Isle of Man Guide

History

The largest known megalithic tomb on the island lies in the garden of a private cottage. The Cairn (a conical heap of stones built as a monument or a landmark) grave is made of coloured sandstone with a forecourt of 12 metres across and 4 metres deep. It contains three chambers once filled with burials. When excavated only one burial and bowl survived.

King Orry's Grave, as it is commonly known, tells something of the residents who lived on the Isle of Man during the Neolithic times over 4000 years ago. The site was built by farmers as a memorial to their ancestors. Ceremonies held on the site left traces of hearth and flint.

King Orry was King Godred of Crovan a well known Manx legend. He took control of the Isle of Man and many of the islands between it and Norway, in 1079. To honour him, many monuments were named after him, but there is no connection between this historical figure and these prehistoric remains.

In 1953 the eastern part of the site was subject to an archaeological dig and investigation. The western site remained hidden by the garden of a private cottage till the Manx National Heritage acquired the listed monument. It is believed from records over 200 years old that the two sites were once connected, but with the building of roads and houses this is difficult to prove. The complete site now has public paths, maintained landscape, and information signs.

Location

On the east coast of the island in Minorca near the village of Laxey.
Map Ref: SC 438 843

By Vehicle:
Located in Minorca near the village of Laxey where the B11 crosses the A2 (road between Douglas and Ramsey).

By Bus:
Reachable by bus routes no. 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C from Ramsey and Douglas. Take the nearest stop to Minorca, then walk along the A2 to the site.

By Railway:
Take the Steam Railway to Douglas. The Electric Railway to stop Minorca. Walk along the B11 to where it crosses the A2.

Publications The Neolithic Culture of the Isle of Man: A Study of the Sites and Pottery (British Archaeological Reports (BAR) British) Stephen Burrow Archaeopress, Paperback, January, 1998 ISBN: 0860548724 List Price: £20.00 New Price: £21.99 Buy Now More Info