The Manx ritual year ran on a calendar older than Christianity: Laa’l Breeshey (1 February), Laa Boaldyn (May Day), Tynwald Day / Midsummer Eve, Laa Luanys (Lammas), Hop-tu-Naa (31 October).
The Christian calendar laid its feasts on top without replacing the older dates. The Norse added their own layer. In 1753 the Gregorian calendar arrived, shifting everything by eleven days.
Build five parallel calendars for one year: the pre-Christian Manx year, the Christian liturgical year, the Norse/agricultural year, the Julian calendar, and the modern Gregorian calendar.
When you lay them side by side, you can see every culture’s calendar coexisting on the same island. No one replacing any other.
Bronze Age burial mound. The mound survives to a maximum height of 2m, but is now somewhat indistinct and eroded. Several large stones show that it was once revetted by a substantial kerb with a diameter of 14m. The mound was investigated in 1904, revealing a cist and Middle Bronze Age pottery sherds. A stone axe was also recovered which may have been residual or an heirloom.
The name means the 'giant's grave'.
Ooig ny Seyir ("Cave of the Carpenter") is a sea cave on the coast beneath Cronk yn Iree Laa in the parish of Patrick. Fishermen reported hearing the sounds of woodworking from within, variously explained as elementals making barrels for the herring catch, building boats, or - most ominously - making coffins. The sounds were said to be heard with unusual vigour before a disaster befell the Peel-side fishing boats.
A heraldic opinion by Sir John Vanbrugh (Clarencieux King of Arms) on the rightful arms of the Isle of Man upon James, Duke of Atholl's accession to sovereignty in 1735. The document traces the heraldic history of Man from 1475, examining seals, patents, and the arms borne by various lords and kings, including discussion of the ship seal, the three-legged emblem, and the Stanley family's quarterings.
A heraldic opinion issued by Sir John Vanbrugh (Clarencieux King of Arms) regarding the proper arms and heraldic claims to the Isle of Man upon James, Duke of Atholl's accession to government in 1735. The document traces the heraldic history of Man from 1475, examines historical seals and patents, discusses competing claims (Scrop, Stanley, Montague families), and analyzes Garter plates at Windsor Chapel to establish Atholl's entitlement. Provides crucial genealogical and constitutional context for understanding property transfer and sovereignty claims.
A legal opinion document concerning a dispute between the Duke of Atholl and Dawson and others, relating to properties or lands at Ballagilley and Hango Hill on the Isle of Man. The opinion is provided by Mr. Adam, likely a legal adviser or counsel.
A legal opinion document concerning whether the Court of Chancery of the Isle of Man has authority to grant commissions for taking affidavits outside its jurisdiction. The document references the case of Ashbridge v Armstrong, where an affidavit was taken in England by a Manx Advocate commissioned by the Court, leading to conflicting opinions from two Deemsters on the validity of such commissions.
A legal opinion discussing the proper authority and procedures of the Court of Common Law, specifically addressing whether signatures beyond the Deemsters are necessary on judgments and criticizing the Deemsters' refusal to produce minutes of evidence on appeals.
A legal opinion addressing the proper custody and disposition of bundles of deeds relating to the Duke of Athol's manorial records on the Isle of Man. The opinion concludes that the deeds should be delivered to the Duke's stewards as manorial records, citing statutory authority from the reign of George III.
A legal opinion addressing whether Isle of Man herring fishermen are entitled to a one shilling per barrel bounty on red herrings as well as white herrings under the 1786 British Fisheries Act. The opinion discusses conflicting interpretations by the Deputy Receiver General and references subsequent legislation affecting Yarmouth and Liverpool curers.
A legal opinion discussing the jurisdictional distinctions between the Court of Exchequer and the Staff of Government court in the Isle of Man. The author expresses uncertainty about the proper separation of these courts, noting that officers hold seats in both and proceedings are sometimes recorded interchangeably in the Exchequer Book. The opinion concludes that the Court of Exchequer has jurisdiction over revenue and fiscal matters including tithes, while the Staff of Government has jurisdiction over appeals and complaints against inferior courts.
A legal opinion addressing the question of whether certain workers employed in the Manx fishery, particularly those involved in curing and salting fish on land versus sailing and fishing at sea, are liable to pay Hospital duties. The opinion clarifies that only those engaged in sailing vessels or fishing are liable, while those employed solely in land-based processing are exempt.
A legal opinion regarding the admission of Mr Roper to practice his profession following bankruptcy. The opinion discusses the loss of professional independence resulting from bankruptcy and recommends that if admission is granted, special circumstances and testimonials should be recorded to prevent establishing a problematic precedent in the Isle of Man.
A fragment of correspondence discussing constitutional matters concerning the Isle of Man's sovereignty and prerogatives. The writer cautions against dividing authority (imperium in imperio) and emphasizes the importance of unity for security. The passage references a former letter and discusses local circumstances and sentiments of noble personages previously considering the matter.
A legal opinion discussing the proper role of the Receiver General in the Manx Council and refuting a recent proposition that Deemsters form a separate branch of the Tynwald Court with veto powers. The author argues this doctrine is absurd and contrary to principles of governance.
A fragmentary legal opinion discussing whether the Receiver General should hold a seat on the Council. The author argues that the Receiver General's position as head of the Revenue Department justifies Council membership, contrary to assertions that the office has changed in nature and that the current holder is merely a customs officer.
A legal opinion fragment discussing the workload of the Attorney General position in the Isle of Man, specifically addressing objections regarding potential conflicts of interest between the Duke of Atholl and the Crown, and affirming that an Acting Attorney General is adequate for most of the year.
A legal opinion concerning an information submitted by Thomas Wilson. The writer reviews the document and concludes there is insufficient basis for prosecution in their office, even if the facts were within Wilson's personal knowledge. References are made to Wilson's previous informations from 1757-1758 that resulted in prosecutions at Newcastle.
A brief legal opinion concerning the taxation of vessels and fishing boats, clarifying that planters are only liable to pay duties if they actively navigate, work, or serve aboard vessels or boats. Signed by Philip Yorke, likely Attorney General.
A legal opinion reviewing Walter Roper's qualifications for admission to practice in the Manx courts. The document examines his call to the Irish Bar in 1794, his standing with King's Inns, his circuit practice, and his subsequent bankruptcy and commercial activities, with consideration of the Governor's discretionary powers to admit practitioners.
A legal opinion addressing whether Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, and Man fall within the dominions of Great Britain and Ireland for purposes of imposing a sixpence per month duty on Masters and Seamen. The opinion concludes affirmatively that these islands are included and the duty applies.
A legal opinion request concerning the admission of Mr Roper to practice as a Barrister in the Isle of Man. The document discusses concerns about Roper's previous relinquishment of his barrister profession, his involvement with bankruptcy laws, and questions whether appropriate testimonials and certificates from the court where he previously practiced have been provided.
A compilation of legal opinions from English Attorneys-General, Solicitors-General, and other eminent lawyers on matters of colonial jurisdiction, the king's prerogative, royal charters, taxation, land grants, escheats, and the extension of English law to the American colonies and other territories. Originally compiled from Board of Trade archives and other depositories by George Chalmers, first published London 1814, this 1858 American edition by C. Goodrich & Company provides primary source material on English constitutional and administrative law as applied to colonial governance.
