This small whitewashed building has witnessed many changes in the life of the community that it was built to serve over 650 years ago. It was the first town church for the settlement that grew up around Castle Rushen, fortress of the Norse Kings of Man and the Isles. The main wing is the oldest roofed structure in the Island—older than all but the lowest courses of masonry of the Castle itself.

St. Mary’s Chapel was also used as a school from at least 1570 and served exclusively in that capacity after 1702. It is best known for the Academic School, the forerunner of King William’s College, and the Grammar School which finally closed in 1930.

The building was only saved from demolition by the Museum Trustees nailing a preservation order onto its door in 1950 with the Museum later purchasing and restoring it.

Please see the Visitor Information page for details of opening hours and admission charges where applicable.