Project Description
Kirk Maughold
The oval graveyard at Maughold encloses the remains of a 7th-century Celtic monastery and at least four keeill sites. Banished by Patrick in the late 7th century Macuil or Macutus or Maughold was cast adrift in a coracle. He washed up ashore at what is now Maughold. Tradition tells that on landing he needed water and a well opened for him. Maughold was then met by two priests, Conindrus and Romulus, who brought him to faith; he later became Bishop of the Isle of Man, and after death his crosier and well (a small spring on the cliff path) were associated with healing powers. Within the church is the late medieval market cross which used to stand outside. It includes one of the earliest depictions of the Three Legs of Mann. The cross shelter near the gate houses memorial stones and crosses from the 7th century onwards. These show connections to Ireland, southern Scotland, Pictland, Northumbria and Wales. There are inscriptions in Anglo-Saxon runes, Latin, Norse Runes and Gaelic Ogham. The stones are drawn from the immediate area of the church and churchyard as well as keeills from across the parish. This rich collection of memorials is the largest concentration of stones on the Island. The churchyard includes many other interesting gravestones. More information at Keeills and Cake at Kirk Maughold