A 16th-century historical narrative tracing the legendary and actual rulers of the Isle of Man, from the mythical Mananan mac Leirе through the Stanley dynasty. The text combines folklore (Mananan's necromancy, St Patrick's conversion) with dynastic history, documenting succession through Scandinavian, Scottish, English, and Stanley periods. Provides genealogical context essential for understanding pre-Revestment sovereignty claims.
A 1595 state paper from the Scottish State Paper Office reporting on military intelligence regarding a threat of invasion from Islesmen (likely MacDonald forces from the Hebrides) against Scottish territory and the Isle of Man. The letter discusses the positioning of a 4,000-strong army near Mull of Buntyre and warns of planned attacks on the Isle of Man before potential raids on Ireland. It reflects 16th-century geopolitical tensions in the Irish Sea and northern Atlantic regions.
A letter from George Ackroyd Erskine to George Nicolson dated 25 July 1595 reporting intelligence of a military force of 4,000+ men threatening invasion of the Isle of Man and Scotland from the sea. The writer warns that the force may first attack Man before proceeding to Ireland to seek aid from the Earl of O'Neill. The letter requests urgent notification to the Lord Warden and border officials to dispatch ships for the defence of the island, emphasizing the strategic importance of Man and the threat posed by hostile forces allied with enemies of the English Crown.
George Borrow, travelling in 1855, met a woman whose son lived in an Ohio village where the Manx language was spoken. The encounter, recorded decades after the first emigration ships sailed, confirmed that the language the emigrants carried across the Atlantic was still alive in the American settlements — at a time when institutional support for Manx on the island itself was continuing to erode.
George Christian was a son of William Christian (Illiam Dhone) who, together with his brother Ewan, successfully petitioned Charles II's Privy Council for the restitution of their father's estate after his execution in 1663. The Privy Council ruled the trial unlawful and ordered that "intire restitution" be made of the Christian property.
George Grenville (1712-1770) served as Prime Minister from 1763 to 1765. His government was responsible for the passage of the Isle of Man Purchase Act 1765 (the Revestment Act), which transferred the sovereignty of the Isle of Man from the Duke of Atholl to the British Crown, primarily to suppress the Island's smuggling trade.
Letter from George Grenville (First Lord of the Treasury) to the Duke of Atholl acknowledging receipt of correspondence regarding the Isle of Man settlement and promising to present the Duke's letter to the Treasury Board at their next meeting. Grenville expresses willingness to help settle 'this important business' in accordance with Parliamentary intention and in a manner agreeable to both the Duke and the public interest.
A letter from George Grenville (First Lord of the Treasury) to the Duke of Atholl dated 2 September 1764, acknowledging receipt of the Duke's letter of 20 August and promising to transmit the Duke's letter to the Treasury Commissioners at their next meeting. Grenville expresses willingness to help settle 'this important business' in accordance with Parliament's intention and to the Duke's satisfaction. This is a crucial document in the pre-Revestment negotiations.
First World War. Embossed copper plate fixed with brass screw, letters in block. Mounted on wall inside library with a picture of 2nd Lieutenant George Andrew Herdman above it, either side are photographs of his mother and father. Relocated in 1988, previously held at the George Herdman Institute, Shore Road, Port Erin.
George III (1738-1820) was King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 to 1820 and Lord of Mann following the Revestment. The 1765 Revestment Act, which purchased the sovereignty of the Isle of Man from the Duke of Atholl, was enacted during his reign. The Crown's subsequent administration of the Island brought significant changes to Manx governance, trade and customs.
George IV (1762-1830) was King of the United Kingdom and Lord of Mann from 1820 to 1830. During his reign, negotiations continued with the 4th Duke of Atholl over the purchase of the remaining Atholl rights and revenues on the Isle of Man, which were finally settled in 1828.
Sir George Moore (1709-1787) of Ballamoore, near Peel, was a Manx merchant and Speaker of the House of Keys. He led the Keys' efforts to obtain better terms for Manx commerce after the 1765 Revestment, and it was largely due to his exertions that the intention of annexing the Island to Cumberland was not carried out. He was knighted in 1781, one of the first Manxmen to receive that honour.
A biographical and historical study of George Moore (1709–1787), a prominent Peel merchant and Speaker of the Keys, examining his commercial ventures in the contraband trade, his family life, and his political role during and after the 1765 Revestment. Based on Moore's personal letter books held in the Manx Museum, this retiring presidential address illuminates merchant life, smuggling economics, and the political tensions surrounding Manx independence.
A scholarly article by David Craine examining the life and business activities of George Moore (1709–1787), a prominent Peel merchant and Speaker of the Keys during and after the 1765 Revestment. Based on Moore's letter books held in the Manx Museum, the paper explores his involvement in the smuggling trade, his transatlantic commercial ventures, his role in Manx political affairs, and his complex relationship with Bishop Wilson's anti-contraband stance.
Official correspondence warning of a potential Highland incursion against the Isle of Man, addressed to a Scottish official. The document comes from the State Paper Office, Scotland, and reflects 16th-century security concerns regarding the island. While predating the 1765 Revestment by 170 years, it provides historical context on external threats to Manx governance and authority.
A brief administrative letter from George Nicolson to Mr. Bowes dated 8 May 1595, reporting intelligence that Highland forces intend a surprise attack or incursion against the Isle of Man. The letter urges vigilance and defensive preparations. This document provides early modern context for external threats to the island's security and governance prior to the Revestment period.
George Nugent-Temple-Grenville, 1st Marquess of Buckingham (1753-1813), was a British politician and son of George Grenville, who had passed the Revestment Act. He was involved in the political discussions surrounding the governance and finances of the Isle of Man during the late eighteenth century.
George Quayle (1757-1835) of Castletown was a Manx politician, banker, inventor and yachtsman. He built the armed yacht Peggy, which survives as one of the most significant small-craft maritime artefacts in Europe, now housed in the Nautical Museum at Bridge House, Castletown. He played a prominent role in the Island's administration and economy during the period following the Revestment.
Letter from George Quirk, Water Bailiff of the Isle of Man, to James Clarke discussing contemporary political tensions on the island, including disputes between the House of Keys and the Governor over parliamentary procedure, the Gaol Delivery question, and a proposed High Road Bill. References memorials to the Privy Council and House of Commons, and mentions resignation of General Cuming from the Keys.
Letter from George Quirk, Water Bailiff of Isle of Man, to James Clarke (likely a government official) detailing internal political tensions on the island in 1824. Discusses memorials from the House of Keys challenging the Lieutenant Governor's authority, disputes over Gaol Delivery court membership, disagreements on highway legislation, and factional divisions. Written in the post-Revestment era, it illuminates continued constitutional friction between the Manx legislature and British-appointed executive.
A confidential letter from George Quirk (Castletown) to James Clarke reporting on Isle of Man political affairs in 1824, including the House of Keys' petition against the Duke of Atholl, the Petition presentation, governance disputes, proposed legislation (Registry, Highroad, Coroners' Bills), and tensions between the Keys and the Duke's administration. Provides contemporary insight into post-Revestment constitutional friction.
A detailed letter from George Quirk (Castletown) to James Clarke (presumed Home Office official) dated 22 April 1824, discussing tensions between the House of Keys and the Duke of Atholl, the Keys' petition against the Duke, disputes over legislative bills (Registry, Highroad, Jail Delivery), and broader constitutional conflicts. The letter provides insights into post-Revestment governance, local political factionalism, press suppression, and the Keys' growing institutional power.
George V (1865-1936) was King of the United Kingdom and Lord of Mann from 1910 to 1936. His reign saw the Isle of Man used extensively for the internment of civilian prisoners during the First World War, most notably at the large camp at Knockaloe, near Peel.
George VI (1895-1952) was King of the United Kingdom and Lord of Mann from 1936 to 1952. During the Second World War, the Isle of Man was again used for the internment of enemy aliens, with camps established at Douglas, Ramsey, Peel and Port Erin and Port St Mary.
