Historic sheading and judicial district on the eastern side of the Isle of Man.

Garff was one of the six traditional sheadings into which the Island was divided for administrative and judicial purposes. Before 1796 it included Onchan as well as Lonan and Maughold. The Common Law Courts Act of that year altered the boundaries: Lonan and Maughold were constituted the Sheading of Garff, while Onchan was transferred into Middle.

The sheading had its own Coroner. Daniel Quark, examined by the Commissioners of Inquiry in October 1791, described the office as annual and carrying a salary of £3 sterling. In civil matters the Coroner summoned juries, served and levied processes issued by the Governor, Deemster, Water-Bailiff and High-Bailiff, and summoned juries of inquiry in trespass cases.

The Coroner also served the first process in Common Law actions, executed search warrants in criminal matters and apprehended offenders. Once each year he gave notice to the master of every herring boat in his district to attend the Custom House and pay the herring duty.

Garff’s Common Law Court was held at Douglas. The 1791 constitutional evidence described the Sheading Courts as meeting twice each year, generally in May and October. Glanfaba, Michael and Ayre were heard at Peel; Garff at Douglas; and Middle and Rushen at Castletown. Juries dealt with land titles, debts and other civil actions, while the Great Inquest presented nuisances.