Hidden amongst the gorse bushes lies Ballawoods Keeill. This isn’t just any old ruin. It’s a portal to the Isle of Man’s early Christian past.
Ballawoods Keeill is one of only 35 early Christian buildings left on the island. It’s a significant piece of Manx history. Its location near Santon Gorge was carefully chosen. Early Christians knew a good spot when they saw one. Easy access a water supply and great visibility. What a view!
The keeill itself measures roughly 28 feet by 12 feet. Sadly much of its structure is gone. Only low walls remain. But the footprint of the original building and the entrance are still visible. The entrance faces west towards what would have been the altar. Someone even had a BBQ there recently. Let’s hope they used stones from elsewhere not the keeill itself.
Archaeological surveys reveal more about Ballawoods Keeill. The 1870 Ordnance Survey map first mentions it. The Manx Archaeological Survey’s Sixth Report adds more details. It mentions an almost perfectly preserved limestone altar. P M C Kermode’s 1917 excavation uncovered this. Unfortunately. the excavation’s full report has been lost. A photograph survives. It shows the work in progress. The report is invaluable. It details the keeill’s layout and even describes a grave outside the south wall. It mentions many white shore pebbles. The pebbles suggest burials. More evidence of the keeill’s use until relatively recent times are 25 white shore pebbles and roofing slates.
J R Bruce’s later visit to Ballawoods Keeill found the burial ground to be about 150 feet by 80 feet. Much of it was hidden by gorse. A low ridge of earth marked a boundary. He also noted that the keeill’s walls stood at about 2 feet high.
The name Ballawoods Keeill and its location in the Treen of Kyrke Mychell hint at a dedication to St Michael. The keeill’s history isn’t complete. Much is lost or forgotten. Yet. what remains is a testament to a rich and fascinating past. A past that deserves to be remembered and explored. So let’s move on to explore more of this amazing island.