[From Leech's Guide, 1861]

CHAPTER VIII.

KIRK ANDREAS.

" Still, still to thee, where’er my footsteps rosen,
Iffy heart shall point, and lead the wanderer home.
When splendour offers, and when fame incites,
I’ll pause and think of all thy dear delights.
Turn to these scenes, these well known scenes once more,
Trace once again my Isle’s romantic shore,
And tired with worlds, and all their busy ways,
Here waste the little remnant of my days.

KIRK ANDREAS church and village are worthy of a visit. The direct way from Ramsey is by the Sandy road, passing the wind and steam mills of Mr. Monk, Poplar Grove, the residence of Duncan Gibb, Esq.[now the Grove Museum], and Thornhill, the conspicuous mansion of William Callister, Esq. H.K. The next object of interest is Bolivia Mount to the right, the residence of Philip Teare, Esq. the tower of which is appropriated as an observatory. About four miles from Ramsey stands the Church of Andreas, a handsome building surrounded by a churchyard, crowded with monumental records of all descriptions. On the north side of the church is an interesting and very perfect Runic cross covered with hieroglyphics. Adjoining the church is the rectory, the residence of the Venerable Archdeacon Moore, who is also vicar of the parish. A little to the east of the church, on the estate of Ballaghawe, stands a commodious Methodist chapel, where the venerable founder of the sect, the good John Wesley, preached to an admiring audience. A little further on is the village of Andreas, consisting of some well-built houses, several shops, an excellent parochial school house, and the post-office. There is also a public house; and it is worthy of remark that no other exists in the three northern parishes, Bride and Jurby apparently progressing very well without them. It may be incidentally remarked that within half-a-dozen miles of Ramsey there are besides this house of refreshment, only the Hibernian Hotel, about two and a half miles on the Douglas and Laxey road, Ginger Hall four miles on the Peel road, and a small one in the village of Sulby. When projecting a long walk the pedestrian would require to provide himself with a few "creature comforts" in his pocket, for although the farmers and peasantry are hospitably disposed, they may not always have wherewith to offer a stranger, even if he were inclined to draw upon their kindness. We may also remark that families coming to this part of the Island are better customers to the bakers, butchers, and shoemakers than to the Doctors, nevertheless invalids and heads of families, whether in or at a distance from the principal towns, may be assured that there are able and experienced medical practitioners on whom they may safely rely for judicious advice if required.

Our travellers cannot have proceeded thus far without having remarked the fertility of this parish, and the excellent farming of some parts of it. If it be conceded that Lezayre is the "garden," Andreas may justly be called the " home farm" of the Island. Leaving Kirk Andreas by the road that leads from the farther end of the village the visitor can reach the Jurby high road leading direct to Ramsey. On the way he will pass St. Jude’s, a neat chapel of ease to Kirk Andreas; and Ballachurry, the mansion and property of Wm. Christian, Esq. Captain of the Parish, near which is a fort said to have been used during the civil wars. This noble old camp does not date beyond the reign of Charles the First, This conjecture is grounded on there being several similar to it which were formed during the civil war, and. when the troops of Cromwell were in the Island. It is very complete and the situation eligible, with a noble bastion at each of the corners, surrounded by a moat or fosse of very ample dimensions.

The parochial school of this parish is supported out of Queen Anne’s bounties and the impropriate fund. There are two poor funds; one for distressed farmers, the other for the poor of the parish.

THERE IS no object near Ramsey more conspicuous than

NORTH BAROOLE,

which towers above all other hills in the neighbourhood. This mountain, with a cairn on the summit, is 1800 feet above the level of the sea, the second highest on the Island, and little inferior to Snaefield in time interesting and extensive view from the top. King William’s College, at Castletown, is plainly discernible ; Douglas head and bay, and all the line of coast thence to the Point of Ayre; Ramsey lying beneath in tranquil beauty, with, Albert Tower looking very diminutive; and the same distant views as obtainable from Snaefield, with perhaps the exception of the coast of Ireland. The most direct way to ascend the hill is by the Claughbane road, and passing "Fred’s farm house," proceed straight up to the hill. There is some boggy ground however on the lower slope, which cannot well be passed without wetting the feet, unless in very dry weather. A more circuitous, but drier and not more fatiguing route may be found by ascending from the Hibernian Hotel, about two-and-half miles from Ramsey, on the Laxey road.