Name

Richard Betham

Biography

Collector of Customs at Douglas. His position brought him into daily contact with every captain who entered the harbour. His daughter Elizabeth assembled a shell collection from specimens seafarers brought from their voyages. She married William Bligh at Onchan in 1781. Paul Bridson, the Duke's revenue officer, was the largest importer of Guinea goods on the Island — the customs establishment and the slave trade supply chain overlapped in the same harbour and the same offices.

Active Period

fl. 1760s–1780s

Place

Douglas

Period

Atholl Lordship

Crown Administration

Related To

Elizabeth Betham

William Bligh

Role / Office

Collector of Customs

Book Chapter

Chapter 6