History

The little church of St Sanctain was built on the site of one or two ancient 5th century keeils overlooking the sea and far across to the English coats. They were probably located here to serve travellers because of the springs which form two holy wells on the site.

It is named for the Irish missionary monk and bishop, Saint Sanctain who may have come here as a follower of Saint Ninian and Saint Patrick. Over the years the church dedicated and the place name have been corrupted, first to Saint Anne, and then to Santon.

The Manx parished were established in the 12th century and, at that time, St. Sanctain became a parish church, serving the dispersed rural settlements. Today the church is well away from the main road at Santon. The church was rebuilt between 1720-30 and then again in 1774 which is the building you see now. Bones removed from the two keeils, during archaeological investigations, were re-interred in a new grave site at the top corner of the churchyard. Ancient stones, also uncovered at that time, are now displayed in the church. One of these is Roman, possibly the oldest and strangest to be found on the Island.

St Sanctain is a typical small Manx church with whitewashed walls. This simple rectangular building has little decorative pyramids on each corner and a small bell cote at the west end. There is a sundial on the south wall. Inside, the pews and pulpit date back to the church’s rebuilding in the 1700s.

The lovely window depicting the Last Supper is about 70 years old.