As we approach Hop tu Naa, we take a look at one of the Isle of Man’s most sinister, if rather fanciful, tales.

Just outside Castletown is St Lupus Malew Church, a magnificent building set in picturesque surroundings. But there are macabre tales attached to the cemetery which is one of the largest on the island.

In the cemetery, just to the left as you enter, you will see a grave surrounded by chains. The peculiar resting place is surrounded by four iron stakes and draped with heavy iron chains. There is also a heavy slab above the grave – cracked worryingly – for what appears to be extra protection – but against what?

The grave is that of Matthew and Margaret Hassal whose memory has been somewhat tarnished by bizarre stories about why the grave is chained.

I went to visit the tomb and it is certainly a striking site. But the headstone speaks fondly of Margaret, who died aged 52 in 1858, described as a “faithful and affectionate” wife. Matthieu died at the age of 54.

But, over the years, wild stories have been told, leading to this resting place being known as the “Tomb of the Vampires.”

Little is known about Matthew or Margaret and appear to have lived a relatively quiet and discreet life.

How Matthew died is unclear, but rumors say he committed suicide, which would mean he could not be buried in consecrated ground, as committing suicide was considered a sin.

However, Matthew got one. Some suggest that the grave was dug behind the stone wall which marks the boundary of the church, as a sort of intermediate compromise. But that doesn’t explain the chains.

The other story suggests that as Matthew lay there while his family and friends mourned his loss, his corpse suddenly sat up and let out a loud moan.

Perhaps he was not actually dead as thought or perhaps there had been post-mortem contractions associated with the wind blowing through the rafters.

We’ll never know, but the more outlandish explanation seems to be gaining ground. After all, the mid-19th century was a more superstitious time.

The assumption was that Matthew must be a vampire. This led to the implementation of a number of measures. It is claimed that a sharpened stake was made from wood and driven through Matthew’s heart.

To ensure he remained in his grave, four iron stakes were placed at the four corners of the grave, topped with heavy iron chains.

Folklore suggests that iron can prevent any supernatural being from dying in its tracks.

But perhaps the chains were not there to hold Matthew’s tormented soul, but to keep others out.

There is no record of body snatching or grave robbing being a major problem on the island, but the chains may have been a deterrent to anyone considering grave digging.

There is another macabre but less sinister story about a grave at Malew Church.

It was well known among the Manx that any knot in the clothing of the dead would prevent their spirits from leaving the earth and moving on.

The islanders therefore took great care to ensure that there were no knots in their loved ones’ clothes or hats before the lid was finally put on the coffin.

In 1863, a woman named Morrison had been buried with bows mistakenly left in her burial cap and shroud.

His family was panicked because they thought his mind could not rest. They claim she began coming back to haunt his house in the days after his burial.

Her relatives went to the priest of Malew to ask permission to dig her up to untie the knots.

However, the vicar found their request foolish and superstitious and rejected it.

In the early hours of Easter morning, April 5, 1863, two of the woman’s brothers-in-law secretly went to the cemetery, dug up her coffin, opened it, and untied the knots from the woman’s bonnet and shroud.

The men were arrested and brought to trial, but, in an act of kindness, they received a more serious punishment than just a harsh reprimand and order to pay the costs of the trial.

Whether you believe in the story of vampires or not, Malew Church is worth a visit anyway.

There are beautiful stained glass windows, ancient religious objects and various artworks from local artists, including a ceramic and fused glass bowl for the police by local artist Coleen Corlett.

As well as the Vampire Grave, you’ll find ancient Malew Celtic crosses and numerous memorials to famous Manx families, including Manx hero Illiam Dhone.

So this Hop tu Naa, you could do worse than a visit to Malew Church.