On the evening of Friday. August 4, Peel Heritage Trust members dug out their passports and, having checked through passport control at the Round Table, headed into the Southern Badlands on a foraging trip to Ballabeg.

Our chief guide and expert trekker informed us that Ballabeg is the centre of the known universe, the hub of our kingdom and the place where he was born, raised and still lives.

We did not refute his claims as (a) He was our guide, (b) His house was the target of our foraging trip and (c) He was the ex-President of Tynwald and he would never lie!

Mr Noel Cringle greeted us in the farmyard of his home, The Friary at Ballabeg.

We were told that he still sleeps in the bedroom in which he was born and in which, God-willing, he wishes to die.

He informed us that William de Montacute granted the Grey Friars a parcel of forty acres of ground at the site now known as The Friary in around 1373.

The friars started to build their church, then Montacute provided the services of the masons who were working at Castle Rushen to finish the job. As you inspect the interior of the building this becomes apparent - the rear section of the building is rough-hewn stone, whilst the front is constructed of well-dressed blocks.

As with all such religious buildings, this one is built lying east to west.

Strolling out of his yard, we headed south and walked as far as Duck Street where we were regaled with tales of Noel’s childhood and of the characters who inhabited the village during that period of his life. We then headed north, passing his house and crossing several small streams and rivers - few who travel this road actually realise they cross so many streams, myself for one!

Once past the old post office and smithy, we walked before bearing west.

The imposing-looking property on the right-hand side is Parrville, once the family home of the Parrs of business and banking fame.

Next we saw the Summoner’s steps from which people who behaved in any manner which was deemed unbecoming would be shamed in public as their misdeeds were announced to all.

Passing the steps, we went into the churchyard proper to see the sundial, Captain Quilliam’s grave (he of the Battle of Trafalgar fame) and a grave giving mention of the Oddfellows.

Exiting the churchyard we continued west past the primary school before crossing the road and returning across the fields to Noel’s home, where his wife Mary had laid on the most marvellous supper; sandwiches, scones, and cakes were consumed and tea and conversation flowed.

We are indebted to both Noel and Mary for their hospitality.

We left Ballabeg a great deal wiser for our trip - is it the centre of the known universe? I think I’ll have to look into that a bit deeper! Thanks Noel.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, September 20, at 7.30pm when Andrew Johnson of Manx National Heritage will give a presentation, ’Going Down to the Shore’ - the archaeology of beaching places, ports and harbours around Peel.

Bill Quine

Peel Heritage Trust