Hall Caine, Internment and the Woman of Knockaloe, Pat Skillicorn 16.10.13

Pat began her illustrated talk by sketching in something of the history of Hall Caine, the eminent Victorian novelist forever associated with the Isle of Man and his home, Greeba Castle. She expressed a feeling of nervousness at seeing Ula Corkill, an authority on Hall Caine and Frances Coakley, expert in Manx heritage both in the audience. Of course, she had nothing to fear. Her scholarly research in so many areas and previous talks to the trust make her an established figure and an accomplished speaker.

Sir Thomas Henry Hall Caine CH, KBE to give him his full title was born in Cheshire. His father, born in Ramsey left the Island, as so many have, in search of work and found employment as a fitter in Liverpool docks. Hall Caine, as he preferred to be known, was educated at a British National School in Liverpool until he was fourteen. They must have given him a splendid education in English as he excelled as a writer. However, he started work in Liverpool with an architect and then became an architect/surveyor. He was set on a literary career and his determination paid off.

Most people, one way or another, can access the inter net. Wikipaedia sets out Hall Caine’s biography in a clear but mind-boggling way. His contacts with great authors and other eminent figures seemed to explode in no time. Do have a look.

Caine’s first novel, The Deemster, was a success. He frequently visited the Island and this seems to have been a great influence on his life and writing. He came to live in Greeba Castle and such was his fame from his published works and friendships with Victorian greats such as Rosetti, crowds would gather outside his home in the hopes of seeing him.

Pat’s attention was drawn to the novel, Woman of Knockaloe that Hall Caine said came to him in a dream. It centres on the love that developed between a Manx girl called Mona and a German Knockaloe internee. The development of the romance, the way it affected people still seething with hatred of the Germans for the war and how true love overcame people’s feelings is a remarkable tale. It was seen as an allegory for the necessity of re-establishing good relations between different nations. This was a huge success and was made into a silent film. We were lucky enough to view a clip. Of course, when the book was written and the film made, there was no suggestion that the Germans would launch a second world war with all its accompanying horrors.

On much the same theme, our next meeting at 7.30 on Wednesday, 20^th November in the Centenary Centre features Ian Cannell CBE speaking on Remembrance Travels – remembrance with an international dimension. Tickets for the Christmas Party at the Golf Club will be on sale. A wonderful band is included. To be on the safe side, ring Corrie Wooding on 843502.

Manx Victorian Inventors………Bob Stimpson………19.6.13

What an intriguing title. How many of us could name even one Manx Victorian inventor? Bob began his illustrated talk with views of the Royal Society of Arts building in John Adam Street, London. The RSA was founded in 1754 with the aim of encouraging developments in arts, manufacturing and sciences. Members are elected as leaders in their fields of study and mark accomplishment. It plays a major part in education through study and examination. A number of Manxmen have received awards and certificates. The earliest mentioned is George Quayle of Castletown in 1793. He’d invented a control device to balance water flow onto water wheels. These were a major source of power and regulating them automatically was a huge advantage and widely adopted. Examples are still in use.

George’s influence after many persuasive letters enabled the Isle of Man to be accepted as part of the R.S.A. Another George Qualyle invention was a machine that could weave fishing nets at a rate of 100yds per day. Compare that to hand weaving. Lack of finance sank hundreds of potentially useful inventions. Nothing changes – so much potential lost for want of an informed, enthusiastic banking system! We next looked at Mark Cosnahan, 1784 – 1859, a navigator between Liverpool and Jamaica. He invented methods for storing and rigging sails more easily and invented a design to improve the efficiency of paddles on steamers and an on-board still, no, not for alcohol but to obtain freshwater from seawater. Similar devices are still used.

In 1828, William Kennish was awarded an R.S.A. gold medal for inventing a device that focused a broadside from the guns on a small part of an enemy ship, concentrating the damage. Amazingly, this device achieved a similar degree of accuracy to a modern gun turret. Kennish also surveyed a lock-free route for the Panama Canal, in 1855. He designed a hydraulic (water) motor to drive mills. These were widely used in sawmills and even suggested for blowing organs. Does anyone know of any example of this? Given the plentitude of running water, these days and the rising cost of fuels, we ought to look at this again.

We romped along with Robinson’s sliding appliance – a third leg that visitors could attach to have their photographs taken in the Isle of Man and more usefully, Jonathan Kermode of Peel’s invention of an oil burner for ship’s boilers. This was the start of oil-fired marine boilers and he went on to work with Parson’s turbines. How I wish I could mention dozens more!

After refreshments we had a fantastic question and answer session discovering that Bob had thirty odd patents, himself! Next event is a walking treasure hunt. Start at Creg Malin car park 6.15 pm Friday 28th June and afterwards to ‘Mylvoirrey’ by golf course entrance for a BBQ at 7.30pm. Ring Trish Teare 843480 or Corrie Wooding 843502 for a ticket. Thanks to Norman and Trish Teare for their hospitality.

Manx Dialect, Roy Kennaugh, 20.3.13

This evening was a delight. It was a great pleasure to welcome Roy Kennaugh of Kirk Michael Heritage Trust as our speaker and to have one of our largest gatherings to enjoy an excellent power point presentation on Manx Dialect.

Roy suggested that dialect comes second to the Manx language, itself but it serves a very useful purpose in keeping some of the language alive and in common usage.

How did the language develop? The first settlers were Celts with Irish Gaelic. Roy pointed out that Manx Gaelic is similar to both Irish and Scottish Gaelic with a level of understanding between speakers of these variations.

There was a steady decline in Manx speakers in the 19^th century. English became the dominant tongue but with the Manx variations we know as dialect.

Dialect was defined as ‘a regionally and socially defined variety of a language which differs in vocal tone, pronunciation and grammar. One example was, ‘Ther’s a fine car at him!’ (He’s got a nice car!)

A 1960’s survey in Andreas and Ronague showed that Manx dialect was influenced by  N and NW Midland dialect plus Manx Gaelic. This survey expressed a concern that Manx Gaelic would die, closely followed by Manx dialect. Thanks to vigorous action by a few, including the establishment of a Manx –speaking school, neither concern is now true. A nation that loses its language loses its identity. We certainly ran it close – Traa dy Liooar (Time enough) very nearly wasn’t!

A lot of investigation into Manx Gaelic and dialect had been conducted in Cronk y Voddey. This was chosen as a relatively stable farming community. Roy was one of the researchers and was able to speak of his findings. The age range of 40 speakers ranged from 8 to 89 years. The nucleus of the network of speakers was community events such as the famous ploughing match.

Roy then entered into a more detailed examination of the structure of Manx dialect. Examples included the loss of g in ing, (runnin’), loss of t in words, firs(t), devoicing of z to sound like an s, loss of middle consonants – li’l for little and so on.

We were then treated to Win’ Collister reciting, ‘Goin’ to Tynwald’ in dialect. This was treated to terrific applause.

Roy moved on to some of the conclusions of his study. No great surprises in that older people knew more Manx, (probably less true now that so many children are learning and being taught in Manx.) People with a strong sense of national identity used more Manx and males knew more words than women.

Some of the vocabulary such as long tail came from elsewhere, in this case, seafarers. The audience joined in a kind of quiz, trading words and meanings such as cushag, bonnag and lesser known ones. This was a lot of fun and was very animated.

Whilst we had refreshments, we watched a dialect play from Kirk Michael. This was a good exemplar of the use of dialect in conversation.

We built up a large vocabulary between us with Roy jotting down one’s he’d missed. A great evening!

AGM Enhanced by Frances Coakley: Manx Mapping

Who would have thought that an AGM could be so pleasurable? We take a chance in having the speaker in the first half, running the risk of losing the audience for the business part. However, as a Blue Badge Guide would say, ‘we’ve never lost anyone yet!’ 

Frances Coakley opened the first half with a fascinating, illustrated talk on Manx maps and mapping .She began by explaining the difference between a diagrammatic representation and plan, which is a scale drawing.

The first known temple plan dates from 2200BC – the first atlas from 1570 AD.

We went on a historical romp from the first use of moveable type and wood engravings to satellite mapping. A map by Lloyd in 1573 showed the Island for the first time. Saxton, in 1583, was a great Tudor mapmaker and he was given authority to climb any towers he chose to help map the surroundings. Mercator, in 1595, copied Saxton’s work.

Frances explained with the aid of a diagram, the principle of triangulation for fixing points and judging distances. This was introduced in 1533.

The Speed map of the Island, in 1610, was a bit more accurate but navigators would not have wanted to rely on the coastline or land features that might help as navigational marks. No wonder so many ships were lost.

Jumping forward, Capt Collins tried to remedy this, in 1693. Of local interest, Fannin who was on Capt Cooke’s voyage, also produced some accurate work and was involved in the Peel School of Navigation. 

The Corris map of 1784 was pretty accurate and is useful to make comparisons with the present town. It wasn’t until 1833 that a road map was produced. This indicates very limited movement for most people.

Tithe maps were more accurate as landowners’ taxes were calculated from them. Surprisingly, it wasn’t until 1846 that Admiralty maps showed water depths and safe harbours. The Ordnance Survey maps with their noted accuracy came in 1866. Many maps can be seen in the Manx Museum.

A quick cuppa and on to the AGM! The present committee continues unblemished. As chairman, Tim Crookall, MHK was unable to be present it was my pleasure to present Dave Maclean, one of the Centenary Centre’s directors, with a cheque for £3000 from the Trust towards the re-roofing of the Atholl Room. This was received with much joy.

I read a speech from Tim, adding a few bits of my own about the events we had enjoyed through the year and whetting appetites with projected meetings and visits. These represent great value even at the new rate of £8 single and £10 family membership, newsletters included.

The proposal from last year, to add ‘the Island’s heritage and its history.’ to our formerly parochial aim was overwhelmingly approved. I’ll add more detail about the AGM another time.

Next meeting is Wednesday 20th March, 7.30pm in the Centenary Centre – ‘Manx Dialect’ with Roy Kennaugh. This will be a  real treat.

John Slater

From Ballaugh to Ballamona and Back…Sarah Christian

Many of us had read Sarah’s recent, delightful book on Glen Dhoo. This gave us a good starting point and is highly recommended.

Opening her talk by describing genealogical research as a personal journey through other people’s lives really grabbed our attention. Any thoughts of research being dull or simply a dry, academic exercise were instantly dispelled.

Sarah said that her interest was awakened by the Head of Kirk Michael School and then further encouraged in 1979 by Bob Forster, the first Head of QE2 when she was in the initial intake. It’s very cheering to us ‘old’ teachers to find that we sparked an interest in pupils that has enhanced their lives. It is a long- term investment, of course and one seldom knows which seeds grow and enrich.

Moving from a developing interest in feminism, Sarah recounted with commendable frankness, a spell in Ard Aalin with depression. She praised the staff and successful treatment that has led her to develop a career in mental health. Apparently, one in four of us will encounter mental health problems at some time in our lives so the better informed and more caring we become, the better.

There is no causal link between mental health and feminism but Sarah’s reasons for opening these two themes became clear as her talk progressed. Her own capacity for work, raising a family whilst successfully studying at the I.O.M. College to secure a BSc (Hons.) in Public Health is a testimony to this remarkable speaker.

A founder member of Ballaugh Heritage Trust, Sarah began research on Glen Dhoo in 1975, partly because of family connections. She explained how she used the Internet, MNH library, the Registry, Manchester Central library and Ballaugh records. She found that she had a relative who was put into Ballamona Hospital because he suffered from epilepsy. This is treatable, now but is still little understood.

Sarah’s feminist interest was partly aroused by the number of women admitted to the mental hospital as, ‘deviant women.’ This term might be applied if they were regarded as drinking too much or were sexually active outside marriage. This process didn’t seem to apply to men, hence feminism.

The way women were used and abused was noted. The military in the Boer War and more recently were so concerned about troops being weakened by syphilis that they organised a supply of ‘clean’ women. History is slow to acknowledge this double standard. 

The study of Glen Dhoo demonstrated problems of in-breeding. Apparently, young couples were expected to court within sight of their future in-laws’ chimney smoke, limiting the genetic pool. This accounted for the small number of family names. Not all were adversely affected of course, nor was the problem limited to this small, isolated community. Do read Sarah’s book to learn more.

Our AGM is on Wednesday, 20th February, 7.30pm in the Centenary Centre. This will be preceded by Frances Coakley talking on Manx mapping. Both are unmissable!

Desperately Seeking Thomas, by Valerie Cottle

In memory of Thomas aged 11years and 3 months and James 1 year and 10 months, sons of Thomas and Mary Cubbin, they were drowned in each other’s arms in the surf on the coast of Madagascar, on the 26^th March1868, after enduring very great privation and sufferings 11 days in a small open boat, through the foundering of the ship Serica, after an awful hurricane in the Indian Sea.  “Teach me to live that I may dread the grave as little as my bed.”

Thus reads the plaque in Braddan Old Church that aroused the author, Valerie Cottle, to research the background and details of what turned out to be a fascinating journey for her as well as readers of her outstanding book, Thomas Cubbin, Master Mariner and the Wreck of the Serica.

Valerie’s talk was absorbing, combining as it did, a remarkable tale and the research methods that gradually and patiently unfolded the facts. Clearly, despite her familiarity with this absorbing tale, she was still moved by the human story she had uncovered.

Apparently, Thomas Cubbin had written an account of the disaster but MNH couldn’t find their copy. Valerie then discovered a reprint on the Internet, three years ago and bought it. The title is something like, Wreck of the Senica, the Wonderful Adventures of a Manxman. This, of course, was a wonderful primary source.

Thomas and Mary with a rather motley crew sailed from Birkenhead in December 1867 together with two of their children, leaving the rest behind on the Island, we know not with whom. They were 12, 4 and 3 years old!

 The ship had been built in Canada and sailed with a cargo of timber, all for sale. Thomas owned this ship and was a qualified master. She hit one of the worst hurricanes in recorded history. Captain and crew took to a small boat to head for the nearest shore, Mauritius but wind and tide were against them and they sailed to Madagascar. The boat capsized in giant breakers with the loss of their children. However, they’d had another baby before returning to Rose Hill, Braddan!

One young man of the crew was of interest. He had sailed on Brunel’s Great Eastern laying the first trans-Atlantic cable. Some other members of the crew sounded less than ideal.

Merchant Navy records were accessed, as was the Public Records Office in Kew. Apparently, as well as providing several forms of identity, you have to read the regulations and then score 100% on a test before being admitted! Even then, Valerie found that 70% of the records she needed had been transferred to a specialist department in the University of Newfoundland. They came up trumps and pieces of the jigsaw fell into place.

This book makes a fine Christmas present but read it yourself, first!

The Christmas Party is 7.30pm, 11^th December at Peel Golf Club. Excellent dinner plus entertainment. Tickets from Corrie Wooding, 843502. Ring now. All welcome!

Jinny the Witch…….Hampton Creer

There was an excellent audience in the Methodist Chapel, including a goodly number of ‘new faces’. This is always cheering in a heritage organisation where many of us are heading for heritage, ourselves!

Hampton Creer told us that he had become very interested in Manx witches because his ancestors, the Hamptons of Ballabunt, had been defence witnesses at the trial of Joney ( Jinny) Lowney (Lewney) in 1716 who was accused of being a witch. She had been tried, earlier, in 1715 and sentenced to reform but her second trial, the following year in front of Bishop Wilson, took place over four months. There were many prosecution witnesses.

Beliefs in witchcraft and the like were commonplace in the 16^th, 17^th and 18^th centuries. Much of it was the result of people jumping to conclusions, (not the correct ones in these cases) and for many thousands in mainland Britain, a horrible death was the harsh punishment. Most of the accused were poor, vagrant women and not witches.

The terrible scenes of a woman and her son burned alive at the stake in Castletown were not repeated in Joney’s case but she was found guilty. Her punishment was to wear a white robe and go to each parish and publicly repent.

Witchcraft is not dead, of course. Indeed, I believe that our present Vicar General is also Witchfinder General so do accord her appropriate respect.

Hampton went on to describe the Manx tradition of decorating turnips and going around singing about Jinny in our hop tu naa songs. It is well worthwhile looking up Jinny the Witch in Google, Wikipedia. There are several versions of the song or chant, one being rather rude!

Jinny lived in Braddan and was tried at Bishop’s Court on both occasions. Her greatest ‘crime’ was stopping the Ballaughton Corn Mill. She was sentenced for the first ‘offence’ to 14 days imprisonment, fined £3 and made to stand at all the four market crosses, dressed in sackcloth.

We have to remember that this was before universal education and superstition was an attempt at interpreting events, seeking to find a link between cause and effect. Accusing people of witchcraft was often a fail-safe way of getting rid of them for your own reasons!

When children arrive at your door on the 31^st October singing one version or another of hop tu naa, you might ask them what they know about this poor woman!

Thank you Hampton and the Methodist Church for providing the refreshments and the warm welcome.

Our next meeting is back in the Centenary Centre on Wednesday, 21^st November at 7.30pm. Val Cottle will be ‘Desperately Seeking Thomas’.