Index - List of Keys

The Keys The name first appeared in a document of 1422 and has provoked much debate as to its origin. Although much publicity has been made that the Keys are the oldest parliament in the British Isles, it is not at all clear that they existed as a permanent body during the first two centuries of the Stanley era. During that time they appeared to have only a judicial function, apparently selected by the Deemsters, with the approval of the council, from the 'worthiest Men' in the Island. The n...