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| Open: |
Apr 4th - Oct 31st 2009: Daily, 10am - 5pm
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| Price: |
PRICES FOR 2009
Adults: £3.50
Children: £1.80
Family 2 adults and 2 children: £8.50
Groups (adult, pre-booked): £2.80
Groups (adult, un-booked): £3.20 |
| Disabled: |
Access |
| Location: |
Ballasalla |
| Parking: |
Ample, close by in Car Park |
History
Rushen Abbey was founded in 1134 by Monks of the Sauvignac Order from
Furness Abbey in Cumbria on land
granted to them by King Olaf I. In 1147 the order came into Cistercian
control and by 1257 the Abbey Church was completed. The site included over
a mile of land to the south and west as well as land holdings in Malew,
Lezayre and Lonan. The Abbey built its church and buildings to the required
rules of St Benedict. The monks also followed the strict rules of worship
set out. The location of the Abbey was selected due to its close proximity
to Castle Rushen, which was nearly two miles away in the town of Castletown.
The Abbey went through a boom in the early 1900's as its grounds were turned
into gardens with refreshments. Most famous were the strawberries and cream.
The site however fell into disrepair after World War II and by the 1980's
the grounds were in a very bad state. After many attempts by the Manx
Government to buy the site, it was finally acquired it in May 1998. Soon
after Manx National Heritage began to excavate the site and reconstruct life
at the old Abbey.
Location
Ballasalla is in the south of the island near Castletown.
By Vehicle:
Ballasalla is near Castletown along the A5 (Douglas Road).
By Bus:
Ballasalla can be reached by the following bus routes: 1, 1C, 2, 8.
Travelling from Douglas, Port Erin, Port St Mary and Peel.
By Railway:
Ballasalla can be reached by the taking the Electric Railway to Douglas
and then the Steam Railway to Ballasalla.
Ballasalla can be reached on the Steam Railway from Douglas going to Port
Erin or by taking the Port Erin train going to Douglas.
The Site
Heritage Shop
Exhibition Rooms
Abbey Ruins
Herb Garden
Live Digs with Interactive Viewing Room
Large Model of Rushen Abbey and Building
Garden Walkways with Picnic Area
Visiting the Rushen Abbey
Set near the Ballasalla are the ruins of a church once built by monks.
The site has been preserved by Manx National Heritage who still run active
digs around the church. Visitors are first welcomed into a large modern
building with an interactive museum. Passing through the museum where
audio and video presentations, as well as models, and signs tell the story
of Rushen Abbey. Part of the museum has been specially designed for children.
Allowing them to be a monk, build an arch, dig for artifacts and much more.
Once out of the museum visitors find themselves over looking the ruins of
Rushen Abbey. Paths and signs mark out key locations, explaining different
parts of the abbey. There is large garden area with wild flowers, herbs,
and trees. A picnic area with umbrella covered tables welcomes people to
enjoy a break. Rushen Abbey is great for children and families, but don't
forget to bring some refreshments.
| Publications |
Rushen Abbey, Ballasalla, Isle of Man: First archaeological report (Centre for Manx Studies Research Report)
Centre for Manx Studies, Paperback, 1999
ISBN: 1899338063
Buy Now
More Info
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Rushen Abbey: Investigating and Presenting the Islands Most Important Medieval Religious Site
Manx National Heritage
Manx National Heritage, Paperback, 21 April, 2000
ISBN: 0901106429
List Price: £2.95
New Price: £4.94
Buy Now
More Info
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| BALLASALLA ATTRACTIONS |
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Rushen Abbey |
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