Harry Kelly's cottage 'all set' to be re-thatched

Scaffolding erected around ancient Manx monument

Scaffolding has been put in place around Harry Kelly's cottage in Cregneash ahead of work getting underway to re-thatch its roof.

The cottage, designated as an Ancient Monument, is one of only a few surviving thatched dwellings on the Isle of Man, and was damaged during storms earlier this year.

It contains a rare roof structure made up of straw laid over a base of thinly cut turf, known as scraa.

As well as being an 'architectural rarity', the cottage is closely linked with Harry Kelly, a respected Manx speaker who died in 1935.

Image: Harry Kelly, via Manx National Heritage

Manx National Heritage says the full rethatching of Harry Kelly’s Cottage is scheduled to be completed during Spring 2026.

Announcing the conservation work in September, Connie Lovel, Executive Director of Manx National Heritage, said: “Harry Kelly’s Cottage is one of the Isle of Man’s most iconic historic buildings and a cornerstone of Cregneash. The damage caused by recent adverse weather highlights how vulnerable these rare thatched structures are. By acting quickly, we can protect the cottage and its interior and prepare for rethatching and conservation works, ensuring this much-loved ancient monument can continue to be enjoyed”.

You can find out more about the cottage and the conservation work HERE.