The Old House of Keys

The Old House of Keys in Castletown was formerly the epicenter of Island politics in the nineteenth century. The structure is part of the lengthy and often tumultuous history of Manx politics, which dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries when the Isle of Man was controlled by Viking rulers.

The elegant Ancient House of Keys was restored to its original appearance in 1866, marking a watershed moment in Manx history when the self-elected old House of Keys became an elected body by enacting the House of Keys Election Bill. During your visit, you'll learn about how democracy has developed on the Island, often years ahead of Britain, and the impact political decisions have had and continue to have on the Manx people. You'll meet the official secretary of this historic institution before taking a seat in the beautifully refurbished debate room, where you'll hear lively debate about how the Island's laws are made.

Prior to 1821, the House of Keys had no official home, but first met at Castle Rushen, and later at the Bishop of Sodor and Man library in Castletown. Plans for a new meeting place for the Keys were drawn up in 1813 after criticism from the Royal Commission, but they were revised and accepted in 1819 due to financial concerns. Thomas Brine designed the structure, which was finished in 1821. It was the residence of the House of Keys until 1874 when the Keys resumed other major island functions and moved to Douglas. After the move, Old House became a branch of Dumbell Bank, and later Parr Bank. Manx National Heritage bought the home in 2000 and began restoring it to its original state in 1866. The building opened to the public as a museum in November 2001. With ancient beauty and unique historical works, The Old House of Keys deserves to be on the list of the most beautiful historical sites in Isle of Man.

Location: Castletown