Isle of Man Guide - Castletown, Old House of Keys

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Old House of Keys

Open:	Apr 4th - Oct 31st 2009: Daily, 10am - 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Price:	PRICES FOR 2009 Adult: £3.30 Child (aged 5-15): £1.70 Family (2 adults, 2 children): £8.30 Groups (adult, pre-booked): £2.60 Groups (adult, un-booked): £3
Disabled:	Access, one step at entrance
Location:	Castletown
Parking:	Available

History

The Old House of Keys was restored to resemble how it looked in 1866, believed to be a major turning point for the House as they moved from being a self elected body to a democracy with members elected by the public. Originally the House of Keys was more of a social club, where existing members chose new members. Before 1710, they met infrequently at Castle Rushen and after they met in Bishop Wilson's library until the late 1700's when the building was said to be unfit. For a time the House of Keys met at the local George Inn, but this was deemed unfit for a Court of Justice and plans for a new building were made. After many years of debates with the British Treasury over the cost of a new building, a deal was reached and in 1821 the new building was completed. It was within this building that the 24 members of the House decided on the laws which set the direction for the Isle of Man.

In 1874 the House of Keys moved from Castletown to the new growing town on the island, Douglas. There they took the old Bank of Mona on Prospect Hill and still use this building today.

Location

Castletown in the south of the island.

By Vehicle:
Castletown is a main southern town, served by a multitude of roads. Just follow the road signs.

By Bus:
Castletown can be reached by the following bus routes: 1, 1C, 2, 2A, 8 X1, X2. Travelling from Douglas, Port Erin, Port St Mary and Peel.

By Railway:
Castletown can be reached by the taking the Electric Railway to Douglas and then the Steam Railway to Castletown.
Castletown can be reached on the Steam Railway from Douglas going to Port Erin or by taking the Port Erin (Port St Mary) train going to Douglas.

Visiting the Old House of Keys

Everyone is greeted at the door by the secretary of the House of Keys and moved into a small area outside the Chamber. The House of Keys is opened and all the members (tourists and public) take a seat. There is a list of items to be voted on before each member, but that is taken in turn. There is a speaker who leads the proceedings and he is much more than just a man. Very good audio and video presentations throughout. Also the chance to have a real vote on key laws, which could have been major turning points for the Isle of Man.

Related News Articles

125th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage on the Isle of Man 10 October 2006
In 1881 Tynwald approved the Election Bill and delivered the first instalment of women’s right to vote in parliamentary elections within the British Isles. [More]

Heritage Sites Open for Season 10 March 2005
On Friday 25th March 2005, all the ‘Story of Mann’ sites will open for another season. [More]

Publications
	Tynwald - The Parliamentary System Of The Isle Of Man Duke Video, VHS Tape, 17 April, 2000 List Price: £12.99 Buy Now More Info
Tynwald: St. John's, 5th July 1994 - Official Souvenir Programme of the Tynwald Ceremony Isle of Man Govt, Paperback, July, 1994 ISBN: 0904869482 List Price: £1.50 Buy Now More Info