Conservation in Action: Stone and Scraa at Cregneash

Event information

Conservation in Action: Stone and Scraa at Cregneash

Step behind the scaffolding and see one of the Isle of Man’s best-known historic cottages as you’ve never seen it before.

Join Manx National Heritage for a guided tour of the conservation works at Harry Kelly’s Cottage in Cregneash. With the building fully scaffolded, you’ll get a close view of the specialist repairs taking place and learn how traditional building skills are helping protect this registered ancient monument; Led by the specialist contractors, you’ll see traditional re-thatching and building repairs in action while learning how the cottage is being preserved for the future.

From a dedicated viewing platform, you’ll be able to watch conservation work in progress, including the full re-thatching of the cottage roof and repairs to the stone walls using traditional materials and techniques.  The tour takes place on select dates, available on our bookings page.

During the tour you’ll see:

• Live conservation work from the scaffold viewing platform.
• The re-thatching process, from laying the scraa onto the roof structure through to the final dressing of the roof. The work taking place will depend on the stage of the project during your visit.
• Stone wall repairs using lime mortar and traditional clay.
• Repairs to the chimney stacks and eaves.
• Traditional lime wash being applied to protect the building.
• The materials and techniques used to conserve historic Manx buildings.

Your guide will explain:

• How a traditional thatched roof is dismantled and rebuilt.
• Why lime mortar and lime wash are used instead of modern materials.
• How the building is stabilised while retaining as much original fabric as possible.
• What has been uncovered during the conservation works.
• How historic records and research guide every stage of the project.
• Why these repairs will help protect the cottage for future generations.

Harry Kelly’s Cottage is a registered ancient monument and an important part of Cregneash Folk Village. This project is helping preserve one of the Isle of Man’s most significant vernacular buildings using traditional conservation methods.

Important information

• This is a live construction site.
• The tour includes outdoor walking over uneven ground and the use of stairs.
• Suitable safety footwear or walking boots must be worn. The contractor reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone wearing unsuitable footwear.
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

For enquiries, email shop@mnh.im or call the Manx Museum Gallery Shop on +44 (0)1624 648033

For Accessibility Information for Cregneash: please click here

Please note: Ticket sales are non refundable, more information available here

Your purchase helps to look after our historic sites, countryside and treasures. Thank you for your support. Isle of Man Registered Charity no. 603