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A brief history of Rushen Abbey

1980s/1990s Closed to the public (except for "The Academy Night Club")

ADVERTISEMENT FROM: "RUSHEN ABBEY - A HISTORY AND GUIDE" by Gordon N. Kniveton, published by 'The Manx Experience' circa 1986

It reads:

"The Nightclub in the heart of Ballasalla, surrounded by the beautiful Rushen Abbey Gardens. Open 9.00pm-2.00am Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights - for the Over-21s. From July to September Tuesday night is CABARET NIGHT. 'Live' singalong entertainment ad non-stop nostalgia. Half-price admission with this booklet before 10.15pm (Tuesday only). The club that's just out of town but just a bit special - 10 drive minutes from Douglas".

Perhaps that should have read "10 minutes drive from Douglas" ? 

(c) Manx National Heritage. The back of "The Academy" (the 1926 Dance Floor part) taken in about 1997.

(c) Manx National Heritage. The back of "The Academy" (the Tea Rooms part) taken in about 1997.

(c) Manx National Heritage. A high shot of the Night Club area. The high vinery wall (now mostly demolished) runs across the picture from the bottom right to where the video link/diaries building now stands. The main area of demolition was the main part of the Night Club, formerly the Tea Rooms. Running off it at angle up the picture is the old dance floor area. the two dark fir trees are still in existence inside the area currently (2003) being excavated.    

Above: before demolition                                      Above: the demolition area after landscaping

Both pictures (c) Manx National Heritage