UK let down Isle of Man over Tynwald Hill, says MHK

Submitted by vicky on Thursday, 11 December 2003 Page Views: 1776

The Isle of Man has been continually let down by the British Government in its pursuit of world heritage status for Tynwald Hill, an member of the Tynwald House of Keys (MHK) has claimed. Martyn Quayle made the statement in Tynwald as he called for action to be taken to gain international recognition for the St John's site, the hill which has been a focus for activities for nearly 4,000 years

As well as prehistoric associations, the earliest Viking activity there dates back to 800-900 AD and the creation of Tynwald more than 1,000 years ago.

Mr Quayle said: 'On my travels I have often referred to the UK as having the mother of all parliaments – an expression well-known throughout the world. I am then able to say that while the UK has the mother of all parliaments, the Isle of Man has the grandmother of all parliaments.'

He said the site was first put forward as a site deserving world heritage status in 1984 when other sites, including the Laxey Wheel, were also considered.

But it was not included in a list of sites favoured by the UK Government.

World heritage sites are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

More than 170 countries have adhered to the World Heritage Convention since it was adopted by UNESCO in 1972 making it one of the most universal international legal instruments for the protection of the cultural and national heritage.

Mr Quayle said Andrew Rossindale MP, who was at this year's Tynwald Day ceremony, may table a motion in the House of Commons supporting the bid but suggested getting Norway and Iceland to back the bid too because of cultural links.

He said the possibility of a bid with Norway and Iceland is supported by the UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport and may carry greater weight.

The motion o initiate action in gaining recognition for the site was passed unanimously.

How it will be achieved has not been determined although members agreed the importance of the site to the people of the Island and its preservation is of more significance than the recognition of third parties.

Mr Corkill said David Lammy MP, the UK Department of Constitutional Affairs politician assigned to the Island, was 'lukewarm' on the issue during his visit to the Island but pledged to lobby.

Mr Quayle, a member of Department of Tourism and Leisure, said the decision to push for world heritage status wasn't to boost tourism but a matter of pride.

Source: Isle of Man Online 12/11/2003

Contributor Bio for vicky: Ex Megalithic Portal Editor, Co-author of 'Rock Around the Peak - Megalithic Monuments of the Peak District' and... More

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