Comprehensive biography of John Wilkes (1725–1797), the radical politician and libertarian activist whose career paralleled the 1765 Revestment period. Covers Wilkes's political agitation, Parliamentary activities, publishing ventures (The North Briton), and constitutional conflicts with George III. Relevant to the Revestment project for context on 1760s–1770s political radicalism, Parliamentary procedure, and the ideological climate affecting colonial and constitutional questions.
A reference guide to the Libri Irrotulamentorum (records of official commissions on the Isle of Man), presenting an index of signatures, job functions, place names, and abbreviations used in the historical record. Covers officials and administrative positions from 1594 onwards, with detailed focus on the period 1688–1765, which encompasses the Revestment era. Compiled by Ros Stott with presentation by the editor.
A series of three official letters from King George III (via Secretary Weymouth), the Archbishop of York (W. Ebor), and the Bishop of Sodor and Man (R. Sodor & Man), concerning a nationwide charitable collection to support the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. The collection aims to relieve Anglican clergy in North America during and after the American Revolution, including those who refused to abandon their allegiance. The Bishop notes the limited capacity of Isle of Man parishes to contribute but encourages participation. The document reveals the Church's institutional response to colonial upheaval and provides context for religious and social conditions in the Isle of Man.
A detailed administrative report from the Manx authorities (Governor, Officers, Deemsters, and Keys) examining the competing claims to tenancy of Knockaloe estate between Silvester Cross and Henry Harrison. The report traces the complex lineage and lease history from 1637 onwards, ultimately determining that Cross has the rightful claim as next of kin under Manx customary law. This document illustrates property rights, succession law, and the mechanics of Manx governance.
Legal depositions and inquest proceedings from Rushen Sheading concerning the discovery and investigation of counterfeited Manx copper pence. George Wilks and his son John Wilks were suspected of counterfeiting; evidence includes sworn testimonies from witnesses, soldiers, and the coroner, recovered counterfeit coins, and molds. The grand jury indicted George Wilks but he was later acquitted by the 24 Keys, who found the grand jury's proceedings illegal under the 1709 counterfeiting act. Includes subsequent petitions and fines.
A record from the Santan parish court (Lib Scac 1718) documenting a complaint by James Willaughan regarding vandalism and theft at Mr McQuire's works at Kirkwood Santan, including a broken wheelbarrow, water can, and stolen cast band. The court examined witnesses and imposed fines on Henry Crebbin and Jo Callin. The document provides early evidence for the settlement later known as Newtown and identifies James Wollahan as McQuire's Roman Catholic steward.
Patent letter from James, Earl of Derby, Lord of Mann, appointing Captain Edward Christian as serjeant major of land forces on the Isle of Man under Governor John Grenshalgh. The document authorises mustering, training and exercising able men for the Island's defence during the English Civil War period. It provides insight into Isle of Man's military organisation, governance structure, and the Earl's administrative authority during the 1640s conflict.
A collection of 30+ letters (MS 01798C–01828C from Manx Museum archives) between Isle of Man Governor Edward Smith, Lieutenant Governor Richard Dawson, and Westminster agent George Aust, covering the period 1783–1787. The letters document administrative issues, revenue disputes, copper coinage proposals, customs administration, harbour management, and constitutional matters following Charles Lutwidge's death in 1784. Key topics include copper coinage procurement, salary disputes, Water Bailiff appointments, and the Duke of Atholl's bills of 1780–1781.
The twelfth letter in a series of observations on Isle of Man governance, law, and society, dated 1798. Provides detailed information on the House of Keys' composition and privileges, historical development of Manx property law (particularly the 1703 Act of Settlement), local statutes and customs, the Tynwald Hill ceremonial process, legal fees, and a comprehensive survey of principal estates across all parishes. Highly relevant to understanding Manx constitutional structures and property rights before the 1765 Revestment's aftermath.
A lengthy discursive letter on Isle of Man history, governance, and infrastructure. It traces the island's medieval history (Norwegian, Scottish, English, and Stanley rule), discusses the 1765 union with Britain and its social effects (suppression of smuggling, turn to agriculture), explains Manx coinage and its exchange rates with English and Irish currency, describes passenger routes and travel logistics, and concludes with technical observations on horizontal water-wheels found in the island. The author cites Bishop Wilson and other contemporary sources.
A detailed letter describing the herring fishery as the staple industry of the Isle of Man, including fish species, boat construction, fishing practices, revenue customs, curing methods, and export markets. Accompanied by a poem celebrating the herring migrations and fishermen. Provides economic data on herring duties paid to the Duke of Athol (1760–1765) and export bounties (1787–1790), directly relevant to understanding the island's economy before and after the Revestment.
A comprehensive administrative letter describing Isle of Man's ports, fairs, parish registers (1647–1796), population statistics (1726–1792), post-office operations, customs duties, imports/exports, and smuggling suppression following the 1765 Revestment. Includes duty schedules, revenue figures, and reflects post-Revestment regulatory changes and Parliamentary acts (5 Geo. III and 1766 act).
A substantial letter discussing the state of the Manks language, its preservation and literary development, the publication of religious texts in Manks (1760s–1790s), and a comprehensive bibliography of works on Isle of Man history and culture. Includes specimen Manks texts, linguistic analysis, and details of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge's distribution efforts. Highly relevant to understanding cultural conditions on the Island during the Revestment period and immediately after.
A detailed letter examining the constitutional structure of the Isle of Man as documented in the Commissioners' Report, covering the legislative (Governor, Council, Deemsters, and Keys), executive, and judicial branches. Discusses the historical development from 1406 onwards, the composition and powers of various courts, and the minimal constitutional changes occasioned by the 1765 Revestment transfer of sovereignty from the Duke of Atholl to the Crown.
A detailed summary of the 1792 Commissioners' Report examining the Duke of Atholl's complaints regarding losses from the 1765 Revestment Act, including allegations about uncollected revenues, rights unnecessarily vested in the crown, customs establishments, duties, smuggling, and proposals for trade relief. This is a published letter transcription discussing the official investigation into compensation claims.
A scholarly article by Neil Mathieson examining the life and business affairs of Sir George Moore (1709–1787), a prominent Manx merchant, and his three sons (Philip, George, and James) during the late 18th century. Draws on letter books and family correspondence held by the Manx Museum to trace their commercial ventures, family relationships, and involvement in trade (including smuggling), American colonisation schemes, and financial difficulties. Provides valuable detail on how prominent Manx merchant families operated during the Revestment period and beyond.
An annotated bibliography and index page cataloguing full-text transcriptions of books, documents, and extracts relating to Isle of Man history, society, and culture. The collection spans from 1656 to 1950, including primary sources, travel accounts, historical studies, and genealogical works. Relevant to the Revestment project as it identifies key contemporary sources from the 1765 period and contextual historical materials.
A comprehensive index to volume HO 99/16 of Home Office papers sent to the Isle of Man governors and lieutenants-governor between 1765 and 1817. The index lists recipient, date, and summary of each document, covering administrative appointments, military matters, quarantine orders, smuggling prosecutions, and constitutional issues. Essential reference for tracking official correspondence and policy implementation post-Revestment.
A detailed calendar/index of Home Office papers (HO 99/16) sent to the Isle of Man governors and lieutenant governors between 1765 and 1817. Lists recipients, dates, and brief summaries of official correspondence relating to appointments, military matters, quarantine orders, revenue issues, and governance. This is a finding aid to the original documents held at the National Archives.
A comprehensive calendar or finding aid listing 92 documents from Home Office series HO 98/78 covering 1835, with some backfile references to 1816-1834. The papers document administrative, judicial, and ecclesiastical matters on the Isle of Man, including the wreck of the John Fairfield, appointment of magistrates, clerical disputes, and the Attorney General's residence. This represents correspondence between the Isle of Man Lieutenant Governor, Home Office officials, and local authorities.
A detailed calendar and finding aid to a National Archives bundle (HO 98/78) containing 1835 correspondence between Isle of Man officials (Lieutenant Governor Ready, Attorney General Clarke, Water Bailiff Quirk, Bishop Ward) and Westminster (Secretary of State Russell, Fox Maule, Spring Rice). Topics include wreck salvage law, magistrate appointments, clergy disputes, the Water Bailiff's conduct, plundering incidents, and constitutional reforms to the island's judicial system.
A detailed calendar/finding aid to Home Office papers (HO 98/77) covering Isle of Man from 1830 to 1834. Topics include Bishop Barrow's Educational Foundation, King William's College establishment, church livings, ecclesiastical appointments (including Archdeacon succession), copper coinage, harbour infrastructure, gaol conditions, wreck reports, and various administrative complaints and petitions. Compiled by F. Coakley and published on Manx Notebook.
A calendar/finding aid listing 105 items from Home Office file HO 98/77 (1830-1834). The papers cover Isle of Man administration under Lieutenant Governor Smelt, including ecclesiastical matters (Bishop Barrow's education fund, King William's College establishment, church establishment returns), harbour and coinage issues, building maintenance, and various petitions and administrative correspondence with the Home Office and Colonial Office.
A detailed calendar/finding aid listing 108 items of Home Office correspondence (HO 98/76) covering 1829-1830, focusing on Isle of Man administrative matters including tithes disputes, academic endowments (Barrow's foundation), coroners' reform, police reform, charitable institutions, and gaol administration. This is a post-Revestment document showing how the Crown managed the Island after purchasing sovereignty from the Duke of Atholl.
A calendar/finding aid listing the contents of Home Office file HO 98/76 covering 1829–1830. It catalogues 108 items of official correspondence concerning Isle of Man governance, including disputes over tithes and the Barrow academic fund, coroners' reform, police reform, insolvent debtors, ecclesiastical appointments, and reaction to the recent purchase of the island's sovereignty from the Duke of Atholl. The file reflects post-Revestment administrative challenges.
