greg3 Posted March 17, 2019 As well as being the Patron Saint of Ireland, St Patrick plays an important part in the history of the Isle of Man. It's said he brought Christianity to the island during the 5th century and many places still bear his name and/or have stories about him associated with them. One such place is a field near the coast in the south of the island. It's said that after coming ashore, St Patrick stood on a rock to bless the land, leaving the imprint of his feet in the stone itself. During the 1930's the landowner had a concrete shelter constructed to "protect" the rock... although as it had a coin operated mechanism to allow people to view the footprints perhaps he had an different motive!! Nowadays, damage to the structure means the footprints can be seen for free! Although I've lived here most of my life and do lots of walking, I'd never heard of this bit of local history until it was mentioned on the news this morning - I'll have to get round to seeing if I can find the real thing but for now I've built my own Lego version!! Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Top view showing the viewing holes and coin slot.. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The coin would have operated a light or opened a shutter to allow the footprints to be seen. Now the mechanism has gone leaving an opening in the structure that allows the light in. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr The view Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr With the top removed the footprints can be seen more clearly. Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr I've added a footpath so my minifigs can easily access it Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Untitled by g.nat, on Flickr Comments are always welcome.... Thanks for looking and Happy St Patrick's Day!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carebear Posted March 18, 2019 Alway love to visit Ballabreek! Love the story's you can find around and in your city! Thanks for this! Greetings! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
