Name: Old House of Keys
Rating: 5.0

Old House of Keys

The Old House of Keys, Parliament Lane, Castletown, Isle of Man

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Old House of Keys is a historic Georgian building in Castletown that served as the home of the Isle of Man’s parliament from 1821 to 1874. It was the first purpose-built debating chamber on the Island for Members of the House of Keys. Many important debates on rights, freedom of the press, votes for women and motor racing laws took place here before the parliament moved to Douglas in 1874.

Visitors can take part in an interactive parliamentary experience inside the restored 1866 debating chamber. Guests are welcomed by the Secretary and guided by the Speaker through a theatrical debate, where they can sit in the chamber, hear arguments and cast their vote. It offers a unique opportunity to explore how democracy developed on the Isle of Man and how historic decisions shaped the nation.

Public Sitting (Saturdays from 1.45pm): Adults £11, Students £5.50 (over 18 with valid student card), Children Free (16 or under with an adult). Castletown Tours (Wednesdays & Saturdays 12pm or 2pm): Adults £15, Students £7.50 (over 18 with valid student card), Children Free (16 or under with an adult).

The Old House of Keys provides a fascinating and immersive look into Manx political history. With live debate experiences and authentic interiors, it brings 19th-century parliamentary life vividly to life. It is an engaging visit for history enthusiasts, students and families interested in democracy and heritage.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Be greeted by the secretary of the former home of the Manx Parliament, take your seat in the finely restored debating chamber for a theatrical debate on setting the Island laws.
See how democracy developed early – and the effect that political decisions have had on the Manx nation. Should motor racing be allowed on open roads? Should women get the vote? You decide.
Opened in 1821 this Georgian building holds the accolade as being the first purpose-built debating chamber on the Isle of Man for Members of the House of Keys.
Some of the most fundamental and lasting debates around rights and freedom, freedom of the press, votes for women, took place during the 50 years the House of Keys sat in this building in Castletown.
As well as passing laws that were to have long lasting cultural impacts for the Island, as in should motor racing be allowed on open roads. In 1874, the House of Keys moved to Douglas.
The debating chamber, restored by Manx National Heritage to its 1866 interior, is where the Island’s most important political questions and reforms to its democracy were hotly debated. Take your seat in the chamber, hear the debates and have your say by voting on the topic of the day.

What to see

Come as part of a group and receive a warm welcome from the Secretary of the House on arrival and be guided by the Speaker as he explains each Bill
Sit at the long table in the House of Keys as it was in 1866 be part of the debate and try to anticipate who will be your political allies and who your rivals
Cast your vote to decide the Island’s future. Discover if your vote aligns with what Victorian politicians voted for at the time

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Public Sitting - Saturdays from 1.45pm

Adults £11 – all visitors have the option to make a voluntary donation of £1.50 at point of booking
Students £5.50 (over 18 with a valid Student Card)
Children FREE (children aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult).

Castletown Tours – Wednesdays & Saturdays 12pm or 2pm

Adults £15 – all visitors have the option to make a voluntary donation of £1.50 at point of booking
Students £7.50 (over 18 with a valid Student Card)
Children FREE (children aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult)

Pricing URL: https://www.visitisleofman.com/trade/information/product-catch-all/the-old-house-of-keys-p1292491