Unearthed from a sandpit, the Ballaharra Stones stand here in testament to a distant past. These stones are silent witnesses to rituals and lives lived millennia ago.
Welcome to the Ballaharra Stones. These stones are located in the village of St. John’s near Peel. You’ll find them on the west part of the island. The Ballaharra Stones were once part of a Neolithic chambered tomb. This tomb dates back to around 2300 BC.
In 1971, the Corlett family was extending their Ballaharra Sandpit. They unexpectedly discovered an extensive tomb. This tomb contained large cremation deposits. Sadly, the tomb was badly disturbed. However, Sheila Cregeen, a local archaeologist, undertook an excavation.
The excavation revealed a two-chambered tomb. Carbon dating confirmed its age. The Ballaharra tomb is believed to have similar origins to King Orry’s Grave and Cashtal yn Ard. What made Ballaharra special was its pottery. It’s known as the best site on the island for Neolithic pottery. The pottery features distinctive decorations. Only Meayll Circle compares to Ballaharra in terms of pottery finds.
Originally, six large stones were set above ground level. Two of these stones were crushed. The Corlett family donated the four remaining stones to German Parish Commissioners. The commissioners erected the stones here in St. John’s near Tynwald Hill.
These stones have been arranged as a beautiful set of standing stones. They pay homage to the creators of the original tomb. The Ballaharra Quarry is owned by the Corlett family. Their company is a genuine Manx company. Ownership and control have remained within the same family since 1947. Production at the quarry began in 1965.
You can find artifacts from the Ballaharra site in the Manx Museum. The surviving stone lintels originally sat above the large tomb. They now stand in a pleasant small park with flowers and benches. They are located not far from Bunscoill Ghaelgagh. This is the Manx-language primary school in St John’s.
Consider the hands that shaped the pottery. Imagine the ceremonies performed within the tomb. These stones were silent observers. They link us to those distant ancestors. The Ballaharra Stones are more than just rocks. They are a tangible connection to the Neolithic people of the Isle of Man.