx Museum) and the possible lower stone of a small quern were discovered.

Connections

Book Chapters

  • Parish: Malew
  • Sheading: Rushen
  • Grid Ref: SC2640071670

Sources

  • Isle of Man Heritage Environment Record
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