Corrody Keeill

High above Tholt y Will sits the tranquil Corrody Keeill. It’s a place of captivating history, nestled amidst a landscape that whispers tales of generations past. Corrody Keeill stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Isle of Man. The very name “Corrody” itself holds a story. It evolved from “Corrony,” a derivative of “Ciaran,” an early Christian saint. Some believe St. Ciaran may have been the keeill’s original dedicatee. This connection deepens when we consider the nearby Chibbyr Karrin, known as Ciaran’s Well. Corrody Keeill isn’t merely a solitary monument. It’s situated in a field known as “Cronk y Keeillee,” meaning “hill of the keeill.” Intriguingly, the keeill appears to have been constructed atop a Bronze Age burial site, the remnants of which are still discernible today. The keeill’s foundations, visible even now, echo descriptions from a century ago. Around 1915, the Manx Archaeological Survey documented Corrody Keeill’s state. They found it set upon a low mound, partly artificial, about two feet above the field. The mound, roughly circular, was surrounded by upright stones, hinting at an outer circle. The survey recorded the keeill’s dimensions as 17 feet 6 inches by 9 feet, oriented northwest to southeast. The walls, constructed of dry stone, varied between 24 and 40 inches in height and 3 to 4 feet in thickness. The doorway was situated in the north wall, and remnants of “jamb stones” suggested openings, likely windows, in the walls. The Corrody area, once a bustling community of hill farms, now exudes a sense of isolation. Yet, the surrounding landscape bears witness to its vibrant past. Ruined farmsteads, visible across the valley, sit at roughly the same elevation, hinting at a time when life thrived here. The mass emigration from the Isle of Man, particularly from the north, beginning in the 1820s, left an indelible mark on this region. The enclosure of common land in the 1860s further fueled this exodus, continuing into the early 20th century. Stories of these economic migrants and their deep connection to the island resonate even today, passed down through generations. Corrody Keeill offers a glimpse into the lives of those who once called this place home. Alfred Christian’s recollections of life and folklore at “The Corrody,” preserved in the Manx Folk Life Survey, add a personal touch to the keeill’s history. These documents, housed at the Manx Museum Library, provide a fascinating window into the past.