Old Grammar School

The bulk of visitors to the Isle of Man stays in Castletown, the island's historic capital. In addition to the ever-popular Castle Rushen, the town of Castle Rushen is home to a number of other Heritage attractions.

Robert Vesey, a wealthy local businessman living in Chimney, built the Old Grammar School circa 1200 AD. Bampton was the largest town in the area at the time, and it desperately required a school for the children of the growing merchant class. Vesey commissioned the school's construction, which began in 1653, 18 years after his death. The Grammar School building was used as a meeting venue for the village and for a variety of other village events. In 1964, the library was relocated, and the Girl Guides, Brownies, and Scouts held their meetings on the upper level. There are still a few people in the community who recall these get-togethers. The oldest roofed edifice still remaining on the Isle of Man, now a nearby village is a free entrance site available from the end of March to the beginning of November.

During your visit, you can tour the Victorian Classroom, see examples of Victorian coursework and equipment, and purchase souvenirs from your journey to Castletown. After touring the Old Grammar School, hop on the Heritage Steam Railway at the neighboring station and go to Douglas to explore one of the many sites in the capital, such as the Manx Museum. Alternatively, travel south to Port Erin and take one of the many beach walks available, or visit the Cregneash Museum to learn about Manx life.

Location: Castletown