Seven ancient keeills bear her name. That shows how popular St Bridget was on the Isle of Man. Here, on the Nunnery estate, stands St Bridget’s Chapel. This chapel probably dates back to the twelfth or thirteenth century.
St Bridget’s Chapel served as stables for a while. But it was re-established as a place of worship. This lasted from the late nineteenth century until 1998. Then, it was deconsecrated.
St Bridget herself is believed to have visited the Isle of Man. She was a young girl then. St. Maughold gave her the veil. Some say this ceremony happened elsewhere. It is said she founded the Nunnery near Douglas at this time. Historians haven’t found much to confirm this. They rely on tradition.
St Bridget was born in Ireland around 450 AD. Some think St Bridget is a merging of a saint and a goddess. The goddess has the same name. She sits on the boundary of pagan mythology, Druidism and Christian spirituality.
St Bridget’s feast day falls on February 1st. She is remembered for starting an abbey and church in Kildare. That site is now St Brigid’s Cathedral. She held a unique position in the Irish church. As Abbess, she led the Church of Kildare. She also led a double monastery for both men and women.
Stories describe St Bridget as strong and gentle. She was a powerful leader. She was also a good organizer. People knew her as a skillful healer and a wise spiritual guide. She showed the feminine face of God. Often, she is shown as a peacemaker. This is immortalized in the St Bridget’s Cross. It is a token of goodwill after a quarrel. You can find a version of this on the Isle of Man.
Her feast day celebrates spring and new life. She attuned to the seasons and the cycle of nature. People often called her the Saint of Agriculture. She is a patron of chicken farmers and fugitives. She also watches over printing presses and sailors. Her list includes babies, children whose parents are unmarried, dairy-maids, infants, midwives, milk-maids and nuns.
An old custom existed on the Isle of Man on St Bridget’s Eve. People gathered green rushes. They stood on the house’s threshold. They invited St Bridget to visit. They hoped for peace and plenty. Some swept the barn. They put a bed, chair, and table inside. They added bread, cheese, a lighted candle and Manx ale. All this prepared for the desired visitor.
Inside St Bridget’s Chapel, changes occurred over time. The entrance is through a Gothic doorway on the south. Looking east, you’ll see two windows on the right. One isn’t directly above the other. This shows the building’s age.
The lower window remains as it was found. The upper one was changed. It has been restored to its original Gothic form. The next window lights the Chancel. Its worn condition and red sandstone show its age.
Under the chancel window are two niches. These, with a recess opposite, were found when the plaster was removed. One niche likely served as a credence table. The other has a hole. Some think it was a piscina. An old glass bottle and a piece of polished bone were found in this hole.
In the choir, a slab can be raised. Bones lie under glass. These bones were disturbed during excavations. Many skulls were found. The number of bones shows a burial ground surrounded the chapel. The chapel’s walls are original. The stonework shows it belonged to a sacred building of early date. The roof is open to the eaves. Arches add to the effect.
St Bridget’s Chapel stands as a testament to her enduring influence. Her legacy continues to inspire. It reminds us of her compassion and strength.