Here stands the Millennium Stone, Lezayre a marker of time and heritage. It is a modern interpretation of the Celtic cross. Let’s delve into its story.
The Millennium Stone, Lezayre marks the year 2000. The Department of Local Government and the Environment funded the project. It was to celebrate the millennium. Twenty-four stones were placed across the Isle of Man. Each of the Island’s seventeen parishes and seven towns received one.
Steve Prescott designed the stones. His design was based on a modern take on the Celtic cross. Each Millennium Stone, Lezayre was placed on a plinth. Trees and landscape features accompanied the stones, where possible.
Lezayre is one of the Isle of Man’s seventeen ancient parishes. It is located in the north of the island. Lezayre is part of the traditional North Side division. It falls within the sheading of Ayre.
The name Lezayre means “of,” “at,” or “towards” the Ayre. The parish is largely rural and mountainous. Snaefell, the island’s highest point, is within Lezayre. Much of the mountain section of the TT course is also here. The Sulby river, the island’s longest, flows through Lezayre.
In 2016, the census recorded 1,276 residents in Lezayre. This was a slight decrease from 1,282 in 2011.
Kirk Christ Lezayre, the Church of England parish church, was built in 1835. It is likely named to distinguish it from another Kirk Christ in Rushen. Daniel Cottier, a stained-glass painter, erected one of its windows. His father and grandfather were born in Lezayre. Sadly, the church closed in 2013. The diocese is considering selling the building.
The Millennium Stone, Lezayre stands as a testament to both the past and the future. It links the ancient parish of Lezayre to the modern era. It serves as a reminder of the island’s rich history. It is a place where tradition meets the dawn of a new millennium.