Two early medieval stone crosses have been returned to public view at Jurby Church on the Isle of Man, following their rediscovery in 2022. The crosses, which date back around 1,100 years, were unveiled in a specially designed display cabinet during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration earlier this year.
The event marked a significant milestone for the Friends of Jurby Church, a group formed 11 years ago to preserve the church after it faced possible closure. Led by Bishop Tricia, the service celebrated both the feast of St. Patrick and the long history of St. Patrick’s Church in Jurby. The return of the carved Manx Crosses—once used as memorials near an early Christian chapel (known locally as a keeill)—added historical depth to the occasion.
The crosses were discovered after part of the churchyard wall collapsed during a storm. These early medieval stones had likely once stood at the site of the keeill, which may have occupied what is now the church’s burial ground. Archaeological finds in the area also include a buried stoup, a vessel for holy water, suggesting a long-standing religious presence on the site.
Over the centuries, much of the stone from earlier churches was repurposed. When the old parish church was constructed around 1700, large carved stones—including fragments of crosses—were incorporated into its masonry. After the present church was completed in 1819, the older structure was demolished and its stone reused once again to build a perimeter wall. Notably, three large pieces, including the so-called Heimdall and Odin crosses, were recovered and displayed in a porch constructed in 1940 alongside crosses from other local keeills.
The two newly recovered crosses were kept at the Manx Museum for study and safekeeping until they could be properly reinstalled. Architect Lara Kerrison faced the technical challenge of creating a secure and sympathetic display cabinet within the church to hold the 34-kilogram stone. The project was funded by the Ann Harrison Trust and designed to complement the church’s historic furnishings.
Andrew Johnson of Manx National Heritage provided historical context and assistance with the installation. The physical work of embedding the stone in mortar and repairing the church interior was carried out by specialists, including Venetian Plaster and local tradespeople.
In addition to the cross display, recent improvements have made the church more accessible. A new path now connects the war memorial to the church entrance, allowing easier access for all visitors. The path, along with new walkways through the burial ground, was funded by the Manx Lottery Trust Dormant Assets Fund and constructed by S. Craig and Sons.
Jurby Church is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and currently hosts exhibitions on both St. Patrick and the history of the Manx Crosses. All are welcome to visit and explore this uniquely preserved piece of Isle of Man heritage.
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