Bronze Age burial mounds.
The Ordnance Survey 1:2500 First Edition mapping of 1867-8 shows two earthwork mounds in this locality, positioned either side of the road from Hillberry to Little Mill. One is marked as a 'Tumulus' and the other as 'Tumulus (Urn found)'. The grid reference refers to a point on the road roughly equidistant from both sites.
These mounds may be those referred to by Oswald ('Vestigia', 1860) as 'near to the mountain gate of the Cronk-na-Mona Road, a group of barrows'.
The mound to the north of the road was described by T Kneen, leading an excursion of the IoM Natural History & Antiquarian Society in 1892 as 'levelled'. A Royal Commission field inspector in 1955 however records it as a 'rather spread ditchless grass covered bowl barrow with diameter of 20m and minimum height of 0.9m', with some stone content, nevertheless classifying it as a mound rather than a cairn. By 1969 it is described as 'ploughed out'; despite this, the site is apparent as a faint cropmark (2016).
The mound to the south of the road is noted in 1892 as 'on a slight slope,...now almost levelled by cultivation; its outline, however, could be traced, showing a diameter of about 16 yards.' In 1955 it was reportedly 17m in diameter and stood 0.4m high, with a boulder on top which appeared to have been recently disturbed or placed there.
During the 1990s, topsoil was spread in the field, but the mound was avoided and left undisturbed.
Although the Ordnance Survey records the discovery of pottery at the site, no corresponding object, or sherds thereof, have been identified in the Manx National Heritage collections.
Bronze Age burial mound.
The Ordnance Survey 1:2500 First Edition mapping of 1867-8 shows an earthwork mound just north of the road from Hillberry to Little Mill, marked as a 'Tumulus'.
The mound may be one of those referred to by Oswald ('Vestigia', 1860) as 'near to the mountain gate of the Cronk-na-Mona Road, a group of barrows'.
The mound was described by T Kneen, leading an excursion of the IoM Natural History & Antiquarian Society in 1892, as 'levelled'. A Royal Commission field inspector in 1955 however records it as a 'rather spread ditchless grass covered bowl barrow with diameter of 20m and minimum height of 0.9m', with some stone content, nevertheless classifying it as a mound rather than a cairn. By 1969 it is described as 'ploughed out'; despite this, the site is apparent as a faint cropmark (2016).
Bronze Age burial mound.
The Ordnance Survey 1:2500 First Edition mapping of 1867-8 shows an earthwork mound to the south of the road from Hillberry to Little Mill, marked as a 'Tumulus (Urn found)'.
The mound may be one of those referred to by Oswald ('Vestigia', 1860) as 'near to the mountain gate of the Cronk-na-Mona Road, a group of barrows'.
The mound was described by T Kneen, leading an excursion of the IoM Natural History & Antiquarian Society in 1892, as 'on a slight slope,...now almost levelled by cultivation; its outline, however, could be traced, showing a diameter of about 16 yards.' In 1955 it was reportedly 17m in diameter and stood 0.4m high, with a boulder on top which appeared to have been recently disturbed and placed there.
During the 1990s, topsoil was spread in the field, but the mound was avoided and left undisturbed.
Although the Ordnance Survey records the discovery of pottery at the site, no corresponding object, or sherds thereof, have been identified in the Manx National Heritage collections.
Alleged standing stone.
During an inspection in 1955 a boulder was noted to be present on top of the mound at this location.
It had not previously been reported, and because of soil adhering to its top and sides would appear to have been recently laid there. The stone was of approximately rectangular section, 1.3m long with sides of 0.5 and 0.6m. It is possible that it had recently been turned up by ploughing and had been placed on the mound for temporary safekeeping. It was not apparent during a site visit in 1993.
The stone may have been natural, but in view of the presence of two prehistoric monuments nearby, the view of the inspector at the time that 'had it been found erect in situ (it) would probably have been classified as a standing stone' is not unreasonable.
A historical and legal document discussing the motivations for the Crown's re-acquisition of regality rights in the Isle of Man, and comparing the proprietory rights held by the noble families of Stanley and Murray over several centuries. The text notes that the Murray family's thirty-year tenure involved minimal personal engagement with the Island, and references a significant dispute arising around 1780 concerning the validity of land tenures.
A historical narrative discussing the administration of the Isle of Man following the Revestment Act, focusing on Governor Wood's tenure and the state of the legislature. The document addresses matters of succession, constitutional arrangements, and governance practices during the period leading up to 1777.
A historical narrative discussing the descent of the Receiver General Christian, the Duke of Athole's visit to the Isle of Man, and the consequences of the Act of Settlement in the early 18th century. The text addresses the transfer of lordship from the Stanley line to the Athole family in 1737 and critiques the new lords' management of their hereditary rights.
A historical narrative tracing the ownership and sovereignty of the Isle of Man from the reign of Henry III through the early 15th century. The document details grants made by Edward II to Gaveston and Lord Beaumont, the forfeiture under Henry IV following Lord Scroop's adherence to Richard II, and the subsequent grant to the Earl of Northumberland and Sir John Stanley.
A historical narrative discussing ancient Manx customs, the Tynwald parliament, and the execution of Receiver General William Christian during the English Civil Wars. The passage reflects on party divisions in Manx society stemming from this event and includes references to commemorative Manx poetry and the decline of the Colquitt family.
This is an excerpt from a scholarly historical analysis discussing the archaeological and architectural evidence for Castle Rushen's construction and antiquity. It traces the castle's development from primitive fortified structures through to its present Gothic and Massive form, and references traditional dating of the castle's erection to 960 A.D.
A historical account discussing the ancient revenue systems of the Lords of Mann, including feudal obligations such as the supply of malt, meal, and cattle. The text examines the lords' management of lands near Castletown and comments on the island's agricultural potential and the population's preference for herring fishing over land cultivation.
This is an excerpt from a printed pamphlet discussing the history of hereditary jurisdictions, particularly the Maréchalcy in France and private jurisdictions in Scotland. It traces attempts by French kings to annex the Maréchalcy to the Crown, culminating in 1726 when the Marquis de Belleisle yielded it to the King, and discusses similar efforts by Scottish kings including James VI to eliminate hereditary jurisdictions.
A legal or political treatise examining historical precedents regarding the rights of princes and rules of justice across different eras. The document discusses Roman emperors (Tiberius, Domitian) and English monarchs (Edward III, Henry VIII), arguing principles of property rights and compensation, with particular focus on the Duchy of Cornwall.
A manuscript account by James Stanley, Earl of Derby and Lord of Man, written during his residence on the Isle in 1643, covering the history and antiquities of Man, his administrative proceedings, advice to his son Charles Lord Strange, and observations on Manx customs, governance, and tenure. Originally in Derby's own hand, edited and published in Manx Society volume 3, with introduction from Sir William Dugdale.
A printed pamphlet published in Douglas in 1825 documenting the transactions and disputes that led to the House of Keys petitioning the House of Commons against the Duke of Atholl, including responses to the charges contained therein. Published from authenticated documents.
An early modern genealogical and historical account tracing the Stanley family from the Norman Conquest through the 18th century, with particular attention to their lands in Staffordshire, Cheshire, and their governance of the Isle of Man. Includes a catalogue of Isle of Man governors from 1417 to 1741, making it directly relevant to understanding the Stanley lordship and administrative structure preceding the 1765 Revestment.
The roll of honour was originally erected in the 'Long Room' at HM Customs and Revenue, London. It is presumed that all Customs and Excise stations throughout the British Isles received a memorial.
Information provided by the Isle of Man Committee for the Preservation of War Memorials.
HM Treasury is the British government department responsible for public finance. It played a decisive role in the Revestment of 1765, driving the policy to acquire the sovereignty of the Isle of Man from the Duke of Atholl for the sum of 70,000 pounds in order to suppress the Island's smuggling trade and recover lost customs revenues.
HMS King Orry was a vessel named after Godred Crovan (King Orry), the Norse king who conquered the Isle of Man in 1079 and established the dynasty that ruled the Island for nearly two centuries. The name reflects the enduring significance of Norse heritage in Manx culture and identity.
The wreck of the Royal Naval brig Racehorse (18 guns) which sank on 14th Dec 1822 off Langness. HMS Racehorse was a Cruizer-class brig-sloop built in 1806 at Hamilton and Breed's yard in Hastings. She was sailing to the Island to pick up survivors from a previous (October) shipwreck. High wind and heavy seas pushed the Racehorse against the rocks near the Skerranes, Langness Point.
Due to efforts of crew and locals, most crew were saved, but 6 crew lost their lives along with 3 locals who had gone to the ship's aid. Neither Captain Suckling or his officers were blamed, but the master, William Hodder and the pilot, William Edwards, were reprimanded for navigational error.
The wreck lies in 10m depth of water and is legally protected and owned by the IOM Sub Aqua Club, and may not be dived without permission. Exploration by the club has led to the recovery of many finds from the sea bed.
No names listed; Second World War. Marble plaque with black incription. Information provided by the Isle of Man Government Preservation of War Memorials Committee. Image courtesy of Chris Blyth, Isle of Man Photographic Society. Find on Map or Report Condition
No names listed; Second World War.
Brass plate on wooden base measuring approximately 9 x 6 inches. Engraved with St George emblem.
The memorial was unveiled on 23 April 1991. The cost of the memorial was between £100 - £120. The memorial was originally located in the building where members of H.M.S. St George trained. The training camp was demolished and the plaque was relocated. In 2000, the area where this memorial was sited was reorganised, resulting in the plaque and its column having to be re-sited. A new location was found, on the door of an unused small castellate building where it now rests. Shoprite own the building and with their consent, an office housing the I.L.S Group decided to re-paint the building where the plaque now stands.
The memorial was designed by G.H. Corlett, Castle Street, Douglas, Isle of Man. It was built by the employees of Shoprite Plc.
Wooden-framed brass plaque (plaque 1). Wooden plaque (plaque 2).
Unveiled by Lord Gort on 25 April 1991. Sponsored by Isle of Man Dept of Tourism. Built by G.H. Corlett Ltd, Castle St, Douglas.
Second World War.
Wooden carved table, covered with altar cloth of several materials. Above the altar table their is an altar piece of religious design. There is an altar rail and kneeling stools.
HMS Valkyrie was a shore based Naval establishment where Naval recruits were trained prior to their posting to sea-going vessels.
