Tynwald, Ancient parliament in Douglas, Isle of Man.
The legislature meets in two chambers: the House of Keys with 24 elected representatives and the Legislative Council with eleven appointed members. Sessions take place in a modern building near the harbor, where both houses sit separately and join together for joint votes.
The institution began meeting in 979 and has continued without interruption ever since, making it one of the oldest continuously operating parliaments in the world. Over the centuries, the assembly adapted to different political changes while maintaining its core structures and ceremonies.
On Tynwald Day, new legislation is read aloud in both English and Manx at the open-air ceremony, reflecting the island's bilingual heritage. Visitors can watch the assembly members process in formal robes to the tiered hill, where the local community gathers on the surrounding grass to witness the proclamations.
Audio recordings of chamber sessions and committee meetings are available online, giving insight into current debates. Historical records reach back to 1887 and can be accessed through the official website.
Any new law must be proclaimed at St John's Hill within 18 months or it automatically becomes void. This rule ensures the public is regularly informed about legislative changes and ties modern lawmaking to a centuries-old tradition.
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