A parliamentary decree (Rotuli Parliamentorum, 5 Ed. II) ordering the removal of Sir Henry de Beaumont from the King's Council and the forfeiture of the Kingdom of Man and other lands due to his taking of the island contrary to royal ordinance and giving bad counsel to the King. The decree also addresses the role of Lady de Vescy in procuring these grants and orders forfeiture of Bamburgh Castle. The text is presented in both English and Anglo-Norman French, providing insight into early 14th-century constitutional constraints on feudal grants.
An order issued by the Bishop of Man (Derby) in 1691 regarding the administration of funds (£43 19s 10d) deposited for repairs to Peel Cathedral. The order clarifies that no interest is due from the Lord Bishop while funds remain undeployed, and authorizes the Bishop and Governor jointly to invest the money if a secure opportunity arises. Relevant to understanding ecclesiastical governance and financial administration on the Isle of Man in the late 17th century, contextualizing pre-Revestment institutional structures.
An administrative order issued by the Earl of Derby (Lord of Man) in 1686 regarding funds for repairs to the chancel of Peel Castle Cathedral. The order directs that £43 19s 10d be held in deposit pending either the raising of additional charitable funds for the whole church or the passage of a new law for demolishing the cathedral and enlarging St. Peter's Chapel in Peel town. This document illustrates ecclesiastical administration and property management on the Isle of Man in the late 17th century.
A royal charter issued by Edward II protecting Manx men from injury or hindrance when travelling to England and returning home, valid until Christmas 1312. The document is bilingual (English and Latin) and demonstrates early royal recognition of the Isle of Man's distinct status and the Crown's commitment to protect Manx trading interests. Relevant to understanding constitutional protections and early cross-channel commerce.
A 14th-century royal writ from King Edward II commanding Gilbert Makaskill, keeper of the Isle of Man, to deliver royal funds to Gilbert de Bromley (receiver of stores at Carlisle) for the purchase of victals and supplies. This is an early administrative document demonstrating royal control and fiscal organisation of the Isle of Man as a crown possession.
An official order from the Episcopal Registry of the Isle of Man dated 1684, directing the executors of the late Bishop Bridgman to refund £75 14s 2d to the current Bishop Lake for repairs to the cathedral and parish church chancels. The document also addresses a disputed claim for £30 regarding tower repairs at the Bishop's Court, determining that custom does not obligate the executors to undertake major reconstruction.
A royal writ from King Edward II (or successor) commanding English bailiffs to arrest malefactors of the Isle of Man who supported Robert de Brus (Robert the Bruce) and had caused damage in England. The document demonstrates medieval English crown authority over the Isle and its inhabitants, and was part of the Monumenta de Insula Manniae collection. Similar writs were issued to bailiffs in Ireland and Wales.
A 1186 papal bull from Pope Urban III to Furness Abbey (located in Lancashire, northwest England) confirming the monastery's possessions, liberties, immunities, and grants from various donors including Kings Stephen and Henry II. The document is relevant to Isle of Man history as it mentions the Kings of the Islands (Olave and Godred), reflecting the ecclesiastical and feudal relationships between the English crown, the papacy, and the Isle of Man during the 12th century.
A bilingual (English and Latin) royal writ from Edward II commanding sheriffs and bailiffs of northern English counties to provide naval support and supplies to defend the Isle of Man against an anticipated invasion by Robert Bruce's Scottish fleet. The document reflects early 14th-century geopolitical tensions and the strategic importance of Man as a bulwark against Scottish expansion.
A dual-language (English and Norman French) royal writ from King Edward II commanding the bailiffs and prudent men of Bristol, Portsmouth, Weymouth, Lymington, Wareham, Lyme, Melcombe, and Poole to dispatch well-manned and provisioned naval vessels to the Isle of Man by the octaves of the Assumption of Our Lady. The vessels are to conduct Sir Simon de Montagu (appointed admiral) and the English navy from there to Scotland against the King's enemies. This document illustrates the strategic importance of the Isle of Man as a naval staging post during the Scottish wars.
A 1649 survey memorandum documenting rents and properties belonging to the Manor of Furness, including several holdings in the Isle of Man (rectories and lands). The document details scattered properties across Cumberland, Yorkshire, Ireland, and Man, with annual rent amounts. Relevant to understanding pre-Revestment Manx landholding structures and feudal obligations.
A royal letter from Edward II to Henry de Bello Monte (or his lieutenant) commanding the resumption of the Isle of Man into the king's hands. The letter revokes grants made since 16 March 1310 following ordinances issued by prelates, earls, and barons chosen to regulate the royal household and kingdom. It orders delivery of Man to Gilbert Makaskel and Robert de Leiburn, constable of Cokermouth Castle.
A dual-language (English and Latin) royal writ granting Charles I's assent to the nomination of Richard Parre as Bishop of Man and Sodor. The document records the patronage chain from Parliament through William, Earl of Derby, and directs the Archbishop of York to consecrate and invest Parre. It illustrates the constitutional relationship between the Crown, the Derby family's lordship of Man, and ecclesiastical authority during the 1630s.
A royal charter dated 1 May 1308 in which King Edward II grants sovereignty and administration of the Isle of Man to Henry de Bello Monte for his lifetime. The grant includes all lordships, royal justice, knight's fees, church advowsons, liberties, customs, and escheats. This document is foundational to understanding pre-Revestment feudal tenure of Man and the trajectory of Manx lordship before the 1765 purchase.
A 12th-century royal charter by Olave (Olaf), King of the Isles, granting ecclesiastical authority and land to the Church of St. Mary of Furness in relation to the Isle of Man. The charter establishes episcopal independence and Christian observance under a bishop rather than foreign clergy. Provided in parallel Latin and English transcription, this document is foundational to understanding medieval Manx ecclesiastical governance and the island's early constitutional relationship with the papacy and the Church.
A writ from Edward I to the Sheriff of Northumberland commanding the Bishop of Durham to appear and show cause why the King should not resume the Isle of Man into his hands as a matter of right. The document traces Edward's claim through his ancestors' historical seisin and references the previous grant to John Balliol. This is a foundational document for understanding pre-Revestment claims to Manx sovereignty.
A 1305 charter in which Aufrica de Connaught, heiress of the Isle of Man, grants all her hereditary rights and title in Man to Simon de Montacute, a knight. The document includes both English and Latin versions and demonstrates the feudal transfer of Manx sovereignty in the medieval period, providing important context for understanding the island's constitutional status before the later Atholl and Revestment periods.
A formal episcopal letter from Marc, Bishop of Sodor, dated 1299, confirming the appropriation of the churches of St. Michael and St. Michaldus in Man to the Abbot and Monks of Furness Abbey. The letter protests the free and voluntary nature of the transfer, made without coercion. Provides evidence of ecclesiastical governance, monastic property interests, and early Manx church administration during the medieval period.
A nested charter document in which John de Stanley (Lord of Mann and the Isles, 1423) confirms a charter granted by Thomas Randulph (Earl of Moravia, Lord of Mann), who in turn had confirmed an earlier charter of King Magnus of Mann and the Isles to the Bishop of Mann and Sodor. The charter grants ecclesiastical liberties, lands (including the Island of St. Patrick), fisheries, customs rights, mining rights, and exemptions from secular service and exaction. This document provides evidence of medieval constitutional arrangements on the Isle of Man and the powers and property of the Church prior to the Revestment period.
A 12th-century charter issued by Godred (Godfred), King of the Islands (Man and the Hebrides), granting the Church of the Holy Mary of Furness full liberty to elect a chief bishop of the Isles. The charter references his father Olave's earlier grant and reinforces ecclesiastical authority. This document is foundational to understanding pre-Norman Manx sovereignty and Church relations.
Pages 131–137 of the 1792 Report of the Commissioners of Inquiry into the Isle of Man, featuring David Reid's signed postscript (dated 9 April 1792) and his dissenting observations (dated 16 March 1792) on the findings of the five-man commission. Includes Reid's letters to fellow commissioners and Secretary Peace, the full instructions from Henry Dundas (8 September 1791), and correspondence relating to the inquiry. Reid's observations address carriage services, manorial vs. sovereign rights, game and unappropriated lands, and the status of the Grand Inquest post-Revestment.
A royal charter issued by the King of Scotland (superior lord of the Isle of Man) annulling the outlawry of Donekan Mactoryn, who had been declared an outlaw by Walter de Huntercumbe, bailiff of the Island, for offences against the peace. The charter states that upon inspection, a manifest error was found in the original trial and outlawry record, leading to its complete annulment. This document demonstrates early Scottish sovereignty over the Isle of Man and the operation of medieval justice and royal authority over the Island.
Royal instructions from King James I (15 Jas I) establishing William Lord Compton as President of the Council of Wales and Marches, dated November 1617. Lists prominent councillors including bishops, earls, and chief officers of state. Notable for inclusion of the Bishop of Mann among the royal commissioners, demonstrating early Stuart administrative integration of the Island with English governance structures.
A royal writ from the King of England (Edward I) cited at Westminster in 1293, ordering the King of Scotland to appear before the English court to respond to an appeal by Aufrica, claiming to be the heir of Magnus, former King of Mann. The document asserts English superior lordship over Scotland and represents a crucial moment in the territorial and legal disputes over Mann. Provides both English and Latin versions.
A 1610 petition from the Bishop of Sodor and Man (Phillips) to the Earl of Salisbury, complaining of his dispossession of turfbog rights (Turfebery) by the Lieutenant of the Isle of Man (Mr Ireland), and requesting permission to travel to England. The document illustrates early 17th-century ecclesiastical-administrative conflicts on the Isle and provides context for property rights and governance structures predating the 1765 Revestment.
