Celebrations were held at Cregneash at the weekend for the 80th anniversary of Harry Kelly’s cottage as a tourist attraction

The cottage, named after its last occupant, was left to Manx National Heritage on his death. And when Harry Kelly’s cottage opened to the public in 1938, it became the first fully-fledged open air museum in the British Isles.

Cregneash was also a pivotal stronghold in the preservation of the Manx language and culture, particularly in the first half of the 20th century.

MNH celebrated the 80th anniversary with Manx dancing at Church Farm by Perree Bane, music from the Manx Jazz Aces and Manx Craft Guild stalls.

There were also craft demonstrations, including lanket making, used to restrain livestock, with Ian Crebbin.

Visitors also enjoyed refreshments at the cafe, watched by Orry the cat.

Harry Kelly’s cottage has come to symbolise the simple Manx cottage with its two front windows and centrally-placed doorway opening straight into the main living space with its large open kitchen hearth (chiollagh).

To one side a door opens into the only other room, which served as a bedspace, with a half-loft above which could be used as extra sleeping accommodation or for storage.

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