Beneath our feet lies history. This is the Millennium Stone, Laxey. It marks a significant milestone for the Isle of Man. This stone commemorates the millennium of Tynwald. Tynwald is the parliament of the Isle of Man.
The Millennium Stone stands as a testament to Manx identity. It is part of a landscape rich in memory. Tynwald Hill has been augmented with memorial elements in recent decades. The Millennium Stone is one of them.
The Millennium Stone was set up in 1979. It supposedly commemorates the thousand years of the Manx parliament. The date 979 is unclear but important.
The inscription on the stone reads. “CLAGH Y FEAILLEY MILLEY VLEEANAGH” This translates to “THE MILLENNIUM STONE” Below this are the names of the six Manx districts. They are Glenfaba, Ayre, Middle, Michael, Carff, and Rushen.
The geography of Man is reflected in the stone’s naming of Manx districts. Each district is honored here.
The Millennium Stone isn’t alone in its purpose. Twenty-four stones were placed across the island’s parishes and towns. These stones mark the Millennium. The design is a modern interpretation of the Celtic cross. Each stone sits on a plinth. Trees or landscape features accompany each stone.
The stones were cut from black Pooil Vaaish limestone. Steve Prescott created the design for the stones. The Department of Local Government and the Environment funded the project.
The Millennium Stone stands near other memorials. These include St John’s Chapel, a Manx cross, and the Manx War Memorial. There are also the Ballaharra Stones. These elements create a sacred space. This space links war, nationhood, and identity.
The Millennium Stone helps create an aura of transtemporality to the site. It is part of a careful act of remembering and forgetting. The honored war dead take pride of place. They stand alongside early medieval monuments. These monuments are both apparent and imagined.
Take a moment to appreciate this stone. Think about the history it represents. Consider the identity of the Manx people. The Millennium Stone is more than just a marker. It’s a symbol of a living history.