The Isle of Man is a small island in the middle of the Irish Sea with a rich history and heritage from the Viking and Medieval eras.

In this course, students had the opportunity to experience the unique history and heritage of the Isle of Man at first hand with Professor Andrew McDonald.

Beginning with intensive course work at Brock in early May, we then travelled to the Island for ten days packed with site visits that augment our course work with immersive experiences.  We were frequently joined by local experts who shared their knowledge and experience.

Our visit began at the Manx Museum in Douglas (the capital), where we toured the galleries, meet curators, and got special behind-the-scenes access.

Then, we journeyed through the countryside to visit heritage sites from the Viking and Medieval eras, including castles, cathedrals, churches, monasteries, and fortifications.

We got up close to magnificent Viking Age sculptures and learned how to decode their iconography, and we visited Tynwald Hill, where Vikings held assemblies, kings were made, and where the modern Manx parliament continues to hold an outdoor meeting every year on 5 July.

Free time provided plenty of opportunity to enjoy the Island’s scenic beauty and more modern history and heritage, including the Douglas Promenade, Electric and Steam Railways, Laxey Wheel, and Snaefell.

The group received extensive media coverage while on the Isle of Man.  Click here to view the Isle of Man BBC coverage.