Letter from James McCrone, Castle Mona, to the Duke of Atholl regarding the post-Revestment transfer of Isle of Man property to the Crown. McCrone reports on arbitrators' activities, surveys, and his own appointment as Receiver of Quit Rents. He discusses Mr Courtenay's investigative work, valuations of specific parishes, and the involvement of external surveyors in establishing fair valuations for the Crown's acquisition.
Letter from James McCrone (acting for the Duke of Atholl) to the Duke concerning litigation against tenants of the Duke's mines on the Isle of Man. The letter describes complaints from downstream proprietors about water pollution from ore-washing operations and discusses the legal position of the mine tenants and their right to use water resources. McCrone requests the Duke's direction on obtaining legal counsel.
Correspondence from James McCrone (Castle Mona) to the Duke of Atholl regarding the granting of leases for the Lime Quarries (to Thomas Brine) and Ballaughton Mill (to Samuel Hill). McCrone seeks the Duke's signature on the leases and discusses terms, arrears, and the agricultural situation on the Isle of Man in 1821.
Letter from James McCrone (likely the Duke's agent in Isle of Man) to the Duke of Atholl concerning property applications, building permissions on the Crescent developments in Douglas, house lettings, and administrative matters including salary receipts. Dated 1825, this post-Revestment document shows the Duke's ongoing property management interests in Man after the 1765 sale of sovereignty.
Letter from James McCrone (Castle Mona) to the Duke of Atholl concerning the Duke's quarterly salary and allowance for Lady Henry, and reporting the seizure by Liverpool Custom House Officers of a barrel of polishing powder (asbestos) claimed subject to customs duty. McCrone disputes the seizure and notes the substance may be of great commercial value. Also includes a list of magistrates appointed 21 December 1826 for various Manx parishes.
Letter from James McCrone (acting for the Duke of Atholl) to the Duke concerning legal disputes over mining operations on the Isle of Man. Discusses actions raised against mine tenants by downstream proprietors (including a Paper Mill owner) over water pollution from ore-washing, and requests the Duke's direction on obtaining legal counsel opinion. Dated 1827, well after the 1765 Revestment, but illustrates ongoing management of ducal property and legal disputes on the island.
Letter from James McCrone (Castle Mona) to the Duke of Atholl requesting signature on two leases: one for Thomas Brine's Lime Quarries (3 years from May 1821) and one for Samuel Hill's Ballaughton Mill. McCrone notes the leases serve as foundations for possession and to remove unauthorised occupants, and that Hill's offer is the highest received despite arrears.
Letter from James McCrone (Castle Mona) to the Duke of Atholl reporting on his appointment as Receiver of Quit Rents and Crown property following the 1765 Revestment, and on the progress of valuations being conducted by Mr Courtenay and other surveyors across five Manx parishes. Discusses arbitration procedures, measurement of fields, and engagement of external valuators.
Letter from James McCrone (Castle Mona) to the Duke of Atholl regarding property development applications, rental status of houses and cottages in Douglas, management of pamphlet distribution, and Governor's salary receipt. Provides insight into post-Revestment administrative governance and property development in Douglas during the early 19th century.
Letter from James McCrone (Duke of Atholl's agent) to the Duke reporting severe economic hardship on the Isle of Man in 1827, including failed fishing and crops, mass emigration to America, banking difficulties, and the impact of the Crown acquisition of Atholl's interests. Discusses rent collection problems, mining ventures, and various estate matters.
Letter from James McCrone (administrator) to the Duke of Atholl reporting on salary matters, a debtor (Satterthwaite), a customs seizure of asbestos/polishing powder by Liverpool Custom House, and enclosing a list of newly appointed magistrates (21 Dec 1826). Relevant to post-Revestment governance and Manx trade/customs issues.
Lord of Mann from 1736 to 1765, the last private holder of the title. Governed largely from a distance, visiting the island rarely. His acceptance of Parliament's forced purchase in 1765 ended three and a half centuries of feudal lordship. The purchase price of £70,000 — negotiated under duress — was widely regarded as inadequate.
Probably one of the ablest of his family, his method of government, together with its effect on the Manx people, by whom he was called Yn Stanlagh Mooar, 'The Great Stanley,' is sufficiently interesting and important to be told at some length. Lord of Mann from 1607, he codified Manx law, strengthened Tynwald, and governed with a directness that earned both respect and the Manx language honour of a personal name.
A hagiographic account by Jocelinus of Furness (12th century) describing Saint Patrick's legendary missionary work in Man and adjacent islands circa A.D. 444. Includes the narrative of Bishop Germanus and Patrick's ecclesiastical organization. Presented in parallel English and Latin text, this is a published excerpt from Manx Society volume 4 (Monumenta de Insula Manniae), providing early medieval context for Manx Christianity and insular governance structures.
A Latin and English transcription of Jocelinus of Furness's 12th-century account of Saint Patrick's conversion of the Isle of Man and other islands to Christianity around A.D. 444. The text details Patrick's appointment of Bishop Germanus to Man and his establishment of the episcopal seat at what is now called Saint Patrick's Island (Jurby Point). While primarily ecclesiastical and hagiographical in nature, this source provides foundational context for understanding Man's medieval Christian governance and institutional structures that persisted into the 18th century.
Letter from John Bradshawe (State Paper Office) to Colonel Duckenfield acknowledging receipt of correspondence regarding goods and prizes on the Isle of Man following its capture during the English Civil War period. Discusses plans for establishing administration and settlement of the island, commending Duckenfield's service in reducing the island.
Official letter from John Bradshawe at Whitehall to Colonel Duckenfield acknowledging receipt of correspondence regarding prize goods in the Isle of Man following its military reduction. The letter confirms the Council's approval of Duckenfield's service and indicates preparations underway to establish governance and administration of the island.
A brief letter of introduction from John Bradshawe (Lord President of the Council under Cromwell) to Colonel Duckenfield, recommending that an Isle of Man native, John Christian, be received and his informations on matters of state concern be heard. The letter dates to the Commonwealth period and reflects English interest in intelligence from the island.
A brief letter from John Bradshawe (Commonwealth government figure) to Colonel Duckenfield, introducing John Christian, a native of the Isle of Man, who has offered intelligence to the State. The letter requests that Duckenfield receive Christian's informations and act upon them as appropriate. This document provides insight into intelligence-gathering networks and State interest in Manx affairs during the Commonwealth period.
Served on HMS Temeraire — the ship that fought alongside Victory at Trafalgar. Lost his right arm in the battle. He came home to Kirk Bride, a parish the census counted at 678 souls. He became a schoolteacher. He taught children to read with one arm, because the arm was gone and there was nothing to be done about it. The Navy that took his arm paid him nothing. The Crown that had pressed him into service offered no pension, no support, no acknowledgment. The children he taught would have been the generation that grew up in the 1820s and 1830s — the years Moore identified as the lowest depth of Manx misery. They learned to read from a man who had seen Trafalgar.
Member of the Christian family, one of the most prominent Manx families. Signatory on Keys documents. Multiple individuals of this name appear across the archive.
Letter from John Christian, First Deemster of Isle of Man, to an unknown recipient (possibly Hobhouse or Home Office official) dated 30 June 1826. Christian describes his recent acquittal in a libel trial brought by W. Roper, alleges perjury and corruption, and requests intervention from the Home Office (Mr Peel). The letter provides insight into post-Revestment Manx politics, judicial conflicts, and claims of underhand influence in island governance.
Letter from John Christian, First Deemster of the Isle of Man, to an unnamed recipient (possibly Henry Hobhouse at the Home Office) describing a trial for libel brought against him by W. Roper following Roper's readmission to the Manx bar. Christian details allegations of perjury, corruption, and political malice, and appeals for intervention from the Home Secretary (Peel). The letter provides insight into post-1765 Manx judicial politics and tensions between local officials.
