A letter from newly appointed Lieutenant Governor Alexander Shaw to Evan Nepean (Under Secretary of State) dated 26 February 1791, requesting copies of gubernatorial instructions and records that were not provided by his predecessor, Lieutenant Governor Dawson. Shaw references instructions from 1765 relating to the Crown's vesting of the Isle of Man and seeks guidance on his administrative duties.
Lieutenant Hawkes commanded HMS Maria and arrived at Douglas in August 1811. He assured the High-Bailiff, Norris Moore, that he did not intend to impress fishermen. On the night of 17 August, he broke his word, impressing fishermen and working men after what contemporary accounts describe as a hard fight, in which several men were dangerously wounded. The Admiralty initially refused to release the men, citing the "very improper conduct of the people of Douglas," before eventually ordering their return.
Lieutenant-Governor Alexander Shaw's formal letter to the Commissioners of Inquiry (1792), submitted 19 October 1791, detailing the constitutional structure of the Isle of Man, the composition and powers of the three Estates (Sovereign, Governor and Council, House of Keys), and critical observations on governance including the exclusion of clerical members from Council and abuses of appeals to the King in Council. Directly relevant to post-Revestment constitutional arrangements and administrative practice.
Letter from Lieutenant-Governor Alexander Shaw to the Secretary of the Commissioners of Inquiry (1792), submitted 19 October 1791, detailing the constitutional structure, legislature, laws, and governance of the Isle of Man. Covers the three estates (Sovereign, Governor and Council, House of Keys), the composition and election of the Keys, the controversy over clerical members of the Council, and extensive discussion of the problem of appeals to the King in Council. A key post-Revestment administrative document.
An extensive biographical and historical introduction to the life of Robert Clive, focusing on the political and military state of India at the outset of his career (1746). The text covers the decline of the Mughal Empire, the rise of European trading companies (especially the East India Company), the Carnatic Wars, and key figures like Dupleix, La Bourdonnais, and various Indian rulers. While primarily biographical, it provides crucial context for understanding the geopolitical environment that shaped the events leading to the 1765 Isle of Man Revestment by illustrating how overseas colonial ventures and commercial rivalries drove imperial expansion.
A comprehensive biography of John Wilkes (1725–1797) by Horace Bleackley, published in 1917 by John Lane. While primarily a biography of the radical politician Wilkes, the work contains extensive contextual material on 18th-century British politics, Parliamentary procedure, radical journalism, and constitutional conflicts that provide important background for understanding the political climate leading to the 1765 Revestment debate.
Comprehensive biography of John Wilkes (1725–1797), the radical politician and libertarian activist whose career paralleled the 1765 Revestment period. Covers Wilkes's political agitation, Parliamentary activities, publishing ventures (The North Briton), and constitutional conflicts with George III. Relevant to the Revestment project for context on 1760s–1770s political radicalism, Parliamentary procedure, and the ideological climate affecting colonial and constitutional questions.
A partial administrative record listing coroners appointed for various parishes (Glenfaba, Michael, Ayre, Garff, Middle, Rushen) in the Isle of Man. The document appears to be a continuation of a larger list, with some names struck through and annotations regarding oaths taken under gubernatorial direction.
A continuation of a list of coroners appointed to the six parishes (sheadings) of the Isle of Man. Each parish is paired with the name of its coroner, including James Cains (Glaufaba), John Kaughin Jun. (Michael), William Radcliffe (Ayre), Daniel Quark (Garff), William Clague (Middle), and Thomas Harrison (Rushen).
A continuation of a list naming coronors (coroners) for various Manx parishes including Glanfaba, Michael, Ayre, Garff, Middle, and Rushen, with their residences and associated districts. Some entries are crossed out or illegible, suggesting this is a draft or working document.
A register of the twenty-four members (Keys) of the House of Keys legislative body of the Isle of Man. The document lists the names of gentlemen serving in this capacity, though the exact date of composition is not specified in the transcription.
A handwritten document from July 1773 listing numerous names of individuals associated with various parishes and locations across the Isle of Man. The document appears to be an administrative or census-related record, with names organized by geographical location. Many entries contain place names and personal identifiers, though legibility is significantly compromised throughout.
A document listing approximately 80 names from K.K. Lonnan (Kirkby, Kirk Lonan parish) dated 23 November 1778. Many names are marked with 'my' and '+' symbols, possibly indicating some form of parochial or manorial listing, tax assessment, or household enumeration. The purpose and significance of the marks remains unclear without additional context.
A manuscript list of names from the Marown parish, organized in two columns with various marks ('+', 'x', 'my') beside entries. The right column is substantially obscured by staining and damage. The document appears to be a record or register of local residents.
A two-column list of names from the Maughold parish, with many entries marked with '+' (possibly indicating votes, presence, or status). The document appears to be an administrative or court record, though its specific purpose is unclear. Many names are abbreviated and some readings are uncertain.
A three-column list of names organized by parish location (Rushen and Castletown). The document appears to be a roster or register of individuals, possibly for administrative, legal, or parochial purposes. Many names have uncertain readings indicated by question marks.
A three-column list of names organized by Manx parishes, likely representing residents, property holders, or participants in an administrative process. The document contains numerous uncertain readings and partial names, suggesting it may be a roster, tax list, or administrative register.
A two-column list of names, predominantly Manx surnames, with various marks ('+', 'my', 'x', '-') indicating signatures, marks, or witness attestations. The document appears to be a record of signatories or participants in a legal or administrative proceeding, though the specific context and date are not provided.
A roster listing the names of 24 members of the House of Keys, the legislative body of the Isle of Man. Marginal annotations indicate that Edward Christian was discharged upon his own request and Peter John Heywood was proposed as a member.
A roster of 21 named members of the House of Keys, the legislative body of the Isle of Man. The document appears to be an administrative list identifying the gentlemen who comprised the Keys during an unspecified period.
A document containing three columns of names, primarily from the parishes of Kirkby Braddan and Kirkby Conchan on the Isle of Man. Many entries include personal marks (denoted by 'x') or signatures, suggesting this may be a petition, poll list, or administrative register. The presence of marks alongside names indicates inclusion of those unable to write.
Prehistoric promontory forts, alleged sites of.
Dr Gerhard Bersu (1949) speculated that the cliffs overlooking Douglas Bay lent themselves as possible locations of promontory forts of the type occuring elsewhere on the coastline of the Isle of Man, which have been dated to the late prehistoric or Iron Age period. These may readily be identified through reference to the Ordnance Survey 1:2500 First Edition mapping of 1867-8.
Although no trace of defences or artefacts of this period have been observed, he would appear to have been referring to the area towards the north end of the bay between Falcon Cliff and Summerhill, known as Little Switzerland, where the irregular line of cliffs affords at least two opportunities for such defences.
The area is now occupied by lawns and gardens.
