Geology & History
or the Isle of Man
Sir Archibald Geikie described the
Isle of Man as "...Rising from the middle
of the Irish Sea, within sight of each of the
three Kingdoms, with a history and associations
so distinct, yet so intimately linked with those of the
rest of Britain, this interesting Island presents in its
geological structure features that connect it alike with England, Scotland and Ireland, while at the same time it remains a marled individuality in regard to some of the rocks that form its framework..." (Ancient Volcanoes of Great Britain) Sir Archie was describing Man's geology. but he could well have been describing the history of this busy little island as well. Sitting where it is, this 13 by 33 mile island was the crossroads and melting pot for the entire British Isles and beyond.
There are several small islets that comprise the entire country, the largest known as the Calf of Man. Others are Fort Island and St. Patrick's Isle. Farming began here in the fourth millennium BC.
Man has a very interesting history, having seen more than it's share of invaders including Irish, Scotish and Vikings. In fact the Vikings founded their legislature, the Tynwald, centuries before the British Parliament existed. In fact, it is the oldest parliament in the world! Interestingly, the Roman and English invasions of neighboring Celtic areas bypassed Man, to their great advantage.
There are many interesting sites to see in these islands: Tunwlad Hill on Man, which commemorates the founding of the Tynwalsd. Annually, there is a national holiday, July 5th (Tynwald Day) when all new laaws passed by the Tynwals are red publicly in English and Manx. Also, any unresolved grievances can be brought to the Tynwald Court at this time. It is believed that the hill, which is an artificail one, covers a Bronze Age burial mound. Tynwald, in Icelandic means assembly place.
Also on Man is Laxey Wheel, a huge wheel built in 1854 to pump mine water. This 72 1/2 foot diameter wheel was named "Lady Isabelle" in honor of the wife of the Governor of Man. It is assumed to be the largest water wheel in the world. When mining came to an end in 1929 it became a tourist attraction and is well known as the cats without tails and their world famous kippers. Also near Laxey Wheel is King Orry's Grave, the grave of the first Norse King of Man. It was Orry who instituted the Tynwald soon after invading the island in 938. He died in 947 and was succeeded by his son, Guthred. Guthred built Castle Rushen and was buried there when he died. In Waughhold, are located two ancient structures: Ballafavle Long Cairn aand Cashtal yn Ard (Castle of the Heights).
The Calf has an ancient Celtic Christian chapel, part of which have been recovered and dated to the first half of the century. Artwork style is Byzantine, used extensively by the Celtic Church. Also on the island, several very old lighthouses, no longer in use.
St. Patrick's Isle is one of the smallest islands in the Irish Sea, yet has many historic sites: Peel Caste a garrison which included a cathedral, once a stronghold but now in ruins. It was visited by St. Patrick at the beginning of his ministry.
Fort Island, also known as St. Michael's Isle, actually no longer an island because it is joined to Man by a causeway. There are two ancient buildings on this island, one a 12th century stone Norse-Celtic chapel and the other is a fort built during the English Civil War in 1645. Fort Island was the site of a great battle in 1275, when the Norse were soundly defeated by the Scots.
Man is not part of the United Kingdom, but of the Commonwelath, and enjoys a special autonomy with not only their legislature, but also have their own postage system. The Calf of Man, for a time also had its own postage stamps. They also have no income tax, the reason it is very popular for retirees from the UK, the US and elsewhere. As the Manx aare Celts (like Irish, Scots, Wlsch adn Cornish), the language spoken on Manx until the 19th century was Gaelic. It is now considered extinct, but there is a movement to revive it, along with Manx literature, music and dance. The name Man comes from Mannan, the ancient Irish Sea God. In Manx, it is called Vannin.
The Flag of Mann
The flag of the Isle of Man is the triskele or triad of running legs on a red background. The triad is an ancient Celtic synbol, the armor dressings a Medieval update. It is called The Trinacria. The shiel indicates its connection to the United Kingdom. |
