Tynwald – The oldest continuous parliament in the world.
Tynwald Hill at St John’s is the traditional ancient meeting place of the Manx parliamentary assembly, dating back at least to the late first millennium AD.
The hill itself is an artificial mound, stepped in profile, approximately 25m in diameter at the base, and 3.6m high. Its earliest phase dates to later prehistory, when the first indications of communal assemblies can be glimpsed. Later the development of a royal centre focused in the nearby upper Neb valley allowed the site to increase in importance, and by the early 2nd millennium AD Tynwald Hill was in use as a national meeting place.
The site continues to be active today and in 1979 it celebrated its millennium as a continuous parliament. The Tynwald Court now meets in the Island’s modern capital, Douglas, on the third Tuesday of each month, but once a year on July 5th an open air ceremony is still held at Tynwald Hill. This day is a national holiday for the island, and the laws passed during the year are proclaimed in both Manx Gaelic and English.
The site of Tynwald Hill is thus one of the most important ancient monuments in the Island, representing not just a symbol of the rich heritage of the Manx people, but also a contemporary focus where the future life and culture of the community is forged.
Tynwald Day
Tynwald Day occurs annually on 5th July before an audience of thousands. A representative of the British monarchy, usually the Lieutenant Governor, presides over the ceremony, whilst parliament, officials and honoured guests are gathered on, or close to, Tynwald Hill. The main business is to proclaim the new laws created during the preceding year and to offer the opportunity for personal grievances to be presented. The modern ceremony is a continuation of the public assembly thought to have been in existence for over 1000 years.
Procession
The open-air ceremony begins with a procession of the Guard of Honour, Military Band and Standard Bearers along with representatives from local schools and other organisations. The Lieutenant Governor’s arrival is marked with an RAF flypast then he inspects the military and lays a wreath at the War Memorial before observing a minute’s silence and joining Members of Tynwald, other dignitaries and invited guests for a Church service in the Royal Chapel.
Proclaiming the Laws
After the service, the Members of Tynwald and participants proceed along the Processional Way to Tynwald Hill where they are seated in a tiered system, with the Lieutenant Governor, his officers and the Legislative Council (upper branch of Tynwald) on the top; followed by Members of the House of Keys (the lower, directly elected branch of Tynwald); then public officials, civic dignitaries, and religious representatives; down to the fourth tier reserved for members of the Church of England clergy and two lecterns for the Deemsters (judges).
The Lieutenant Governor instructs the First Deemster to direct the ‘Fencing of the Court’ (calling the assembly to order) before the Laws are proclaimed, first in English (by the First Deemster) and then in Manx (by the Second Deemster). The Lieutenant Governor then invites anyone with a Petition for Redress to present it. This simple but ancient procedure enables grievances to be remedied and can lead directly to the enactment of legislation. Following the ceremony, a formal sitting of Tynwald meets in the Chapel to sign the certificates of proclamation for the Acts and deal with other business.