As far as I can tell, my GGM was baptised in 1861 in Douglas but was illiterate when she married in 1886 whereas my GGF, who was baptised in Michael at about the same time, could, at least, write his own name. It is also rumoured that she could speak Manx better than English.

Does that mean it is unlikely that girls attended school in the 1860s, even if living in Douglas, but that the boys did attend school, even if living in the sticks? (Apologies in advance to those members who hail from Michael)!

James