St. Patrick's Church, Jurby

St. Patrick's Church is in Jurby parish, near the northwest coast of the Isle of Man. Scotland and Ireland can be seen across the Irish Sea on a moderately clear day. The church also has views down the west coast to Peel, across the northern plain of the island, and to the central hills.

History

A small 8th century chapel a few hundred yards to the south-west was Jurby's first recorded church. The original dedication is knot known but since medieval times was associated with St Cecilia (the patron saint of music). St Cecilia's Day on 22 November was the parish festival day. In medieval times the church was part of the Whithorn diocese in south-western Scotland. At one point while the English and Scots were at war, the local bishop invited the Scottish clergy of Jurby to visit him. The bishop was criticised by English authorities for fraternising with the enemy.[1] The medieval church was built in the 12th century, which replaced the chapel.[2]

On 12 June 1812 the parishioners successfully petitioned the Crown to replace their small church with a larger one. The church was to consist of pews separated by a central aisle, 36 pews on either side, each pew to hold eight individuals.[3] Ground was broken on the new church, which would become the present-day St. Patrick's, in 1813, and the structure was finally completed in 1829. There are several Viking carved crosses/gravestones within the church, including the Sigurd Cross. The churchyard contains a Norse burial mound.[4]

The church is located on slightly raised ground, with views across the Irish Sea to both Ireland and Scotland,[5] south-west towards Peel, towards the northern plain of the island, as well as to the central hills.[6]

There are a number of war graves, for British, Commonwealth and Polish servicemen. Many of these died at the nearby RAF Jurby training base during World War II.

The church is an Anglican church, but in 2015 it was reported that regular church services would cease to be held there.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "Jurby". Feltham's Tour. 1798. Archived from the original on April 24, 2016. Retrieved April 24, 2016.
  2. ↑ Kneale, Dave (24 June 2015). "Jurby Church looks forward to new beginning". Isle of Man Courier. Archived from the original on April 24, 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  3. ↑ The Statutes of the Isle of Man. S. K. Broadbent & Company. 1883. pp. 359–60. Retrieved April 24, 2016.
  4. ↑ "Jurby". Manx Note Book. Archived from the original on April 24, 2016. Retrieved April 24, 2016.
  5. ↑ Glovers' Illustrated Guide and Visitor's Companion Through the Isle of Man. M. Glover. 1870. p. 9.
  6. ↑ H.O. Pub, Issue 145. United States Hydrographic Office. 1917. p. 511.
  7. ↑ http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/jurby-church-looks-forward-to-new-beginning-1-7322659

Coordinates: 54°21′18″N 4°32′28″W / 54.3550°N 4.5411°W / 54.3550; -4.5411

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