A legal opinion dated 12 August 1808 from Lincoln's Inn regarding a claim for relief. The opinion advises that there is no effective ground to resist the claim and recommends exhibiting an original bill in the nature of a supplemental bill, detailing the case previously made regarding clergy relief, a decree, and increases in value of premises and lands bound by indemnity.
A legal opinion from the State Paper Office, Scotland (c.1607) addressing whether an Inquisition Post Mortem regarding Thomas Earle of Derby's death and the Isle of Man could be used to secure dower rights for Anne Countesse Dowager of Derby. Chief Judge Brundell, with consent of Coke, Brooke, Fitzherbert and the King's Council, ruled the enquiry void on the grounds that the Isle of Man is not part of the English Realm and does not use English law, comparing it to Turney, Normandy, and Gascoine. This document establishes the constitutional status of Man as distinct from England, Wales, Ireland, and the Isle of Wight.
A fragment of a legal opinion addressing the composition of the Isle of Man legislature, the status of Deemsters and the Receiver General, and the Governor's judicial authority. The document discusses issues including Set-Coroner appointments and bail practices.
A formal legal opinion by Attorney General Charles Searle and Deemster Peter John Heywood on John Quayle's memorial claiming ancient privileges belonging to the Barony of St. Trinions. The opinion addresses feudal tenure, fealty obligations, and the distinction between services owed to the chief lord versus the crown following the 1765 Revestment. It establishes that fealty arising from the barony can only be owed to the Duke of Athol, not the King.
A fragment of a legal document discussing manorial tenures, fines, and services (carriages) owed by landholders within the Lord's Manor. References a 1777 Act of Tynwald confirmed by His Majesty, contrasting the burdens imposed on landholders in two manors versus the other three baronies. The document discusses ancient laws regarding services for building and repairing the sovereign's forts and houses.
A legal opinion analyzing a land dispute concerning whether certain properties are Demesne lands or customary estates of inheritance. The opinion examines procedural matters, the nature of grants, statutes of limitation, and applicable law in the Isle of Man, concluding that the matter requires careful analysis through legal analogy.
A legal opinion addressing Mr. Roper's application for admission to practice law in the Isle of Man, examining the implications of his prior bankruptcy at the Irish Bar. The document discusses the necessity of strict inquiry into the circumstances of his bankruptcy and the requirement for a Certificate signed by Commissioners and allowed by the Lord Chancellor before further proceedings.
A legal opinion addressing whether persons employed in the fishery are liable for the sixpence monthly duty to support the Royal Hospital at Greenwich under the Act of the 10th of Queen Anne. The opinion concludes that those engaged in sailing ships/boats or taking fish are liable proportionally, while those employed only in land-based curing and salting are not.
A legal opinion by Al. Wedderburn regarding the Act of Tynwald of 1777, specifically addressing whether the Duke's rights are prejudiced by the act. The opinion concludes that the act does not weaken the Duke's title to set aside leases granted at below-market rent.
A legal opinion from William Adam addressing whether the Duke possesses rights under a Bill concerning the re-establishment of prerogatives allegedly taken by island officers since an Act of the 5th of the King. Adam advises pursuing the matter in the Court of Exchequer if the Duke's rights are disputed, but expresses doubt about further prosecution if the dispute concerns property alone.
This is a legal opinion discussing the constitutional status of the Isle of Man, comparing its relationship to the Crown with that of Jersey and Guernsey. It addresses the King's appellate jurisdiction, the non-applicability of English writs, and argues that mandatory writs do not extend to the Isle of Man.
Fragment of a legal opinion addressing the proper authority for signing acts and judgments of courts, the role of Deemsters as sole judges in common law, and limitations on inferior courts' powers regarding fines and punishments. The document discusses whether Council signatures are necessary or proper to legal instruments.
A legal query posed to Sir Yorke concerning whether Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man should be considered part of the dominions of Great Britain, with Sir Yorke's legal opinion dated 5 April 1729.
Fragment of a legal opinion discussing proposed improvements to roads and infrastructure on the Isle of Man, including coal imports from Whitehaven and lime-based fertilizer distribution. The document critiques the current legal system, particularly jury selection procedures dominated by the Coroner, and references a code of laws previously sent to Lord Mansfield by a deceased Attorney General.
A legal document submitted to the House of Lords, signed by Thomas Plumer and W Garrow from Lincoln's Inn on 20th February 1813. The fragment represents the concluding submission of a legal opinion or petition.
A page from a legal treatise discussing the jurisdictional framework of the Channel Islands (Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark) and the Isle of Man under English law. The text examines various writs and legal procedures that apply to island territories, including Quo Warranto, Quare impedit, Habeas Corpus, and a historical writ concerning attorney appointment.
An excerpt from a legal opinion discussing the principles of eminent domain and state authority over private property. The document cites works by Puffendorf and Hertius, engaging with debates about whether governments can seize private property without compensation, referencing Hobbes's theories of absolute sovereign power.
Legislative text from the 24th regnal year, sections XLVII-XLVIII, establishing penalties for unlicensed distillation of spirits from grain and materials. Specifies £100 forfeiture per offence, seizure of stills and equipment, with proceeds divided between parish poor and informers.
A 16th-century state paper from the Scottish State Paper Office reporting on military activity by men-of-war from Scottish ships operating off the west coast of Scotland. The document notes that vessels initially positioned to intercept victuallers instead caused damage to the Isle of Man and subsequently withdrew due to fear of invasion. This provides historical context to Manx vulnerability and Scottish-English tensions during the Tudor period, predating the 1765 Revestment.
Granddaughter of Robert Christian of Cedar Grove, the Chief Magistrate. Married John Tyler, who became the tenth President of the United States. The line from Deemster John McCristen in 1408, through the Christians of Milntown, through Virginia, to the White House — a family that had governed for five centuries, carried across the Atlantic by two brothers leaving an island where the consequences of the Great Stanley's land policy had made life untenable.
A 16th-century letter from the Abbot of Furness to Cardinal Wolsey (Lord Legate) regarding the grant of stewardship of Furness monastery. The letter explains delays in responding to previous requests and discusses a prior grant made to the Earl of Derby, seeking clarification on its contents. While not directly about the 1765 Revestment, it provides historical context on administrative relationships and the precedent of English territorial claims over abbeys and dependencies, relevant to understanding the constitutional framework within which the later Revestment occurred.
A letter from the Abbot of Furness to Cardinal Wolsey (Lord Legate) dated 16 July 1530, concerning the grant of stewardship of Furness monastery. The abbot acknowledges Wolsey's request and promises to deliver a formal grant to Edward, third Earl of Derby, once a previous grant made to the late Earl of Derby can be recovered. Relevant to understanding ecclesiastical and noble patronage networks affecting Isle of Man through broader English administrative context.
A 16th-century State Paper reporting a suspicious incident involving a Scottish vessel, Manx crew, and a Scottish pilot who claimed exceptional knowledge of English harbours. The abbot of Furness writes to Thomas Cromwell seeking direction on the custody of the detained Scotsman. Relevant to understanding Isle of Man's medieval maritime context and foreign contacts prior to the Revestment era.
A 1533 letter from Roger Pele, Abbot of Furness, to Thomas Cromwell reporting the arrival of a Scottish vessel with cargo at Ramsey, Isle of Man. The letter describes the crew's attempt to land provisions and a Scottish pilot's boast about his navigation skills in northern waters. The Abbot is holding the Scottish mariner in custody pending the King's instructions. The document provides evidence of early 16th-century maritime activity, smuggling concerns, and royal security interests in the Isle of Man.
Arthur Onslow, Collector of Customs at Liverpool, reports to the Board of Customs on his efforts to suppress smuggling of tea and East India goods at the Isle of Man, 1762–1764. Details enforcement operations, seized vessels, evidentiary challenges, and the practical difficulties of prosecuting smuggling when goods are landed on the island before witnesses arrive. Directly relevant to understanding the smuggling crisis that preceded the 1765 Revestment.
