An ancient manuscript that the Celtic League has campaigned for years to see returned to the Isle of Man has come home but, unfortunately once again, it is only 'on loan' from the British Library to Manx National Heritage.
To coincide with Tynwald Day, last week, the Isle of Man's most important medieval manuscript was returned to the Island after a deal was reached with the British Library. The Chronicles of the Kings of Mann and the Isles was written by monks at Rushen Abbey in the 13th Century.
The circumstances surrounding its removal from the Island are shrouded in mystery but nonetheless ownership is now claimed by the British Library
The Celtic League, building on an earlier successful campaign to return ownership of the Calf of Mann (a small Island off the south coast of the Manx mainland which was owned by the English National Trust), has spoken out vigorously over the years for the return of the Chronicles.
Speaking to both Manx Radio and Energy Radio about the latest loan the Leagues Director of Information said that if the ownership issue was a stumbling block then some compromise could surely be found so that the documents was located permanently in the Isle of Man. He pointed out that the Chronicles were likely to be better utilised as a exhibit and research tool if they remained in the Isle of Man. He also said that the situation whereby Iceland and Denmark resolved ownership issues over the Icelandic Manuscripts was a possible example that the Manx government could explore with the British government.
See also:
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
08/07/07
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