Display remembers crofters' village families

The lives of some of the families that made their homes in a crofters' village at the turn of the 20th Century have been explored in a new exhibition.

The village of Gregneash, which is characterised by its distinctive stone-built thatched cottages, has been run as an open-air folk museum by Manx National Heritage since 1938.

Called Families of Cregneash, the exhibition features prominent families including the Crebbins, Faraghers, Karrans, Kellys and Quirks – many of whom were native Manx speakers.

Run by the Rushen Heritage Trust, it showcases photographs, family reminiscences, newspaper cuttings and family trees.

Cathy Clucas, who co-curated the display with Julie Stewart and Brian Kelly, said: "'Cregneash – or Cregneish – has a special place in the hearts of so many

people.

"Having lived and worked in the village for many years, I feel I have a special bond with this unique village."

The village was home to many famous Manx people including Harry Kelly, Ned Maddrell and Edward Faragher, who was known as Ned Beg Hom Ruy, she said.

Although the focus of the exhibition has been on a few of the families who made it their home, she said she was "conscious that there are many well-known families we have not had the space to include this time".

As a result, the trust was considering staging a follow-up exhibition.

The exhibition, which is the first of the 2026 season at the Rushen Heritage Centre, runs until 9 May.

The centre, based in Bridson Street in Port Erin, is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10:00 and 16:00 BST.

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