An important historic site near Castletown has been vandalised, with extensive graffiti spray-painted across the remains of a centuries-old building.

Manx National Heritage (MNH) says it is ‘shocked’ and ‘disappointed’ by the damage at Hango Hill and has reported the incident to the police.

The charity was alerted to the vandalism by a concerned member of the public.

The walls of the remains of a post-medieval summerhouse at the top of the hill have been extensively spray-painted.

MNH said it was currently assessing the damage before deciding on the most appropriate approach to restoring the monument.

It also highlighted that, as stated on a sign at the site, damaging an Ancient Monument is an offence.

Hango Hill is one of 17 Ancient Monuments cared for by Manx National Heritage and is among the island’s historically significant locations.

The site dates back to the Bronze Age, when it is believed to have been used as a burial mound. It later became a place of execution during the Viking Age, with its Norse name meaning 'hanging hill'.

Liz sent in this photo of buttercups at Hango Hill
Hango Hill (Liz )

It is perhaps best known as the place where Illiam Dhone, also known as William Christian, was executed on January 2, 1663.

Christian was a prominent figure in Manx history who was shot following his involvement in the surrender of the Island to Parliamentary forces in 1651. His execution remains a significant episode in the island's political history.

The summerhouse ruins are among the remaining physical features of the site, which is open to the public throughout the year.

Manx National Heritage is a registered charity which operates at arm's length from Government but receives significant public funding.

In its statement, MNH appealed to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or has information which could help identify those responsible to contact the Isle of Man Constabulary.

It added: ‘This historic site is open for everyone to enjoy and is visited by both residents and visitors throughout the year.

‘We ask anyone visiting our sites to help protect our shared heritage by treating sites with respect.’