Manx National Heritage (MNH) has commenced essential conservation work to Harry Kelly’s Cottage in Cregneash following damage caused by recent high winds and heavy rainfall to the building’s traditional thatched roof.
As an immediate safety measure, MNH’s maintenance team has placed a tarpaulin securely over the entire roof to protect the rare structure from further deterioration and to safeguard the cottage’s interior. This temporary solution will remain in place while the extent of the damage is fully assessed and repairs planned.
Harry Kelly’s Cottage is one of only a handful of traditionally thatched dwellings surviving on the Isle of Man today. It is particularly significant for retaining the roof structure of straw laid over a base of thinly cut turf, known locally as scraa.
The cottage is designated as an Ancient Monument because of both its architectural rarity and its association with Harry Kelly, a respected native Manx speaker who died in 1935. Generously donated by the Kelly family to the Manx Museum Trustees, it became the first building in the village to open in 1938, establishing Cregneash as the first Open Air Folk Museum in the British Isles.
Connie Lovel, Executive Director of Manx National Heritage said
“Harry Kelly’s Cottage is one of the Isle of Man’s most iconic historic buildings and a cornerstone of Cregneash. The damage caused by recent adverse weather highlights how vulnerable these rare thatched structures are. By acting quickly, we can protect the cottage and its interior and prepare for rethatching and conservation works, ensuring this much-loved ancient monument can continue to be enjoyed”.
While the traditional scraa underlay highlights the building’s historic and cultural value, it also makes the roof especially vulnerable. Should the thatch lose its weatherproofing, rainwater can quickly erode the scraa, turning it to mud. At that point, the only option would be to strip and replace both layers entirely, however, only replacement of the thatch is currently necessary.
In Harry Kelly’s day, emergency protection was provided by roping an old sail across the roof. Today, a modern tarpaulin serves the same vital function. Temporary protection is now in place to preserve the roof, interior collections, and mud floor until rethatching begins.
Full rethatching of Harry Kelly’s Cottage is scheduled to be completed during Spring 2026, when visitors will have the opportunity to watch skilled craftsmen rethatching the cottage, using traditional methods to restore this nationally important landmark.
ENDS