About
St Patrick's Church at Jurby has stood a bare 200 years and remained a landmark from sea, land and air. Where the War Memorial now stands was once a church dating from the beginning of the 13th Century, traditionally built on the site of an early Christian keeill, itself constructed on an an ancient pagan burial ground dating back thousands of years. It was through St Patrick that the Christian faith was first taught to the Manx people and it was said that St Patrick first landed in Mann at Jurby Head.
Jurby has a rich Viking heritage with a string of burial mounds along the coast, two of which were excavated with the contents of the graves now at the Manx Museum. A Viking burial mound remains in Jurby Churchyard and from it can be seen another mound Cronk-ny-Arrey Lhaa, which could be a Viking mound or may date back to late Neolithic times.
As well as some simple Early Christian Manx Crosses in the church porch, there are also cross slabs from the 10th Century, including the beautiful Heimdall Cross. From the Old Church came the oldest piece of church silver on the Island, the beautiful pre- Reformation Jurby Chalice and you can view a replica of the chalice that was made for Jurby Church after the original was sold to the Manx Museum.
The wall plaques and stained glass windows dedicated to the Farrant family illustrate the significance of the family in the history of Jurby Church. There is also a War Memorial at the church gate and the rows of War Graves in the churchyard to remember the local, British, Commonwealth and Polish servicemen who died in two world wars and those who died in accidents from RAF Jurby.
Jurby Church has been described as a magical place with some of the best views on the Island as it is set on the headland and offers magnificent views south to Peel, north to Scotland and stunning sunsets across the water to Ireland. Turning inland, Jurby Church also offers tranquil views over the rural north of the island and the stunning yellow colours of the gorse-lined roads.
During the summer months, the church also hosts exhibitions and events served with tea and the famous Jurby cake, so be sure to check out our What's On page for more information.