Hill of the Dead
Native name
Cronk ny Merriu
LocationParish of Santon, Isle of Man
Coordinates54°06′09″N 4°34′30″W / 54.1026°N 4.5750°W / 54.1026; -4.5750
BuiltIron Age
Architectural style(s)Promontory fort
OwnerManx National Heritage

Close to Port Grenaugh, Cronk ny Merriu (English: Hill of the Dead) is one of the remains of promontory forts in the Isle of Man. Cronk ny Merriu was previously considered by historians to be a prehistoric burial place due to its large grass-covered bank and name, literally translating to "Hill of the Dead".[1] The bank and ditch created a defensive promontory fort at Cronk ny Merriu. Later, a rectangular building of Norse style and layout stood here, part of a system of coastal lookout posts used to protect the coastline and to police beach markets.[1][2][3] Excavations of Cronk ny Merriu show that there was very little domestic activity, and that the Norse building likely didn't have permanent residency.[1] It's suggested that the longhouse was primarily a building for those at nearby forts to shelter from harsh weather, rather than a place of defence itself.[1] Although no scientific dating has been done, due to the similarities with fortified headlands throughout the Anglo-Celtic isles, archeologists strongly believe that this site dates back to the Celtic Iron Age.[1]

Several of the lookout posts, especially in Santon, where Cronk ny Merriu is situated, can be visited using the coastal footpath.[4] The posts were protected with a deep ditch and a rampart strengthed by large stones on their vulnerable landward side. There'd also be a heavily protected gateway, with ramparts built up on either side, for those seeking shelter in the fort.[5]

The Scandinavians who arrived in Mann in the eighth and ninth centuries sometimes re-used these Iron Age promontory forts,[5] often obliterating the old domestic quarters with their characteristic rectangular houses; the example at Cronk ny Merriu has been used as the basis of the reconstruction of the House of Manannan museum in Peel.[6]

Etymology

In the Manx language Cronk (hill) ny Merriu (the dead) means literally 'Hill of the Dead'.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Cronk ny Merriu | Culture Vannin | Isle of Man". culturevannin.im. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  2. ↑ "Cronk ny Merriu | Viking Archaeology". Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  3. ↑ "Cronk ny Merriu". Manx National Heritage. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  4. ↑ "Raad ny Foillan - Sections - Visit Isle of Man". www.visitisleofman.com. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  5. 1 2 Carswell, Bob. The Castles and Forts of the Isle of Man. p. 1.
  6. ↑ "Best Viking sites UK to visit: Viking Invasion of England". xyuandbeyond. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
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