Manx National Heritage presents the culmination of a decade-long excavation project with the publication of ‘Rushen Abbey: 100 years of excavation’ by Dr. Peter Davey. This significant work sheds light on the rich history of Rushen Abbey, one of the Isle of Man’s paramount Christian heritage sites.

Since its acquisition by Manx National Heritage in 1998, Rushen Abbey has been the focus of intensive archaeological efforts aimed at unraveling its medieval mysteries.

Rushen Abbey in Ballasalla, Isle of Man. Credit: Dan Karran

The excavation between 1998 and 2008 unearthed a wealth of artifacts, totaling approximately 120,000 pieces. The abbey’s strategic location in the Irish Sea and its political significance rendered it a prominent religious insтιтution in Western Britain and Ireland during its heyday.

The excavation efforts revealed artifacts dating back to the high medieval period (around CE 1000-1300), including metal, glᴀss, and ceramic objects, alongside a noteworthy collection of coins. Notable among these discoveries is a lead cross believed to date to the 5th century or earlier, possibly one of the earliest artifacts of Christianity in the region.

Dr. Davey remarked, “We knew the site had burials in the medieval period, but scientific dating techniques have now shown that Rushen Abbey has been a place of Christian burials for 1,000 years from CE 400 to 1400.”

Rushen Abbey: 100 years of excavation

Additionally, the excavation revealed artifacts that document Rushen Abbey’s transition into private ownership, including its use as a girls’ school and later as a tourist attraction.

Alison Fox, Curator of Archaeology for Manx National Heritage, emphasized the collaborative nature of the excavation project, involving hundreds of individuals, including undergraduate students and dedicated Manx volunteers. Their contributions proved invaluable in piecing together the abbey’s story and its significance within the broader context of Cistercian monasticism.

Dr. Davey’s book not only presents the findings of the decade-long excavation but also integrates insights from previous digs dating back to 1926. Recognizing the vast scope of this historical and archaeological endeavor, Dr. Davey opted for a comprehensive yet accessible approach, condensing the overview of Rushen Abbey’s history into print form while making detailed technical reports available online.

Dr. Davey remarked, “It is a great achievement to have the evidence for life at Rushen Abbey now accessible to anyone with an interest in Manx history and archaeology.” The publication is now available for purchase.

Manx National Heritage