Did the wind carry whispers of ancient battles to the Skyhill Keeill? Skyhill Keeill stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. It’s nestled on Skyhill, a name derived from the Norse “Scacafel,” meaning wooded hill. This very hill witnessed the clash of armies in 1079. Godred Crovan, a Norse-Gael warrior, hid his men in the woods here before ambushing the Manx forces. This victory paved the way for Croven to become King of Mann. The keeill itself likely predates this conflict. Scholars believe these small chapels were constructed between 600 and 1200 AD. Imagine a hermit residing within these stone walls, perhaps even during the tumultuous battle. The keeill sits within “Magher ny Hoarn,” or “field of the graves.” A survey from around 1915 revealed a pear-shaped cemetery surrounding the keeill, complete with ancient pathways and a central grave. The keeill itself is small, only 15ft by 7ft. Even then, only a few courses of the walls remained. The entrance, however, still boasted its original jamb stones, and the altar base, two heavy slabs, rested on the ground. The surrounding area is rich with lore. George Quayle described the people of the hills as a hardy, religious folk, drawing strength from the land. The poet T.E. Brown echoed this sentiment, portraying them as drawing the very essence of the land into their souls. Skyhill Keeill. A place of thin air, thin living, and a thick tapestry of history.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to