The Old House of Keys was the legislative meeting place of the Isle of Man between 1821 and 1874.

As the importance of Douglas grew as a port and financial centre it became inevitable that the assembly would move too. Once the building ceased to be used as a legislative meeting place (in 1874), the Old House of Keys was occupied by a succession of banking companies (Dumbell’s followed by Parr’s, which after various amalgamations became National Westminster). A great many alterations to the structure took place after this time, principally with the aim of improving sanitation and security.

The restored Debating Chamber of the House of Keys – copyright Manx National Heritage

I was commissioned to carry out paint analysis of the building and to ascertain how it had appeared in the 1860s.




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