In a valley carved by time itself sits Christ Church Laxey. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to the spirit of a mining community. Christ Church Laxey arose from the generosity of a man named George W. Dumbbell. He was the chairman of the Great Laxey Mining Company. He donated a piece of his own land, a portion of the Mines Captain’s House garden. The foundation stone was laid in 1854. By 1855, the church was complete. The consecration, however, waited until May 1856. The church cost £950. The mining company contributed a substantial £200. The locals affectionately dubbed Christ Church Laxey, “The Miners Church”. The consecration of Christ Church Laxey on Tuesday, May 27th, 1856, was a grand affair. The local newspaper reported fine weather and a packed church. Mine work was even suspended so the miners could attend. Today, Christ Church Laxey stands as a quiet sanctuary. It’s a place for reflection and prayer. Visitors to the Isle of Man often stop by. They explore the church after visiting the nearby Laxey Wheel and the Laxey Woollen Mills. Christ Church Laxey is a beautiful blend of history and faith, a symbol of the community that built it.
The Curragh Nature Reserve
Wallabies in the Isle of Man? The Curragh Nature Reserve is full of surprises. This wetland area has a rich