The House Of Manannan

This is our last full day on the Isle of Man. It seemed appropriate that after a night of rain the sun burst through as we set off. We had to go into Douglas and then catch a second bus to St John's. This is a pretty village in the heart of the island. It has been tradition for over a thousand years that on July fifth, rain or shine, the Tynwald or Parliament meets on little hills for an open air session. The Celts began this practice and the Viking settlers built the hill.

A service is held on July 5th at the Church of St John the Baptist.

After a good look around we caught another bus which took us into Peel. This small city has a ruined castle which has been used by ruling tribes since forever I guess.

It has a commanding view of the surrounding countryside and the seas. Since the 10th century it has been used to defend the city from one group or another. 

I learned today that the Manx people are the offspring of the Celt and Viking marriages. The House of Manannan is as fine a museum as we have ever been in. It traces the lives of the peoples who have lived here from the Celts, through the Vikings, and the generations that followed them up to the present. The seas have been the foremost source of livelihood in Peel. Other than fighting with each other.

Smoked kippers are a major local delicacy here. We didn't have any. 

Tomorrow we move along. So we'll be seeing what we can find to share with you in eastern Scotland. I hope that you look in from time to time.