Was it fate or mere coincidence that brought Captain Bligh to this very spot? We are standing before Saint Peter’s Church, Kirk Onchan. This isn’t just a church; it’s a landmark steeped in history and mystery.
Saint Peter’s Church stands as a testament to time. The present building dates back to 1833. But its story began much earlier. An earlier church, St Catherine’s, stood here before it.
St Catherine’s witnessed a significant event. William Bligh was married here on 2 Feb 1789. He later became Captain of HMS Bounty. The infamous mutiny would forever link his name to the sea.
Imagine the whispers of the wind carrying tales of Bligh. Think about his hopes as he stood where we stand now. He was about to embark on a voyage that would seal his place in history.
But Saint Peter’s Church has more to offer than just the Bligh connection. The church is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors can enjoy quiet reflection. You can view many historic features. Among them is a display of Celtic Crosses. Interesting stained glass windows also await discovery.
Six Celtic and Norse carved stone cross-slabs have survived. They are from the burial ground associated with the old keeill. These are preserved in the porch of Saint Peter’s Church. A 12th-century gable cross is also here. It came from the former building demolished in 1833.
Three of the cross-slabs have representations of beasts. They have been described as grotesque animals. Some say they look like apes, weasels, cats or dogs. Others see a form of Manx lion.
Thurith’s cross is named after its creator. It has runic inscriptions. They give his name. They also say “The Cross of Jesus Christ”.
Look around the churchyard. You can spot a circular stone base. It dates back over 1,000 years. A groove is cut into it. It supported one of the crosses. This was fashioned from a granite boulder. Ice age glaciers brought it down from lands to the north.
The present Saint Peter’s Church was designed by Hansom and Welch. John Welch was the architect. He also designed the Tower of Refuge on Conister Rock in Douglas Bay. He was responsible for several other Manx parish churches.
The grave of the parents of Capt. Bligh’s wife is in the churchyard. The Friends of Onchan’s Heritage erected a plaque near the grave. It repeats the weathered inscription.
Saint Peter’s offers a range of services. These often feature a robed choir. The church has a large and very active congregation. There is an active Mothers’ Union. A Ladies Fellowship also meets here. All Age services are on the 4th Sunday of each month at 11.00 am. Choral Evensong is on the 4th Sunday of each month at 6.30 pm. The Parish Office is in the church car park.
As you leave Saint Peter’s Church, remember its layers of history. From Celtic origins to the Bligh connection, this place holds stories. It is a place of worship and a repository of local lore. Let the spirit of Onchan linger with you.