Restoration Works Planned for One of Island’s Oldest Churches

Photo: Peter Killey

One of the island’s oldest, and in our opinion, best churches could be about to get a much-needed glow-up.

A planning application has been submitted for works at St Runius Church, the tiny Crosby gem that dates back to around 1200.

Dedicated to Ma Rooney (St Runius), the church was altered in 1754, and you can still spot parts of the original smaller building in the eastern half if you know what you’re looking for.

It lost its status as Marown’s main parish church in 1853 when a new church opened on the Douglas to Peel Road, and later fell into disrepair.

Thankfully, volunteers stepped in to restore it, allowing it to reopen in 1959.

Now, more than 60 years on, it’s maintenance time again. Despite it still looking beautiful.

According to the planning documents, the most obvious issue is some rather stubborn green growth creeping across the interior west wall, with further patches on the north wall and discolouration on the south side.

Outside, while the roof is in good condition, there are no gutters, meaning rainwater runs straight down the stonework.

Planned works include repointing the exterior walls with lime mortar, installing guttering, and digging a gulley to help channel away heavy rain.

Inside, the walls will be scraped back, treated and lime washed, with insect infestations dealt with too. Some old lamp stands will go, and a new bench will be installed outside.

The application will be considered in due course, but if approved, this 800-year-old slice of Manx history could soon be looking fresher than it has in decades.