A fragmentary loyal address, likely from the House of Keys to the reigning monarch, expressing devotion and seeking royal guidance. The document conveys the representatives' deep concern for the welfare of the Isle of Man and its people, with prayers for the monarch's long life and prosperity. Significant portions are obscured due to photography angle and document damage.
"Round Ellan" or "Loyal Fort" is a circular earthwork of unknown purpose and date. It is visible on modern aerial photographs and the present field boundaries respect its present, curving around the outside of its western and southern sides. A rim sherd of poorly glazed micaceous ware, considered to be 'medieval' as been found just inside east margin of the plateau surrounded by the earthwork and are now kept at the Manx Museum (Accession No. 1967-0125).
Stone cists have been reported in the past as being uncovered whilst digging drainage trenches in the field to the east of the enclosure. The authorities given for this information were the Venerable Archdeacon J.C. Moore. M.A., Mr F. Ratcliffe, and Mr D. Quirk, Kirk Andreas.
A lengthy letter from Lieutenant Governor Alex Shaw to the Duke of Atholl discussing parliamentary addresses, the threat of French invasion, proposals to garrison prisoners of war on Langness, legislative measures against smuggling (wine and salt trade), and broader concerns about effective governance and administrative harmony on the Isle of Man. Reflects contemporary tensions over smuggling enforcement, political dysfunction, and the relationship between the Island's government and Westminster.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Alexander Shaw to the Duke of Atholl discussing Island governance, potential prisoner-of-war depot at Langness, legislative remedies for smuggling (wine, salt), creditor laws, and the need for effective government presence. Shaw advocates for the Duke as Governor-in-Chief and discusses tensions between administrative efficiency and party politics on the Island during the Napoleonic Wars.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Alex Shaw to the Duke of Atholl reporting on anti-smuggling operations, suspected arms caches at Port Erin intended for Ireland, seizure of contraband wine and tobacco, and measures to control the smuggling trade. Reflects post-Revestment governance challenges and the effectiveness of revenue enforcement under the new Crown jurisdiction.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Alexander Shaw to the Duke of Atholl reporting on smuggling activity, suspected arms shipments to Ireland, seizures of contraband at Port Erin, and challenges in enforcing revenue laws on the Isle of Man. Shaw requests greater military resources and advocates for duty allowances on gin and brandy to undercut smugglers. Provides insight into post-Revestment governance challenges and the persistence of the running trade.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Alexander Shaw to Home Secretary Lord Pelham reporting on Irish arrivals to the Isle of Man following the Dublin disturbances of July 1803. Shaw details security measures implemented to register and examine strangers, including three or more Roman Catholic priests, and expresses concerns about potential political refugees or fugitives. The letter contextualizes post-rebellion security protocols and military preparedness on the island.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Alexander Shaw to Home Secretary Lord Pelham reporting on the arrival of Irish strangers on the Isle of Man following the 1803 Dublin disturbance (Robert Emmet's rebellion). Shaw describes measures taken to register and examine suspicious arrivals, including several Catholic priests, and requests military reinforcement for Castle Rushen. While post-dating the Revestment by 38 years, this document illustrates the Island's strategic importance in security matters and cross-Irish Sea movements.
Letter from newly arrived Lieutenant Governor Charles Smelt to Home Office official John King reporting on repairs to Castle Rushen Government House and requesting permission for a month's leave to England to obtain furniture and prepare his family. Includes contemporary newspaper notice of the auction sale of his predecessor's household effects, providing context on conditions for incoming governors.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Charles Smelt to John King at the Home Office, dated 25 July 1805, reporting on repairs to Government House in Castle Rushen and requesting permission to travel to England for one month to prepare his family for relocation to the Isle of Man. Accompanied by editorial notes on the auction of his predecessor Alexander Shaw's household goods (1804) and commentary on post-Revestment property arrangements.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor John Dawson to Governor Smith expressing concern about the Duke of Atholl's planned visit to the Isle of Man. Dawson fears public disorder and lack of proper royal dignity, and seeks advance knowledge of his instructions from the Secretary of State. The letter reflects tensions between the Duke's residual authority and the Crown's governorship on the island.
A letter from Isle of Man's Lieutenant Governor Dawson to Governor Smith expressing concern about the Duke of Atholl's planned visit to the island on 13 June 1788. Dawson fears public adulation of the Duke will undermine Crown authority and requests advance notice of any instructions from the Secretary of State regarding the visit.
Lieutenant Governor R. Dawson reports to his superior on a dispute over possession of the court room in Douglas. The Duke of Atholl's agent claims the room on behalf of the Duke, but Dawson argues it was surrendered to the Crown under the Vesting Act and should remain in royal possession until legal title is demonstrated. The letter details how the room fell into the Seneschal's hands through an informal arrangement with the Clerk of the Rolls.
Official report from Lieutenant Governor Richard Dawson to the Secretary of State (Lord Suffolk) certifying the establishment of a flax and hemp refining manufactory on the Isle of Man by the Baroness Aichelburg in December 1777. The report includes details of personnel, imported materials, and exports, reflecting post-Revestment economic development and industrial initiatives on the island.
Official report from Lieutenant Governor Richard Dawson to Secretary of State Lord Suffolk certifying the establishment and operation of a flax and hemp refinery on the Isle of Man in 1777-1778. The report documents the arrival of the Baroness Aichelburg with 25 workers, the acquisition of land and buildings, production statistics, and workforce attrition, providing evidence of early industrial development on the Island post-Revestment.
A letter from Lieutenant Governor Richard Dawson to Secretary of State Lord Suffolk dated 31 October 1778, reporting on the critical arrears in payment to civil officers on the Isle of Man. Dawson details the cascading consequences of the unpaid salaries and requests priority payment of revenue officers' salaries to relieve the situation. This document illuminates post-Revestment governance challenges and fiscal management of the island.
Report from Lieutenant Governor Richard Dawson to Secretary of State Lord Suffolk regarding three years of unpaid salaries for Isle of Man's civil establishment officers. Dawson explains the administrative and financial crisis caused by arrears, requests priority payment to civil officers over contingent expenses, and notes the damage to government dignity and officer morale. The letter reflects post-Revestment tensions regarding revenue collection, officer compensation, and governance sustainability.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Charles Smelt to J. King (Home Office) dated 14 September 1805, requesting financial support for government house expenses, salary adjustment, and permission to establish a garden at the castle. Includes postscript listing Isle of Man volunteer and fencible corps strength (1,177 total). Administrative record of post-Revestment governance and military preparedness.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Castletown Smelt to J King at the Home Office, reporting his return to the Isle of Man and requesting financial adjustments including quarterly salary payments, an Inspectorate of Volunteers appointment, and funds to establish a garden at the castle. Includes militia strength returns for the island.
Official correspondence from Lieutenant Governor Smelt to Home Secretary Lord Sidmouth regarding a dispute over the appointment of surgeon to the Governor's household on the Isle of Man. The letter details Smelt's 1812 appointment of Dr John Jeffcott and challenges the Duke of Atholl's subsequent appointment of H. Oswald in 1813, highlighting constitutional tensions over executive authority and appointment procedures.
Administrative letter from Lieutenant Governor Smelt to Home Secretary Lord Sidmouth regarding the contested appointment of a surgeon to the Isle of Man's Civil Establishment. The dispute arose when Duke of Atholl (Governor-in-chief, then absent) appointed H. Oswald in December 1812, while Smelt had appointed Dr John Jeffcott in March 1812. Highlights tensions between the Governor and Lieutenant Governor over patronage and qualifications.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Smelt to Lord Viscount Sidmouth reporting on the ruinous state of the House of Keys assembly building and requesting approval for its rebuilding. Includes architectural plans and detailed cost estimate (£1,039 10s) prepared by Thomas Brine, Clerk of Works. Demonstrates post-Revestment governance infrastructure and the condition of Manx parliamentary institutions in the early 19th century.
Letter from Lieutenant Governor Charles Smelt to Home Secretary Lord Viscount Melbourne, dated 14 November 1832, in which Smelt requests continued employment as Governor in Chief due to ill health and financial circumstances. The document includes contemporary obituary notice from the Manx Sun announcing Smelt's death on 28 November 1832 after 27 years service as Lieutenant Governor. Contextualizes post-Revestment governance and the administrative continuity of the Island following the 1765 purchase of sovereignty.
A letter from Lieutenant Governor Colonel Charles Smelt to Home Office minister Lord Viscount Melbourne, dated 14 November 1832, requesting appointment as Governor in Chief due to declining health and financial hardship after 27 years of service. The letter reveals tensions between official salary and living costs for the Crown's representative. Includes contemporary obituary noting his death 14 days later.
Official correspondence from Lieutenant Governor Smelt to the Home Office under-secretary regarding the military garrison on the Isle of Man post-Revestment (1765). Discusses the necessity of maintaining troops for revenue collection support, harbour security during herring fishing season, and proposes improvements to barracks facilities. Provides insight into civil-military relations and police deficiencies on the Island.
