A comprehensive historical monograph examining the 1765 Act of Revestment through comparative economic analysis, focusing on the smuggling trade, Parliamentary protectionism, and the Island's unique constitutional position. Covers causes, smuggling operations, immediate aftermath, and draws parallels with the American Revolution and Edmund Burke's critique.
Thomas Grindle's historical essay on the 1765 Revestment, reprinted from The Isle of Man Times. Argues the Revestment resulted from deliberate English imperial policy rather than smuggling concerns, and traces Manx trade negotiations 1709-1714 with detailed analysis of Acts of Tynwald. Contends the English Government refused reasonable trade concessions, forcing the Manx to resume smuggling and ultimately lose independence.
Administrative letter from E. Smith to John Robinson (Secretary to Lords Commissioners of the Treasury) concerning difficulties in procuring cash to pay the Corps of Fencibles raised in the Isle of Man. Smith proposes using regimental draughts on the London Agent as a solution, and requests assistance with warrant for new establishment and salary payment directions to Lutwidge.
Administrative letter from E. Smith to John Robinson (Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury) regarding difficulties in procuring cash to pay the Isle of Man Fencibles Corps, and proposing use of regimental draughts on the London agent as a solution. Also requests warrant for new establishment and directions regarding Smith's salary payment. Provides insight into post-Revestment financial and military administration of the Island.
Correspondence from Charles Lutwidge (Receiver-General) to the Treasury regarding the wreck of the ship London near Port le Marie Bay, Isle of Man (January 1781). Includes detailed accounts from Senhouse Wilson (Customs) and affidavits from William Clague (Deputy Collector) and Robert Marrow (owners' agent) concerning salvage operations, possession of cargo, and jurisdictional conflict between Crown revenue officers and the Duke of Atholl's feudal claims. Illustrates post-Revestment tensions over manorial rights and revenue authority.
Correspondence between Charles Lutwidge (Receiver-General) and the Treasury regarding the wreck of the ship London near Port le Marie Bay in January 1781. Documents the dispute between the Duke of Atholl's claimed feudal manorial right to wrecks and the Crown's revenue interests under Revestment. Includes detailed accounts from revenue officer William Clague, affidavits, and a Court of Chancery decree transferring possession to the cargo owners' agent.
Treasury document surveying Crown lands in the Isle of Man formerly belonging to Bangor and Sabal Abbey, with lease history from 1666–1770, and status of Royal Mines grant to the Earl of Derby (1666–1735). Demonstrates Crown revenue administration and property management in the post-Revestment period, relevant to understanding the financial structure and assets acquired in 1765.
Treasury document reporting on Crown lands in the Isle of Man derived from the former Bangor and Sabal Abbey (Ireland), including messuages and a water mill at Dalby. Also documents the 1666 grant of all Mines Royal (gold and silver) to the Earl of Derby and its expiration in 1735. Includes historical leasing records from 1666 onwards and notes arrears and abandonment of the property.
Letter from Governor Edward Smith to Sir Grey Cooper at the Treasury (9 January 1779) requesting urgent consideration of copper coinage for the Isle of Man. Smith reports that a new cambric manufactory, established at government expense, is suffering from lack of small change, and warns that the settlement and its investors will be lost without immediate relief. This document illustrates post-Revestment administrative concerns and the Treasury's role in Manx economic development.
Letter from Governor Edward Smith to Sir Grey Cooper, Baronet (Treasury official) requesting urgent action on copper coinage for the Isle of Man. Smith reports that a new cambric manufactory recently established at government expense is suffering from lack of copper currency, threatening to discourage new settlers and waste public investment. The letter references prior Treasury papers on Manx coinage and requests immediate relief.
Extract of correspondence from the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man to the Earl of Suffolk regarding chronic delays in paying the civil establishment—arrears of over three years—and the resulting hardship to officers and neglect of duty. This document reflects post-Revestment administrative challenges and financial management issues on the Island.
Extract of a letter from the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man to the Earl of Suffolk dated 12 March 1778, describing chronic delays in salary payments to civil officers and the detrimental effects on their performance and livelihoods. The document illustrates post-Revestment administrative dysfunction and financial difficulties in managing the island's civil establishment.
Lord Cadogan's report to the Treasury Lords addressing the overvaluation of Manx copper currency (14 Manx pennies equalling one British shilling despite intrinsic worth of only 3 pence). References an earlier 1766 memorial by Mr Lutwidge and discusses the problems of counterfeiting and the need for currency reform, including introduction of English copper coin.
Lord Cadogan's official report to the Treasury Lords on the problems of Manx copper coinage, referencing a 1766 memorial by Charles Lutwidge. Discusses the overvaluation of Manx pennies (14 pieces = 1 British shilling despite intrinsic worth of only 3 pence), counterfeiting risks, and the potential adoption of English copper coin. Relevant to post-Revestment fiscal and monetary policy.
Extract of a letter from Governor Smith to the Earl of Suffolk regarding the civil and customs establishment on the Isle of Man. Smith discusses arrears on the civil list, proposes staffing changes and salary reductions for customs and boatmen, and advocates for recruiting local Manx officers to combat smuggling rather than relying on foreign revenue officers unfamiliar with local smuggling practices.
Extract of a letter from Governor Smith to the Earl of Suffolk discussing the Isle of Man's civil and customs establishment in 1777. Smith requests funding for additional clerical staff, comments on arrears in the civil list, and proposes reforms to the customs revenue collection system, including the recruitment of local Manx officers with knowledge of smuggling practices and reduction of boatmen's salaries.
Charles Lutwidge reports to the Treasury Lords that the Keys of the Isle of Man have enacted statutes at Castletown, including one on licensing spirituous liquors, which may affect royal revenue. Written in September 1774, this is the first legislative exercise by the Keys since the 1765 Revestment. Lutwidge notes the absence of an Attorney General and urges that authentic copies be obtained before royal assent is granted.
Charles Lutwidge informs the Lords of the Treasury that the Keys of Mann have enacted their first statutes since the 1765 Revestment, including one on spirituous liquor licensing that may affect Crown revenue. He requests that authentic copies be obtained before Royal Assent is granted, noting the absence of an Attorney General to protect Crown interests.
Extract of a letter from Governor Wood to the Earl of Suffolk (Secretary of State), dated 8 January 1774, detailing his grievance over four years of arrears on his £600 annual salary. Wood describes his attempts to obtain payment through the Receiver General and the Board of Treasury, noting that the Treasury claimed no fund existed despite considerable importations generating revenue. The letter illustrates post-Revestment administrative dysfunction and tension over financial procedures on the Isle of Man.
Governor Wood writes to the Earl of Suffolk in January 1774 complaining of four years' arrears in salary payment (£600 p.a.). He describes the bureaucratic impasse between the Receiver General (who claims he lacks authority without Treasury orders) and the Lords of the Treasury (who cite lack of appropriated funds). Wood notes that Isle of Man revenues from imports should have accrued sufficient funds and proposes decentralizing salary payment to the island's Receiver General. This document illustrates post-Revestment administrative dysfunction and revenue handling issues.
Extract of a letter from Governor Wood to the Earl of Suffolk (Secretary of State) dated 8 January 1774, complaining of four years' arrears in his £600 annual salary. Wood explains his attempts to obtain payment from the Receiver General and the Board of Treasury, including drawing a bill for £1000 on 14 March 1772, which was refused on grounds that no fund existed outside the appropriated revenues of the Isle of Man. The letter reveals administrative friction over salary payment mechanisms post-Revestment.
War Office letter from Barrington acknowledging Treasury correspondence regarding reimbursement for transporting and victualling one company of the 42nd Regiment from the Isle of Man to Dublin. This represents the final troop reduction from the 1765 post-Revestment garrison of 9 companies plus 2 horse companies to just 3 companies, matching Castle Rushen barracks capacity.
War Office letter from Barrington acknowledging receipt of Treasury correspondence regarding the expense of transporting and victualling one company of the 42nd Regiment from Isle of Man to Dublin. Documents the final phase of military garrison reduction following the 1765 Revestment, concluding with three companies — the capacity of Castle Rushen barracks.
Official report by Charles Lutwidge, Receiver General, to the Treasury Lords on the state, condition, and maintenance of harbours across the Isle of Man (Douglas, Peel, Ramsey, Darby Haven, Castletown) following the 1772 Harbours Act. Includes financial accounts and commissioners' observations on repairs and improvements. Directly post-dates the 1765 Revestment and reflects the establishment of Westminster-administered island infrastructure.
Official report by Charles Lutwidge (Receiver General) to the Treasury Lords on the condition of Manx harbours and ports, including detailed accounts of repairs and maintenance at Douglas, Peel, Ramsey, Darby Haven, and Castletown. Includes financial accounts of harbour fund receipts and disbursements, and commissioners' observations certifying the works undertaken. Demonstrates post-Revestment infrastructure investment and administrative procedures under the 1765 arrangement.
