NEWSLETTER Autumn 2018 Editor – Douglas Barr-Hamilton

Tynwald Cooish The day was perfect for the London Manx gathering on 11th July as it had last year: perfect yet very different. In 2017 the sun had shone during a spell of indifferent weather; this year it was cool and dry after weeks of scorching heat and humidity. The society had already attracted some nineteen members from far and wide, illustrating more that some members had moved a long way from the capital than that London's tentacles had lengthened even further as resident of Nottingham met resident of Petersfield, Hants.

So it was that the lovely Cambridge garden of Sally and Peter Miller attracted Bryan and Sheila Corrin, the society's president and his wife, Douglas and Margarita Barr-Hamilton, secretary and his wife, Sam and Mary Weller, treasurer and his wife, committee member Maron Honeyborne, Gillian Moore, Michael Nedo, Margaret Hunt, Elaine Abraham, Elizabeth and Nicholas Watson, Fran Higson, Pam and Mike Fiddik, and Maureen Wigley.

As always Manx kippers were the dish of the day as everyone took lunch under the gazebos and the contribution provided by each participant produced a balanced meal universally enjoyed during which all could move around, catch up with the news with old friends and get to know some for whom this was a first visit to a society event. All too quickly, the time arrived for the singing of Ellan Vannin yet the party continued in smaller groups as six travelled south together by train and three returned to London in the same car, each anticipating next year's cooish. Mhelliah The time is approaching for our annual mhelliah (harvest festival) and the Church service will again be at the Church of St Bride’s, Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 8AU. It will begin at 12 noon on Monday 8th October.

We are pleased to be able to return to the Punch Tavern, 99 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1DE for our social event which will take place immediately after the service. The pub is close by and is where we enjoyed a good time in 2016 but were unable to use last year as it had been undergoing refurbishment. All will finish not later than 4 p.m.

Hop-tu-naa, more than a Manx version of Halloween Halloween, or All Saints' Eve, is a Christian tradition as its name clearly states. Hop-tu-naa which the Island celebrates on the same day, 31st October, is thought to be much older. Indeed, most authorities say it is the oldest continuous Manx tradition still existing and is believed to be the way its people marked New Year's Day as, in Celtic times, the Island's year was divided only into Summer (Sourey in Manx Gaelic) and Winter (Geurey) and the day marked the change to the latter.

For a very long time a key feature of the partying has been the hollowing out and decorating of a turnip (moot) and a traditional folk dance is still performed today. Pumpkins and trick-or-treat don't seem to have played any part in the festivity.

Hogmanay, the Scottish festival could have been its equivalent, celebrating the end of the year since some etymologists think the word has the same root, citing the fact that some Scottish dialects omit the M in hogmanay but others think it more likely to have been of French (Christian) or Norse (pagan) origin. However, I could find no evidence that it was ever celebrated at the end of October. DBH

Centenary of the Manx General Strike Commemorated With the centenary of the Manx General Strike commemorated in July, the story brings into focus some of the deprivation suffered by local people at that time and the strenuous efforts of those who formed trade unions to push for reform.

As the working class began to emerge during the nineteenth century, responsibility for the poor, sick and elderly was firmly placed within the family, with assistance from the church where necessary. But a rapid growth in population overwhelmed their work, which was later undertaken by a proliferation of what became known as 'friendly societies'.

The first recorded attempt to form a trade union on the Isle of Man was in 1821, but it wasn't until the turn of the nineteenth century that serious attempts were made to organise sections of the working class into a positive force. During 1917 efforts were made to organise a union of general workers against a backdrop of an unprecedented rise in the cost of living and an undefined working week; attracting considerable support.

There was a tangible stirring of discontent with the Island's Governor, Lord Raglan, the previous year, when he opposed the introduction of pensions for the elderly and direct taxation. This was an unpopular decision and during the Tynwald ceremony of 1916 he was confronted by placard wielding demonstrators demanding his resignation and famously struck by a grass sod thrown by a member of the crowd. Their anger was further fuelled by the Manx government's refusal to implement a flour subsidy for Island bakers in parity with England. A temporary equality was agreed after protesters applied pressure, but it's termination did little to dampen their anger. Lord Raglan decreed that a fixed price should be applied, but local bakers threatened closure, protesting that they couldn't produce bread at this price.

This action then set in motion a series of events which ultimately brought the Isle of Man to a grinding halt. A strike committee was appointed with representatives from local unions, and a thousand people gathered outside government office to announce an impending strike which affected the Island 3rd - 5th July, 1918. Its success lay in skilful organisation which rapidly halted key components of daily life. Schools, shops, offices and factories were shut down and cargo workers ceased work. The strike committee did allow fishing boats to land their catch at a price fixed by them and food shops in poorer districts opened for limited hours. Tram and rail services were non- existent and although there was a boat in the morning, it didn't return.

The strikers were now in a commanding position, having taken the government by surprise, and those who resisted the demands of the strike committee received short shrift. A request for members of Tynwald to be allowed to travel to the annual Tynwald ceremony was put to the strike committee, but Lord Raglan postponed the event fearing disorder and demonstration. Stranded visitors also approached the Governor for assistance to travel home, including asking for a warship but their requests met with no action.

The matter was finally resolved when the Governor met with the Legislative Council and it was agreed to restore the 'ninepenny loaf' with immediate effect. The imposition of local income tax and pensions followed. There were repercussions for some strikers, but ultimately Island trade unions and political labour representation was strengthened. Lord Raglan resigned his position as Governor on the 17th December, 1918, citing ill health.

Author and historian, Dr John Callow, expanded on the theme of the Manx General Strike during an absorbing lecture at the Manx Museum Lecture Theatre, where he probed deeper into the subject and emphasised the extraordinary success of the event.

A limited edition First Day Cover commemorating the centenary is available from Isle of Man Stamps and Coins at £15. Valerie Caine © July 2018 (Courtesy of Manx Life)

Ballaharra Neolithic Tomb Close to the village of St John's (Manx: Balley Keeill Eoin) is the Ballaharra Quarry. It is owned by the Corlett family, who run a genuinely Manx company with ownership and control remaining within the same family since it was established in 1947. They bought the Ballaharra site after discovering deposits of sand suitable for building materials. Production began in 1965. During work at Ballaharra in 1971 a Neothlic chambered tomb was uncovered. Over the next two years the site was excavated by a team led by Dr Sheila Cregeen of the Manx Museum (Thie Tashtee Vannin). It was to reveal one of the Island's ten Megalithic tombs which turned out to be the most important site on the Island for Neolithic pottery. The site yielded radio carbon dates circa 2,300 BC. A bronze age urn was also found.

Artefacts from the site are now in the custody of the Manx Museum. The surviving stone lintels, which originally sat above the large tomb, were donated by the Corlett family to German Parish Commissioners, who erected the stones in the village. They are set in a pleasant small park with flowers and benches not far and to the east from Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, the Manx-language primary school in St John's. They have now been arranged as a beautiful set of standing stones, which pay homage to the creators of the original tomb so many thousands of years ago. Alastair Kneale

Picture, Alastair Kneale

Dracula & the Isle of Man Do you know the link between Dracula & the Isle of Man? It was on this day in 1897 that Bram Stoker's novel, 'Dracula,' was first published. Most of its readers, then and now, no doubt, were baffled by the dedication: "To my dear friend, Hommy Beg" To those acquainted with Manx dialect, however, this was obviously a dedication to 'Little Tommy' and therefore to a Manx person. Indeed, it was dedicated to none other than Stoker's old friend, (Thomas) Hall Caine. In fact, the two authors were great friends and Stoker's gesture of dedicating the book to his friend was partly in thanks to Hall Caine's dedication to him in one of his books of four years earlier. However, Hall Caine's dedication (in 'Capt’n Davy’s Honeymoon') was somewhat more verbose, as is shown by just the first sentence of it: "When in dark hours and in evil humours my bad angel has sometimes made me think that friendship as it used to be of old, friendship as we read of it in books, that friendship which is not a jilt sure to desert us, but a brother born to adversity as well as success, is now a lost quality, a forgotten virtue, a high partnership in fate degraded to a low traffic in self-interest, a mere league of pleasure and business, then my good angel for admonition or reproof has whispered the names of a little band of friends whose friendship is a deep stream that buoys me up and makes no noise; and often first among those names has been your own."

The full dedication can be enjoyed it its full glory here: https://archive org/details/captndavyshoneym00cainuoft Hall Caine's comic short story set in the heyday of Douglas tourism is well worth a read: http://manxliterature com/sort-by-…/…/captn-davys- honeymoon/ We recommend that you keep this useful Manx fact in your pocket for any of the many times in your life when Dracula will make an appearance so that you can assert the superiority of all things Manx! NSW Manx June '18 New Exhibition Highlights the Work of Archibald Knox If you're planning a visit to the Isle of Man during the winter season, this would be a great opportunity to visit the forthcoming exhibition about Archibald Knox at the Manx Museum in Douglas. Beginning mid-October, this will be a rare chance to see a host of items designed by Knox with many of them from private collections and, until now, unseen on the Island.

Although he's known as an artist, teacher and designer, these lines can sometimes be blurred, depending upon personal experience, but here's an unprecedented opportunity for everyone to see all aspects of the great man'swork. This will include silver, pewter, jewellery and copies of other work designed by Knox, reflecting upon his ability with watercolour, oil painting, sketches, ceramic items, wallpaper, textiles, carpets, design drawing, graphics, illustrations and illuminated lettering.

Interspersed with information about the designer and his life, visitors will also be able to assess examples from The Deer's Cry, gravestones and memorials, study his teaching methods and learn more about the Knox Guild of Design and Crafts. Other original work, including silverware, clocks, watercolours and oil paintings will also be on display in other parts of the museum.

Additionally, there will be a selection of talks expanding on the Knox theme, including a curatorial lecture focusing on The Deer's Cry with Yvonne Cresswell. Further talks will encompass Liberty and Co., silver hallmarks, the origins of the distinctive Cymric and Tudric range and industrial espionage at the turn of the nineteenth century. There will also be a brief introduction to the graves situated in Braddan New Cemetery, the aims and objectives of the Archibald Knox Forum and the fascinating topic of when is a Knox not a Knox. And there's a further opportunity to view Anthony Bernbaum's lecture at Olympia during 2014 (with thanks to Culture Vannin, Anthony Bernbaum and the Archibald Knox Society). It's also hoped to provide guided tours across the Island to visit places associated with Knox.

The exhibition closes on the 13th January 2019.

Thanks are extended to those collectors lending items for display, Culture Vannin, Manx National Heritage, the Our Island 2018 Committee and the Archibald Knox Forum.

Further details about the Archibald Knox Forum can be found at www.archibaldknoxforum.com, by emailing [email protected] or through their Facebook page. Valerie Caine © August 2018

Archibald Knox Headstone in UK Commemorates Centenary Few of the distinctive headstones designed by Manx designer Archibald Knox will be found outside of the Isle of Man, the best known being that created for Arthur Lasenby Liberty for whom the gifted Manx designer worked for several years. But a lesser known memorial, behind which lies a tragic story, resides in a quiet, Lancashire churchyard in its centenary year.

Carved in Welsh slate by Thomas Quayle, the headstone is dedicated solely to the memory of William Edward Callister who drowned at sea in 1918 and was a science master at the Douglas Secondary School in Park Road, but grew up in Onchan. The Callister family is linked to the Knox clan by marriage. The story begins, however, at lunchtime on the 15th August, 1918, when William Callister and his five year old son Will headed out from their home towards the cliffs below Onchan Head to hunt for crabs; popping into Gell's grocers shop on Broadway to purchase biscuits for their outing. Neither of them returned by tea-time, as expected, and his wife, Annie, assumed they had visited her father in law, also of Onchan. But as the evening wore on her concern for their welfare grew and a search was made for the thirty seven year old man and his young son.

At 11.00pm Sergeant Cowley of Onchan discovered Callister's coat, a pair of shoes belonging to the boy and some sandwiches on what is known as the Chair Rock, situated below the Howstrake Golf Links. The child's wooden spade was also recovered. The search was resumed the following morning, but nothing was found. It was almost one week later when the school attendance officer, A. J. Cormode, made a shocking discovery. Searching amongst the rocks he found the body of the young boy in an inlet not far from where the other items were discovered. With the help of J. Skillicorn, also of Onchan, they retrieved the boy's lifeless body, which was taken to the Douglas Bay Hotel pending an inquest by the Coroner, J. S. Gell, when death by drowning was confirmed. But of the boy's father, described as a well-built man of active habits and calm bearing, there was no trace. He was said to be familiar with the coastline, skilled in crabbing and a strong swimmer.

Some weeks later his body was discovered in the River Ribble, together with a letter which all but confirmed his identity, later affirmed by the dead man's father who travelled to Lytham mortuary to identify his son.

For reasons that remain unclear, William Callister was buried at St John's Church, Lytham St Anne's in Lancashire, but it was architect Jos. E. Teare, on behalf of the Freemasons, who instructed Thomas Quayle to carve the Manxman's headstone. William Callister was the Worshipful Master of the Spencer Walpole Temperance Lodge at the time of his death, which accounts for both the Masonic insignia and lodge number represented at the top of the headstone.

The local stonemason quoted £35 for the work and carving of the headstone, delivery to its destination, erection and churchyard fees - with an additional charge of £1 for the cutting of an incised cross on the back of the stone. Meanwhile, his young son was buried in Braddan Cemetery alongside his maternal grandmother and subsequently his grandfather, Joseph Cretney of Ballanard Farm. Joined later by his mother, Annie Cain Callister, who died in 1968, his father's death is also recorded here.

William Callister senior (an Onchan schoolmaster) was also laid to rest under a Knox designed stone carved by the Quayle family in Douglas Borough Cemetery.

Further information about Archibald Knox available at www.archibaldknoxforum.com Valerie Caine © August 2018 (Courtesy of Manx Life)

Archibald Knox Forum At an Extraordinary General Meeting on 12 July 2018 a special resolution was passed unanimously, to allow the website to be opened to everybody free of charge. This will ensure that many more people worldwide will find out about Archibald Knox, his life, work and legacy.

Workshop Highlights Valuable Resource for Budding Genealogists at the Manx Museum A recent workshop organised by the Isle of Man Family History Society in conjunction with Manx National Heritage, proved very successful with sixteen members of the organisation taking the opportunity to learn more about recent innovation within the Reading Room and Library and Archives at the Manx Museum.

Family History Society member Sarah Christian, who also works in the Reading Room, took charge of the afternoon workshop, guiding everyone through various resources readily available, such as manuscripts, online data and printed material.

Once the presentation was completed, members split into three groups, and together with two of Sarah's colleagues, explored different areas, including use of digital equipment and new film readers, accessible information located in the Reading Room and a fascinating tour of the Manx Museum's archives, kept over several floors in specially controlled conditions.

The long established Reading Room at the Manx National Heritage is a veritable treasure trove for any budding genealogist, with a tantalising array of card indexes and database records, as well as diaries and memoirs prepared for the online catalogue. Photographs, prints and plans are also available together with the revealing Folk Life Survey, periodicals, pamphlets, scrapbooks and availability of deeds. The now well established iMuseum online, particularly with its remarkable, historical newspaper collection, has proved to be an invaluable resource and is freely available at the museum, or from the comfort of your home using a tiered payment system.

Additionally, it's also possible to use Find My Past at no cost, which may reveal new lines of enquiry, or confirm previous beliefs. Sarah explained the growing resources available on the ‘Familysearch’, website including unindexed images of probate records (wills).

At the close of the session there was an opportunity to speak with staff, continue with on-going research, or take refreshment at The Bay Room Restaurant situated within the Manx Museum building. If you would like to join the Isle of Man Family History Society please contact them at iomfhs.im. Valerie Caine © August 2018

MNH to launch 3D Digital Images of Manx Crosses Manx National Heritage is undertaking a ground-breaking project to create 3D images of all 210 Manx crosses in a collaborative project with Lancaster University, the University of Southampton and Knowledge Integration. The finished images will capture evidence of the current physical condition of the crosses and inform plans for their future preservation whilst also being made available for education, research and recreational enjoyment.

Kirsty Neate, Head of Professional Services for Manx National Heritage said, "For the purposes of conservation, the highest possible accuracy and precision is needed. Recent advances in laser scanning have, for the first time, made this possible. Detailed scans will capture the surface of the crosses to a resolution of one tenth of a millimetre. Scanning the crosses posed a number of challenges including difficulties of access in remote locations and cramped display conditions. The objects themselves are mostly dark in colour which makes scanning much harder and the detail we are aiming to capture can elude the untrained eye."

Manx National Heritage has secured a partnership with Dr Patricia Murrieta- Flores of Lancaster University, an archaeologist with a good track record of work of this type and scale.

Kirsty continued, " Dr Murrieta-Flores is a leader in the digital recording, interpretation and communication of archaeological remains. along with colleagues from the University of Southampton, she has championed techniques of digital recording with Historic England."

The Manx crosses are stone objects of extraordinary diversity and cultural interest found throughout the Isle of Man. They range from simple grave markers to elaborately decorated and inscribed monuments. The stones were carved during a pivotal time, stretching from the Island's introduction and conversion to Christianity in the 5th and 6th centuries through to the reorganisation of the Church in the 12th and 13th centuries. Some of the stones are carved with letters of the Ogham, Runic and Latin alphabets while others include personal and place names and scenes from Christian and Norse mythology. About a third of the crosses are publicly displayed in two cross shelters at Kirk Maughold and Old Lonan Church in their respective parishes. Another third are allocated their own spaces in several churches through the Island. The last third of the crosses are locate within the Manx Museum, either on display in the galleries or within the stores or archives.

The 3D models of the Manx cross collection will be made available to view, zoom and rotate from the iMuseum web site early next year. Courtesy of Manx National Heritage

Picture, MNH Royal Manx Agricultural Show Attracts Bumper Crowds to Knockaloe Farm Despite unwarranted worries about the weather, crowds flocked to this year's Royal Manx Agricultural Show, which attracted lots of visitors through the gates at Knockaloe Farm in Patrick on both days, to the delight of organisers. With much on offer to suit everyone's taste, it was a great opportunity for sightseers to familiarise themselves with some fabulous local food and drink and enjoy a wide range of entertainment. It's also a good time to chat face to face with local farmers and learn more about the livestock brought along for annual competitions, culminating in the Grand Parade and the selection of the Supreme Champion at the close of the event.

The main entertainment ring sported an extensive programme, including lurcher racing, classic car and vintage tractor parades, sheep dog demonstrations and the Jez Avery Stunt Show which drew onlookers throughout the event, as well as the popular Spike Milton's Teme Timbersports who used a separate arena.

This long standing event is a highlight of the Manx calendar, and with a whole day (or two) to fill there was ample time to wander amongst various trade stands and glimpse some of the wonderful work presented by local craft workers.

There was also plenty for youngsters to see across the site, including some fabulous birds and animals in the much loved (if somewhat noisy) Fur and Feather tent, kittens for cuddling and rides on the funfair before heading for the ubiquitous ice cream van.

Local producers were out in force, deservedly showing their wares at the Manx Food Court and selling much of it to customers old and new, with other locally sourced food available elsewhere on the show ground.

But the nearby Farm and Garden marquee also presented the unmistakable skills of those who can turn their hand readily to growing fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as domestic cooks and bakers hoping for prizes in a sometimes hotly contested arena. Categories included such delights as home- made bread, succulent drop scones and cakes, luscious butter and jam and a whole host of cordials utilising all the great benefits of a Manx harvest. Valerie Caine © August 2018

Yn Chruinnaght This year's Celtic gathering brought music from around the Gaelic nations to the Island as some of the finest Manx folk talent performed alongside top Irish, Scottish and Welsh musicians and the Yn Chruinnaght festival which took place over five days in mid July. Beginning with a showcase concert featuring the three Manx BBC Radio 2 folk award winners, Mera Royle, Tom Callister and Adam Rhodes on stage with their electrifying pan-Celtic group Imar, the festival featured music, dance and culture from all six Celtic nations. Las performed Scottish and Irish dance and the Welsh festival group NoGood Boyo played a raucous set on the Friday night before Irish folk legends Altan finished off the festival concerts. There was also a weekend of display at the House of Mannanan with Breton and Irish dancing alongside the Manx dancers of Perree Bane and Skeddan Jiarg.

Jo Callister, one of the festival organisers said, "We're all delighted that Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering 2018 was such a great success especially as it was our fortieth anniversary. Those who attended the Ian O'Leary lecture this year presented by Yn Chruinnaght committee member, Bob Carswell will know the Celtic Gathering has come a long way and despite several changes. "The ethos remains the same, celebrating and sharing our Celtic music, song, traditions and dance with all the other Celtic nations and making links and friendships, old and new."

Jo thanked the sponsors, Culture Vannin, the Isle of Man Arts Council, Culture Ireland, Thornton Ltd, Malcolm Scott Dickinson Charitable Trust and Year of Our Island 2018. Manx Music & Dance newsletter Courtesy of Chloë Woolley

Pretty Woman The stage version of the hit musical film opened on Broadway on 16th August and, as previously announced in the newsletter, starred the Manx singer Samantha Barks previously seen on the London stage as Eponine in "Les Misérables". It's on at the Nederlander Theatre in New York's West 41st Street and many reviews suggest it should be a long-running and well attended show. One reviewer, Diane Snyder, who had not enjoyed the film version saying that its appeal had always eluded her, felt Sam's performance had made all the difference adding that the romcom should catapult Samantha Barks to stardom. Another review by Victoria Ward made more of Sam's Island origins and the impact of a visit to New York and Broadway when she was ten on somebody from so tiny a community. Both gave upbeat reports of the show Victoria Ward including the hint that it might transfer to London next year. Several reviews were less complimentary about the production most feeling the show was too similar to the film particularly the costumes but all were full of praise for Sam. American "Variety saying, for example, "The musical goes all-in on fantasy, casting two sizzling talents, Samantha and Andy, as bland, pretty people singing pretty Bryan Adams-Jim Vallance tunes with nothing much at stake. Stubbornly inconsequential, it's a morally uplifting fairy tale of which everyone, young and old alike, can be skeptical".

Society members will be interested that Sam, approaching her 28th birthday in October, was born and grew up in Laxey, attending Laxey Primary School before moving to St Ninian's High School, taking dance classes throughout this time and progressing to drama school from St Ninian's. DBH

Follow a Star A unique exhibition opened at the House of Manannan in Peel on 18th August entitled, "Follow a Star - Sir Norman Wisdom" under the auspices of Manx National Heritage with the support of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Sir Norman Wisdom's life took the opposite direction from Society members, born in London and living his later years in Andreas at the Lhen, becoming a familiar figure driving on the Island and living in the local community. The presentation tells the complete story and has been put together by his son Nick to provide a look at his private archive and include musical instruments, handwritten scripts, original suits, photographs and stage props that have not previously been shown on the Isle of Man. Nick Wisdom said, "It is with a great sense of excitement and pride that I find myself finally bringing my father's exhibition over to the Isle of Man, his home for thirty years. It will have been a journey on two fronts, firstly the trip from Sussex to transport it here and then the fact that it has taken eight years to grow it to a size that now tells me that it has reached completion.

“The exhibition has been well received wherever it has been on display, with people genuinely enjoying reminiscing about somebody who played a key part in their upbringing - the latest Norman Wisdom film was something not to be missed”.

The exhibition opened with ‘An Evening with Nick Wisdom’ hosted by Manx National Heritage when Nick Wisdom provided an insight into his father’s tough childhood, which gave him an inner strength to succeed at all costs in a career that spanned over sixty years. The record-breaking London shows and his films for the Rank Organization in the 1950s and 60s were part of the 'Golden Years' and each one has a story to tell. Some are hard to believe. Reflecting popular sentiment, Mark Woodward, Chief Executive of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said how delighted the Steam Packet Company was to support Manx National Heritage in bringing this popular exhibition to the Isle of Man so both local residents and visitors could see this celebration of all Sir Norman achieved as a British actor and comedian.

Admission is free and the exhibition runs until 20th January 2019 at the House of Manannan, Peel. Mainland members may want to time a visit to the Island to see this presentation of so interesting and admirable a star. DBH Source, Manx National Heritage

Picture, MNH Origins of Cheltenham Spa Reputed to be the longest dedication on a memorial, a tablet in St Mary's Church, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire dedicated to Captain Henry Skillicorne d. 1678 reads: In memory of Captain Henry Skillicorne, deceased, born at Kirk Lonnon / in the Isle of Man in 1678. Taught by Dr. Wilson, Bishop, and justly called / the good Bishop of that Island. When young he went to sea and was for many years / in the employ of, and concerned with Jacob Elton, Esq. Merchant in Bristol, / whose relation Sarah Goldsmith of that city he married. She dying in childbed / with two children, he in 1731 married Elizabeth Mason, then of Bristol, / daughter of Will'm Mason of Cheltenham, Gentleman, by Margaret Surman, / daughter of John Surman, of Treddington in this county, Esq. / He quitting the sea after 40 years service, they resided together some years / at Bristol, and in 1738 came to live upon their estate in this town, / where he gave his mind to increase the knowledge, & extend the use / of Cheltenham Spa, which became his property. He found the old spring open / and exposed to the weather. He made the well there, as it now is, made the / walks, and planted the trees in the Upper & Lower Parades; / and by conduct ingenious and manners attentive / he, with the aid of many worthy persons in the town and neighbourhood, / brought this most salutary water to just estimation & extensive use;/ and ever presiding with esteem in the walks, saw it visited with benefit / by the greatest persons of the age, and so established its reputation, / that his present Most Gracious Majesty King George the Third, / with his most amiable Queen, Charlotte and the Princesses Royal / Augusta and Elizabeth their daughters, visited it, drinking the water, / & residing from the 12th day of July to the 16th day of August / both inclusive 1788 in the Lodge built by Will'm Skillicorne, / the proprietor thereof, and of the spa, son of Captain Skillicorne, / on his Bay's Hill near thereunto, for & then & now in lease to the Right / Honourable Earl Fauconberg, who receiving benefit from this water / for many years spread its good name. Wm. Miller, Esq., the tenant of the / Spa, & others of the town, erected new buildings, paved, cleansed / & lighted the street, encouraged by the gentlemen of the neighbourhood / making new roads. The king discovered the new spring like the Old, / which his Majesty steaned and secured, and built 17 rooms at the Lodge / House at his own expence, and graciously gave it to Mr. Skillicorne, / in whose ground near the House it was, at the instance of Earl Fauconberg. / Captain Skillicorne was buried the 18th of October 1763 with his son / Henry by his last wife, at the west door on the inside of this church, / aged 84 years. He was an excellent seaman, of tried courage./ He visited most of the great trading posts of the Mediterranean, up the / Archipelago, Morea & Turkey, Spain, Portugal & Venice, and several of the / North American Ports, Philadelphia, and Boston, and Holland, / and could do business in seven tongues. He was of great regularity / and probity, & so temperate as never to have been once intoxicated. / Religious without hypocrisy, grave without austerity, of a cheerful / conversation without levity, a kind husband & tender father, / tall erect robust & active. From an ill-treated wound while a prisoner / after an engagement at sea, he became a strict valetudinarian. / He lived and dyed an honest man. / Mrs Elizabeth Skillicorne, a Quaker, was buried in the Quaker / Graveyard upon the 14th of April 1779, / a virtuous woman, a good wife, & a tender mother. / William Skillicorne, Esq., / died April 12th 1803, / aged 66 years.

Island Quiz 1. Douglas' Gaiety Theatre opened on 16th July in (a) 1899, (b) 1900, (c) 1901, (d) 1902? 2. Former LMS President produced a concert at the Gaiety Theatre during the first World War was (a) G F Clucas, (b) R H Fargher, (c) W S Rosee, (d) J W Ross-Brown KC? 3. Douglas became the Island's capital in (a) 1839, 1849, 1859, 1869? 4. The surname of Old Caesar in Hall-Caine's novel, The Manxman was (a) Collister, (b) Corteen, (c) Cregeen, (d) Crystal? 5. Ramsey's Queen's Pier was formally opened in (a) 1876, (b) 1881, (c) 1886, (d) 1891?

Closing date 17th October. The first reader to send me five correct answers will receive a £20 in Manx notes.

Answers to June quiz 1. The tune of the Manx Fisherman's Evening hymn is called (b) Peel Castle 2. The Snaefell Mountain course was first used for the TT in (d) 1911 3. The Camera Obscura can be found at (a) Douglas Head 4. Thomas Corrin is buried at (a) Corrin's Folly 5. The Manx National Anthem was first performed at (b) the Guild

Maureen Wigley provided the first set of correct answers to be received.

Acknowledgements The editor thanks Valerie Caine, Alastair Kneale, Chloë Woolley, New South Wales Manx Society, for their kind contribution and also Isle of Man Newspapers, Culture Vannin, Yn Cruinnaght and Manx National Heritage. News about you and articles (of around 450 words) about Island life are welcome and of interest to all. If in doubt, please contact me. Contributions can be sent at any time for inclusion in the next newsletter, if possible by email ([email protected]) or to 132 Bush Hill, N21 2BS. Copyright is retained by the contributor. Opinions expressed are those of the contributor and not necessarily those of the editor or the Society. Closing date for the next issue, 22nd September.

Dates for your Diary

Mhelliah St Bride's Church, Fleet Street, followed by lunch at Punch Tavern. Monday, 8th October 2018 12.00

NEXT NEWSLETTER DUE IN THREE MONTHS PLEASE SEND NEWS TO: Douglas Barr-Hamilton, 132 Bush Hill, London N21 2BS (telephone 020 8360 8001) e-mail: barrhamilton@btinternet com

Visit the Society's web site at www londonmanxsociety co uk