St Johns

Ever wonder where democracy gets its outdoor workout? Look around you, here in St Johns, Isle of Man. This isn’t just any village. It’s the political and spiritual heart of the island, home to Tynwald Hill, where the Manx parliament, Tynwald, meets in the open air every year. St Johns, named after St John the Baptist whose feast day falls on midsummer, has been the site of this unique tradition since Viking times. Imagine, over 1,000 years of continuous parliamentary history unfolding right here. The star of the show, Tynwald Hill, isn’t a natural formation. This four-tiered mound, standing proudly at 20 feet high, was painstakingly constructed from soil brought from all 17 parishes of the Isle of Man. It symbolizes the unity of the island, a physical representation of its people coming together. Every Tynwald Day, usually on July 5th, laws are promulgated in both English and Manx, a spectacle attracting thousands of onlookers. The ceremony isn’t confined to the hill. Just across the processional way stands St John’s Chapel, built in 1849 on the site of an even older chapel and an ancient keeill. Inside, you’ll find designated seats for members of the Manx parliament, a testament to the intertwined nature of church and state in this historic village. But St Johns isn’t just about parliament and ancient traditions. Opposite the church, you can find the site of the old village pound. Stray animals were kept here until claimed, and if not claimed after a year and a day, they became the property of the Lord of Mann. Also displayed on the site are stones from a 2300 BC burial chamber discovered nearby. The village boasts Tynwald Mills, which claims to be the only department store on the island. St Johns also sits at a crucial crossroads, situated on the A1 Douglas to Peel road and near the junction with the A3. This central location has always been a significant factor, even before the roads were built, contributing to the village’s prominence. The now-closed railway station was once a major junction connecting several lines, highlighting St Johns’ historical importance in transportation. Today, the former trackbed serves as the Steam Heritage Trail, a footpath for those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside. So, as you stand here in St Johns, remember, you’re standing on a thousand years of history. From Viking traditions to modern commerce, St Johns is a microcosm of the Isle of Man’s rich and vibrant past.