Manx National Heritage proudly presents the culmination of a decade-long excavation project at Rushen Abbey, one of the Isle of Man’s most significant Christian heritage sites. The publication of ‘Rushen Abbey: 100 years of excavation’ by Dr. Peter Davey sheds light on the abbey’s rich history and the remarkable discoveries made during the excavation.
The Excavation Project
Since Manx National Heritage acquired Rushen Abbey in 1998, the site has been the focus of intensive archaeological efforts aimed at unraveling its medieval mysteries. The excavation, which took place between 1998 and 2008, unearthed approximately 120,000 artifacts, revealing the abbey’s prominence as a religious institution in Western Britain and Ireland during its heyday.
Artifacts Uncovered
The excavation yielded a wealth of artifacts dating back to the high medieval period (around CE 1000-1300), including:
- Metal, glass, and ceramic objects
- A noteworthy collection of coins
- A lead cross believed to date to the 5th century or earlier, possibly one of the earliest artifacts of Christianity in the region
Dr. Davey remarked, “We knew the site had burials in the medieval period, but scientific dating techniques have now shown that Rushen Abbey has been a place of Christian burials for 1,000 years from CE 400 to 1400.”
Transitioning into Private Ownership
The excavation also revealed artifacts documenting Rushen Abbey’s transition into private ownership, including its use as a girls’ school and later as a tourist attraction.
Collaborative Effort
Alison Fox, Curator of Archaeology for Manx National Heritage, emphasized the collaborative nature of the excavation project, which involved hundreds of individuals, including undergraduate students and dedicated Manx volunteers. Their contributions proved invaluable in piecing together the abbey’s story and its significance within the broader context of Cistercian monasticism.
Comprehensive Publication
Dr. Davey’s book not only presents the findings of the decade-long excavation but also integrates insights from previous digs dating back to 1926. Recognizing the vast scope of this historical and archaeological endeavor, Dr. Davey opted for a comprehensive yet accessible approach, condensing the overview of Rushen Abbey’s history into print form while making detailed technical reports available online.
Dr. Davey remarked, “It is a great achievement to have the evidence for life at Rushen Abbey now accessible to anyone with an interest in Manx history and archaeology.” The publication is now available for purchase.
