Latest news with #ManxNationalHeritage
BBC News
20-07-2025
- BBC News
Author catalogues 200 years of Manx culinary history
From turtle soup to chips, cheese and gravy, the culinary history of the Isle of Man is as varied as it is all the way back to foods popular in the 1800s, author Sue King has used her research to write an illustrated book listing menus and recipes as well as the history of many the last five years she has explored dishes from turtle soup - a delicacy from the 1830s when saw live turtles were imported from the Caribbean - to how chips and ice cream were brought to Manx shores by Italian people in the King said that while meals eaten in Manx homes such as bonnag and spud 'n herring were well documented, "little was known" about what people liked to eat when they were out. She said her book, Ham and Egg and Turtle Soup - A Slice of Manx Culinary History, "highlights" a lot of the heritage "we have lost, but also elements that are continuing and evolving"."I would like to think it has a place in our cultural history", said Ms said the idea for her book came from seeing a collection of menus that her father had from his work in Manx hotels in the 1960s and said it sparked an interest in what people on the island used to like author combed through the Manx National Heritage archives and asked around for old menus and social history book looks at what was eaten in the island's cafes, restaurants, picnics and holiday camps over 200 years... as well as in its schools, prisons and internment contains snippets from newspapers and hundreds of images. "In the 1930s on the Isle of Man, everything was really simple," she said."So you had bread, butter and tea or salmon sandwiches and as the island's financial sector started to grow in the 1980s, so did the demand for haute King said: "The Isle of Man has been very open to outside influence, and even looking at the internment camps [during the world wars], you had quite a few people who stayed on."The author said she hoped her book would "strike a strong cord of nostalgia with people", adding "there is something there for everyone". Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New visitor hub at Laxey Wheel gets approval
Plans to demolish the existing entrance kiosk and replace it with a modern visitor hub at a Victorian water wheel have been approved. The larger visitor hub at the Laxey Wheel is set to be used to exhibit the history of the site and provide a sheltered space for groups of visitors. Planning committee member Peter Whiteway said the new hub would be "functional" and although it "could be prettier" it would serve the purpose needed. In its application, Manx National Heritage argued the current facility, which was designed for one person rather than the current three-person team, was "totally inadequate" and offered "cramped and cold" conditions. The existing kiosk also "offers a very poor visitor experience" as there was "no internal space" to provide information or for a retail area, rendering it "not fit for purpose". Built in 1854, the 72ft (22m) diameter wheel is the largest working waterwheel of its kind in the world. Known as the Lady Isabella, the Victorian wheel was originally used in mining. Recommending the plans for approval, the planning officer's report said the proposal would not impact the appearance of the conservation area, and a modern development could provide a "good distinction between new and old". In his submission to the committee, clerk of Garff Commissioners Martin Royle said some members of the local authority, which had objected to the proposals, had had difficulty with the design of the structure. But he said the development could lead to more people discovering the landmark. Last year, Manx National Heritage withdrew proposals for a visitor centre at the sire after backlash over its appearance. Key changes under the revised scheme were the colour and location of the building. Committee member Helen Hughes said she was "unsure about the design" although she understood staff needed more space. She said while it was an "improvement" on the original proposal it still looked like a portable cabin, but fellow committee member Adele Bettridge noted that there were no toilets within the facility. The committee was told Manx National Heritage said the lifespan of the facility would be 15 to 20 years. The plans were approved with six member in favour and one against. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. Views sought on Laxey Wheel visitor hub plans New Laxey Wheel plans to be shared after backlash Plans for new entrance hub at Laxey Wheel pulled Commissioners object to Laxey Wheel entrance plans Historian slams plans for new Laxey Wheel entrance Plans for new visitor entrance at Laxey Wheel Great Laxey Wheel turns again after two years Planninc Committee Agenda Planning Application Manx National Heritage
BBC News
09-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
New visitor hub at Laxey Wheel gets planning committee approval
Plans to demolish the existing entrance kiosk and replace it with a modern visitor hub at a Victorian water wheel have been larger visitor hub at the Laxey Wheel is set to be used to exhibit the history of the site and provide a sheltered space for groups of committee member Peter Whiteway said the new hub would be "functional" and although it "could be prettier" it would serve the purpose its application, Manx National Heritage argued the current facility, which was designed for one person rather than the current three-person team, was "totally inadequate" and offered "cramped and cold" conditions. The existing kiosk also "offers a very poor visitor experience" as there was "no internal space" to provide information or for a retail area, rendering it "not fit for purpose". Built in 1854, the 72ft (22m) diameter wheel is the largest working waterwheel of its kind in the as the Lady Isabella, the Victorian wheel was originally used in mining. Recommending the plans for approval, the planning officer's report said the proposal would not impact the appearance of the conservation area, and a modern development could provide a "good distinction between new and old".In his submission to the committee, clerk of Garff Commissioners Martin Royle said some members of the local authority, which had objected to the proposals, had had difficulty with the design of the he said the development could lead to more people discovering the landmark. Last year, Manx National Heritage withdrew proposals for a visitor centre at the sire after backlash over its changes under the revised scheme were the colour and location of the member Helen Hughes said she was "unsure about the design" although she understood staff needed more said while it was an "improvement" on the original proposal it still looked like a portable cabin, but fellow committee member Adele Bettridge noted that there were no toilets within the facility. The committee was told Manx National Heritage said the lifespan of the facility would be 15 to 20 years. The plans were approved with six member in favour and one against. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Viking gold found on Isle of Man
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. An amateur metal detectorist has discovered a 1,000-year-old gold Viking arm-ring — a piece of craftsmanship created by braiding together eight gold rods — that was snipped apart, likely to help its owner cover costs during financial transactions. The arm-ring was found by Ronald Clucas this spring on the Isle of Man, an island in the Irish Sea between Britain and Ireland. Numerous artifacts from the Viking Age (A.D. 793 to 1066) have been found on the isle, which Vikings initially used for trading and later settled, starting in the 800s. "It was quite a big shock to discover this lovely piece of gold, I couldn't really believe it at first!" Clucas, a member of the Manx Detectorist Society, said in a statement from Manx National Heritage. "Gold generally gives a very low signal on the detector, so you can't really predict what is going to be uncovered." The goldsmith who made the arm-ring about a millennium ago was clearly skilled, braiding eight gold rods together. Clucas found the ring folded in two, measuring about 1.5 inches (3.7 centimeters) wide and 3 inches (7.7 cm) long. It weighs nearly 1 ounce (27.3 grams), a "significant weight" for jewelry this size, according to the statement. On May 29, the Isle of Man Deputy Coroner of Inquests declared that the arm-ring was "treasure," a designation given to U.K. artifacts made of precious metals that are at least 300 years old. The arm-ring is the second piece of "Viking treasure" found by Clucas, who has been metal detecting for 50 years. Previously, he unearthed a silver ingot and a lead ingot, which he found in 2005. Related: 2,000-year-old spoon from Isle of Man may have been used in blood rituals for fortune telling The arm-ring, which dates to around A.D. 1000 to 1100, was likely used both as jewelry and as currency, according to Allison Fox, curator for archaeology at Manx National Heritage. "Jewellery items such as this had several functions in the Viking Age both as prized personal possessions and visible displays of wealth," Fox said in the statement. "They were easily portable and were also used to cover costs in financial transactions." Often, Viking Age transitions included hacksilver (also known as hacksilber), or pieces of silver that were weighed to calculate their worth for financial deals. On the Isle of Man, there was a dual economy of coins and bullion pieces of silver or gold. However, gold pieces are rarer from the Viking Age, making this intricate bracelet an uncommon find. RELATED STORIES —Viking Age 'treasure' discovered by metal detectorist on Isle of Man —Viking 'piggy bank' hoard discovered on Isle of Man —7 myths about the Vikings that are (almost) totally false The arm-ring has likely been cut twice, possibly from two different transactions, Fox noted. "One cut removed the terminal end of the arm-ring, the other one cut the original complete arm-ring almost in half," Fox said. "For reasons we will never know, this fragment of gold arm-ring was buried in the ground until discovered. It may have been hidden for safe-keeping, could just have been lost or may even have been buried as an offering to the Viking Gods." The arm-ring is now on display in the Manx Museum's Viking Gallery, alongside other Viking Age hoards of silver and gold.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Metal detectorist on Isle of Man ‘couldn't believe it' after discovering 1,000-year-old Viking gold treasure
A metal detectorist has uncovered a 1,000-year-old Viking gold braided arm ring on the Isle of Man, offering clues to skilled jewellery making from a millennium ago. The find, dating to 1000AD to 1100AD, adds to our understanding of the Isle of Man's rich Viking legacy, according to Manx National Heritage, a charitable trust dedicated to preserving the island's cultural history. The arm ring consists of eight strands of gold rods plaited together. It was found by an amateur metal detectorist named Ronald Clucas. 'It was quite a big shock to discover this lovely piece of gold. I couldn't really believe it at first!' Mr Clucas said. 'Gold generally gives a very low signal on the detector, so you can't really predict what's going to be uncovered.' Researchers suspect the arm band, weighing nearly 28grams, was made by a skilled goldsmith using a specialised technique. It was found folded in half, measuring about 4cm, meaning it would originally have been about 8cm long. 'I've been detecting for many years now and found some wonderful things, but to find a piece of gold from the Viking Age, that's really something else,' Mr Clucas said. The Isle of Man was a Viking trading hub and later, after the 9th century, a settlement. Previous research has shown the island had a dual economy where both coins and silver or gold bullion were used to pay for goods and services. Although Viking gold is much rarer than silver finds on the island, experts suspect the recently discovered gold braided arm band may have also been used as currency in financial transactions. 'Jewellery items such as this had several functions in the Viking Age both as prized personal possessions and visible displays of wealth. They were easily portable and were also used to cover costs in financial transactions,' said Allison Fox, curator for archaeology at Manx National Heritage. 'This arm ring has been cut twice, indicating it has possibly been used for at least two separate transactions. One cut removed the terminal end of the arm ring, the other one cut the original complete arm ring almost in half.' It is unclear why the fragment of the arm ring was buried in the ground. 'It may have been hidden for safekeeping, could just have been lost or may even have been buried as an offering to the Viking gods,' Ms Fox said. The Viking treasure has been on display in the Viking Gallery at the Manx Museum in Douglas since 31 May.
