Old Grammar School
Castletown's medieval chapel, the oldest roofed building on the Isle of Man, later a boys' grammar school and now set out as a Victorian schoolroom.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The building was put up around the thirteenth century as St Mary's Chapel, the first church of the settlement that grew up around Castle Rushen. Today it is described as the oldest roofed building on the Isle of Man. Visitors can still stand beneath the medieval arches where townspeople once worshipped.
Around 1710 Bishop Wilson turned the chapel into a grammar school for boys, mostly from wealthy families, and lessons continued there for nearly two centuries. Many later members of the House of Keys, judges, lawyers and businessmen learned to read and write within its walls.
The building was saved from demolition in 1950 when the surrounding old part of Castletown was cleared. It is now fitted out as a Victorian schoolroom with benches and a blackboard, has information boards on its history and looks out over the harbour towards Langness lighthouse and the Scarlett peninsula. It is cared for by Manx National Heritage and is visited as part of the Castletown Heritage Tour.
Highlights
- Oldest roofed building on the Isle of Man
- Medieval chapel arches
- Victorian schoolroom with benches and blackboard
- Harbour views towards Langness lighthouse
- Free entry, donations welcome
Permanent exhibition
- Victorian schoolroom and medieval chapel – A schoolroom set out as in Victorian times, with information boards on the history of the chapel and school.
- Founded
- 1951
- Operated by
- Manx National Heritage
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Children & teens | –Children aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult. |
|---|---|
| Students & apprentices | –A student discount applies on the Castletown Heritage Tour with a valid student card. |
| Groups (15+ people) | –Discount for pre-booked groups of 15 or more paying visitors, booked seven days in advance. |
Entry is free; a voluntary donation to Manx National Heritage averaging £5 is suggested. Some special events carry an extra charge. Free access for Isle of Man residents holding an Annual Pass.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: not available
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Three large stone steps lead down into the building and there is no level alternative; the schoolroom is reached by two more steps. There is a hearing loop at the entrance counter, assistance dogs are welcome, and there are no public toilets on site (access guide 2021).
Kids & families
- Hands-on stations
Children can sit on the Victorian school benches and play with traditional toys and games, and there is a grassed area behind the building for picnics.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Castletown (Market Square) · 2-min walk
Buses 1, 2, 2A, 8, 11 and 11A; Isle of Man Steam Railway to Castletown station.
By car
Free parking
Free car park next to the building with no dedicated disabled bays; Castletown uses a parking-disc zone (access guide 2021).
- Accessible parking: not available
The building is about a one to two minute walk from Castletown Market Square, on the harbour.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Coat check: not available
No cloakroom; bags and coats can be left at reception if space allows.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The Castletown Heritage Tour meets here, then visits the Old House of Keys and ends at the Nautical Museum (Wednesdays and Saturdays, 12:00 or 14:00); book online or at the Castle Rushen Shop. Drones are not permitted. |
