History

On a cold bright morning in May 1897 the miners on the early shift at the Snaefell Mine began the long climb down the mine shaft to the underground workings. As they reached a depth of 300 feet they suddenly realised that something was wrong. Within minutes, some of the men were scrambling to the surface, calling for help and fighting for their lives.

A rescue party was quickly formed as a major tragedy unfolded underground. Twenty men died, the distress made even worse when it was quickly discovered that the deaths had been due carelessness. The events of that morning led to one of the worst tragedies to befall the Isle of Man - the Snaefell Mine Disaster.

It had a devastating effect on the close-knit communities from which the miners came. The inquests and funerals that followed revealed the full extent of the suffering of the victim's families; there were fourteen widows, thirty orphans and two widowed mothers whose sole support had been their sons. The Manx community quickly rallied to their support and the heroism of rescuers was also recognised.

In this book to mark the 125th Anniversary since the disaster author Andrew Scarffe, a well-known expert on the history of Laxey and its mines, brings together for the first time the story of the mine, its working conditions and the struggle to survive. It charts the events of that terrible day and the heroic efforts to rescue the men trapped underground. He also examines the reasons why the disaster took place. The book also includes an account of how the mine was briefly brought back to life in the 1950s and concludes with the story of how mining enthusiasts restored the mine's waterwheel over a hundred years later.

Lavishly illustrated throughout with many images that have never been seen before. There is also a chapter on the history of the nearby Glen Roy Mine, which is mostly forgotten to Manx history.

Tynwald is the oldest continuous parliament in the world. It was the first to grant votes to women and is devoid of the constraints of party politics. Its most important meeting is on 5th July in the open air at St John's where new Manx laws are promulgated and the great and the good parade in their finery.

Tynwald is however more than pageantry and processions. Responsible for running this small but fiercely independent nation, the Isle of Man's government is a highly successful fusion of old traditions and modern politics.

***DUE TO THE HUGE DEMAND, THIS BOOK HAS NOW COMPLETELY SOLD OUT AND THE ARTIST HAS NO MORE COPIES LEFT TO SUPPLY US***


This beautiful book includes over 65 splendid atmospheric and evocative paintings by Ian Coulson of surviving old buildings, streets and lanes around Douglas. These are then interwoven with 'historical interludes' by Valerie Cottle which take sideways glances at Douglas' history from the early 19th to the mid-20th centuries recalling the secret life of the town, its buildings, people and stories.

The format is a generous landscape and printed on high-quality, slightly textured paper.

Proceeds from this book will be donated to the Isle of Man Woodland Trust to help accelerate local tree planting to help mitigate against climate change.

Home to probably the most complete mediaeval castle in Europe, Castletown today belies its history as a stronghold, former island capital and bustling port. There are surprises too. Castletown was once home to a world famous museum of magic and witchcraft. A local school is renowned for annually setting the world's most difficult quiz. Each year, the quiet town hosts the World Tin Bath Championship.

Much has changed, of course, but, as the photographs in this book show, it's often astonishing just how much has remained the same.

Peel is one of the oldest Manx towns and also one of the most dependent on the sea. Fishing has shaped Peel with a great many of the inhabitants having some connexion with the industry. Even today Peel boasts the largest fishing fleet in the Irish Sea. But the story doesn't end there. When holidaymakers discovered the Isle of Man, Peel's majestic castle, picturesque winding streets and bustling port drew fascinated visitors.

The book is illustrated throughout with old photographs drawn from the postcards that visitors used to send home. These together with the book's present day images enable the reader to visually see the comparisons between the present day and days gone by. Much has of course changed, but it's often surprising how much has remained the same.

The book is supplemented with additional material from George Hobbs and Sara Goodwins

When holidaymakers discovered the Isle of Man, Port Erin became a favourite place to visit. Hotels were built and life started to revolve around the needs of its visitors. The old photographs in this book are drawn from the postcards such visitors sent home. Now the town is re-inventing itself again. Gone are most of the Victorian hotels, with their ballrooms, live entertainment and seaside competitions. Bathing machines have been turned into garden sheds and donkeys no longer trot along the sand.
This book reminds us of the dramatic changes which have taken place in this seaside town.

****SORRY, VOLUME 2 IS NOW OUT OF PRINT AND UNAVAILABLE****

In this second photographic essay, photographer and local historian Ray Kelly revisits more hidden 'Tholtans' (a Manx word describing the ruins of old homes). This new work is further complemented by some of the author's colourful retelling of local stories and fables.

The author's passion for his subject matter shines through as these incredibly photogenic buildings, most of which are well off the beaten track, offer a glimpse of genuine Manx culture and heritage from times that are fast disappearing into history.

In his third photographic journey, Manx photographer and local historian Ray Kelly once again presents the reader with his uniquely attractive images of a time which is both long past and yet reverberates with nostalgia and familiarity.

Discover further Manx 'Tholtans' (a local word describing the ruins of old homes). The author's vivid mythologised stories of almost forgotten people and events add an extra layer of realism to these images which are alive with history.

For centuries the Manx stone crosses stood majestically braving the weather and changing fashions. Often they were the most striking man-made features in the Manx landscape. Today most of the old crosses have been given sheltered accommodation in their old age. Yet they still have stories to tell, these Christian symbols which carry the sagas and language of pagan Viking invaders. But who raised them and why? How were they carved? Where did the stone come from? What do they mean? Do other Celtic nations have similar memorials?

This book explores the stories behind these enigmas of the Manx landscape.

Jill Drower, great-granddaughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Cunningham, has revisited the story of the Young Men's Holiday Camp in Douglas, in the Isle of Man. The result is a book packed with information and pictures, with hitherto undiscovered facts about the Cunningham family and the enterprise that set the standard for Butlins, Pontins and other holiday camps that were to follow.

In the book Jil shows the links between living and working conditions in the early nineteenth century Liverpool and how these produced the philanthropic movement of which Joseph Cunningham was a part.

She has traced the Camp's origins back through her own family history to bread production in Paisley in Scotland, following the generations down to the family of bakers who sold bread to the boats. She follows the story from its beginnings before the 'Toxteth camping trips' in the 1890s, to the Camp's sale after the Second World War.

With over 150 illustrations, the book is packed with new information about Cunningham's and the rise of this 'major national phenomenon' called the holiday camp.

This book was originally published in 1901 as an educational primer for schools. It sets out to tell the history of the Isle of Man and the Manx people. It shows in a clear and easily understood way how various peoples came to the Island to settle, how they lived in former times and what have been the most important changes in government, religion, laws and social conditions over the centuries. From the legendary and mythological past to the beginnings of the twentieth century, the Island’s history is uncovered and explained.

A descendant of Illiam Dhone, Arthur Moore was the founder of the Manx Language Society. He was a keen collector of Manx culture, language and folklore and Speaker of the House of Keys.

Quite a lot happens on Snaefell. The Snaefell Mountain Railway goes up it, the TT Races go round it, the mine went under it, sheep farming happens all over it, and the Summit Hotel, radio masts and air traffic control communications cluster at the top. Its peace masks a hive of industry.

And why the title to this book? Whilst the author was speaking with Snaefell Mountain Railway staff to research the book, a call came over the radio "two fish for the summit." The hotel needed them for a special dinner and, like everything else, the only way to get them up the mountain was on the Victorian Railway.

This new three volumes edition of the Chronicles of Man is based on the concept originally broadcast by Manx Radio and the news items of each year are presented in the style of news bulletins. The annual news is supported by in-depth features which have been prepared by a team of Manx historians, journalists and experts in their fields.

Combined, the three volumes in the series, cover 115 years of history and include a wealth of outstanding photographs which help to illustrate the many interesting events and historical occasions of the Isle of Man.

These new and revised editions of Chronicles of Man have been edited by Miles Cowsill and Sue Woolley and include major worldwide news events for each year to enhance and accompany the more local Island news coverage.

OUT OF STOCK ~ CURRENTLY RE-PRINTING.

This new three volumes edition of the Chronicles of Man is based on the concept originally broadcast by Manx Radio and the news items of each year are presented in the style of news bulletins. The annual news is supported by in-depth features which have been prepared by a team of Manx historians, journalists and experts in their fields.

Combined, the three volumes in the series, cover 115 years of history and include a wealth of outstanding photographs which help to illustrate the many interesting events and historical occasions of the Isle of Man.

These new and revised editions of Chronicles of Man have been edited by Miles Cowsill and Sue Woolley and include major worldwide news events for each year to enhance and accompany the more local Island news coverage.

This new three volumes edition of the Chronicles of Man is based on the concept originally broadcast by Manx Radio and the news items of each year are presented in the style of news bulletins. The annual news is supported by in-depth features which have been prepared by a team of Manx historians, journalists and experts in their fields.

Combined, the three volumes in the series, cover 115 years of history and include a wealth of outstanding photographs which help to illustrate the many interesting events and historical occasions of the Isle of Man.

These new and revised editions of Chronicles of Man have been edited by Miles Cowsill and Sue Woolley and include major worldwide news events for each year to enhance and accompany the more local Island news coverage.

Originally built in 1914 to accommodate 5,000 aliens and a guard of at least 500, then an additional 5,000 interns in May 1915 (and further additions as the war continued), Knockaloe eventually grew to a size holding approximately 23,000 internees. The inmates of the camp proved eternally creative and a record of some of their achievements is presented in this volume. Along with photographs and artwork ranging from painting to printed postcards and other craft items, this book illuminates the history of Knockaloe Internment Camp using examples from the unique collection of Stephen Hall.

This book brings together a wealth of images past and present.

Because of its geographical location, it is often regarded as a place set apart from the rest of the Island. Those born and bred in Ramsey have a fierce pride and attachment to the place and, no matter how far they travel, it will always be 'home'. The book illuminates what it is that makes Ramsey so unique and inspires such devotion.

The book does not claim to be a detailed history of the town, but to give an insight into its rich history over the last 130 years.

Three facts you may not know about Vikings: They liked bathing - They kept pet cats - They didn't have horned helmets.

Warriors sailing over mighty seas to conquer new and strange lands - Vikings were very impressive. Yet who were these invaders from the North? Why did they come? What were they like and how did they live? This book helps you try Viking navigation, or Viking knitting, or make Viking feast bread. Grettir's Saga, written by Vikings about their culture says "he knows most who has tried most". This book helps readers try.

WE ARE SORRY, THIS BOOK IS NOW OUT OF PRINT.

The Isle of Man contains many interesting buildings for the discerning resident or visitor to enjoy, with distinctive vernacular cottages, three castles (two built for defence, one built as a ducal residence), works by historically significant architects such as M.H Baillie Scott, Frank Macham and Armitage Rigby, and other distinctive buildings produced through architectural competitions, especially in the Edwardian to Victorian era when many new buidlings were commissioned.

This book which is lavishly illustrated throughout, provides an introduction to this range of buildings stretching from the earliest surviving structures right up to the present.

This is an exact facsimile copy of WardLock & Co's illustrated guide book to the Isle of Man published in 1925/26. Descriptions of things to do and see all around the island, with images of that time. Including adverts from holiday insurance to seasick tablets.

This volume reprints the classic work originally published in 1656 with the introduction and comprehensive notes of Rev. J. G. Cummings added in the version reprinted by The Manx Society in 1864.

It is regarded as the oldest written history of the Isle of Man. It offered readers then, as it still does now, a unique view of Island life covering the history, customs and folklore of the inhabitants, a look at the government, laws and trade and many of the things which still make the Isle of Man unique today.

James Chaloner was one of the commissioners under Lord Fairfax for settling the affairs of the Isle of Man in 1652, and afterwards he was Governor of the Island between 1658 and 1660.

This fully updated second edition includes the history of the Governors from 1765 up to 2012 and a review of the significant changes to their role.

The book is a detailed and fascinating study of the role of Governor on the Isle of Man since the Act of Revestment in 1765. The arguments and successes, and characters and achievements of the Governors of the Island are all recorded in this fascinating well-illustrated book.

In December 1867 Captain Thomas Cubbin, a master mariner from the Isle of Man, set out from Liverpool in the barque Serica, bound for Aden with a cargo of coal. With him on board were his wife Mary, their two yong sons, and a crew of fourteen men and boys. In the Indian Ocean three months later the Serica encountered one of the most terrifying hurricanes ever recorded. What follows is a story of tradgedy, adventure and extraordinary courage.

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This book provides an up-to-date short history of the Isle of Man.

The murders that have caused shock and sensation throughout two centuries of the Isle of Man's history are recorded here. Using information obtained from newspapers inquest records and trial transcripts each murder is described against a backdrop of contemporary events to give the reader a distinct flavour of life at the time of the crime..

This is the story of the restoration of the bells at St German's Cathedral in Peel which had not properly functioned for a long time and had deteriorated badly. The Cathedral is a living part not only of Peel but of the whole island and the call of the bells announces to all that its Christian heritage is alive and well.