Tynwald
The name Tynwald derives from the Old Norse word ting meaning assembly and valla meaning field. This linguistic root connects directly to the Icelandic Tingvoll and Norwegian Tingvoll, all describing a meeting place of the thing. The first written record of this specific place-name appears in the 13th or 14th century Chronicles of Mann. No evidence exists confirming that an assembly resembling the modern court operated in the year 979. Officials arbitrarily selected that millennium date for celebrations held in 1979.
Tynwald meets annually on Tynwald Day usually falling on the 5th of July at an open-air ceremony. This event takes place at Tynwald Hill located within St John's parish. The Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man presides over the gathering unless the monarch attends as Lord of Mann. During the ceremony all laws are promulgated simultaneously in both Manx and English languages. Public petitions receive formal reception at this historic site. If an Act of Tynwald fails to be promulgated here within 18 months it becomes null and void.
The legislature consists of two chambers known as the House of Keys and the Legislative Council. Members of each house formally sign bills during joint sittings held in Douglas. Questions may be directed to ministers while special resolutions authorizing taxes are made publicly. Delegated legislation created by government departments receives approval or annulment through this process. When voting occurs at a joint sitting each branch normally votes separately. A majority from each branch must approve a motion for it to carry forward. If the Council vote ties then the President of Tynwald casts the deciding vote following the majority vote of the Keys.
Tynwald originally comprised only the 24 Members of the House of Keys commonly referred to as the Keys. Four members represented each of the six sheadings covering the island. The earliest surviving record of these Keys dates from the year 1417. Membership was not elected but rather passed down through leading families on the island. Vacancies were filled when remaining members selected replacements. In 1600 the Keys became a permanent body after meeting irregularly before that time. Until 1577 they merely declared ancient common law when queries arose. This function developed into creating new laws around 1610.
In October 1651 during the English Civil War the island fell to Parliamentary forces who took over administration. Following the restoration of the monarchy control returned to the Lords of Mann. The Keys saw a reduction in power as Tynwald reconstituted itself with additional officers and deemsters. Administration vested in a Governor while Lords of Mann became absentee landlords. In 1737 Tynwald obtained powers requiring its agreement for all taxation. This arrangement ended in 1765 when the Lord of Mann sold rights over the island to the British Crown. The British government assumed all powers to impose and collect taxes leaving Tynwald with no money to spend.
A Royal Commission appointed in 1791 examined governance and finances of the island. Commissioners reported back to Whitehall in 1792 noting that earlier laws had little weight as precedents. It was not until 1866 that Tynwald passed legislation allowing some members to be elected for the first time. Women gained ability to stand for election following the 1919 introduction of universal adult suffrage based on residency. Marion Shimmin of the Manx Labour Party became the first woman elected at a by-election in 1933. The House of Keys Election Act 1866 transferred judicial power from Tynwald to a separate court.
In 2007 the island's system of government underwent review with plans to transform the Legislative Council into a directly elected chamber. Between 2017 and 2018 the Tynwald considered recommendations from Lord Lisvane regarding legislative reform. Most of these proposals were rejected during that period. According to the House of Keys Hansard for the 6th of December 2023 the question of removing the Bishop's vote has been debated ten times recently. This proposal for change was defeated in the Keys on that same date. As of September 2023 no such legislation has passed through either Tynwald or Parliament of the United Kingdom.
Common questions
What is the origin of the name Tynwald?
The name Tynwald derives from the Old Norse word ting meaning assembly and valla meaning field. This linguistic root connects directly to the Icelandic Tingvoll and Norwegian Tingvoll, all describing a meeting place of the thing.
When does Tynwald meet annually on Tynwald Day?
Tynwald meets annually on Tynwald Day usually falling on the 5th of July at an open-air ceremony. This event takes place at Tynwald Hill located within St John's parish.
How many members are in the House of Keys of Tynwald?
Tynwald originally comprised only the 24 Members of the House of Keys commonly referred to as the Keys. Four members represented each of the six sheadings covering the island.
Who became the first woman elected to Tynwald?
Marion Shimmin of the Manx Labour Party became the first woman elected at a by-election in 1933. Women gained ability to stand for election following the 1919 introduction of universal adult suffrage based on residency.
What happened to Tynwald powers after the British Crown took over rights in 1765?
The arrangement ended in 1765 when the Lord of Mann sold rights over the island to the British Crown. The British government assumed all powers to impose and collect taxes leaving Tynwald with no money to spend.