That's very interesting, Peter. When I guessed that Elizabeth Redhead was probably a strict Methodist, I was half remembering some detail from a draft copy of a chapter (written by Henley Crowe) which was being prepared for Richard Costain's entry in New Manx Worthies. The draft was sent to me by a grandson of Esther Kelly nee Kneen b 1839 of Ballaqueeny ( a sister of the Margaret Kneen b 1843 who married Richard Costain in 1866.) I've managed to find it and here are some excerpts:

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"Further impetus was given to his ambition to find better things (than farming and joinery) when his parents, strict Methodists like their ancestors and several of their descendants, would not allow him to marry his fiancee, Margaret Kneen, until he was well established."

"Richard Costain was not only a visionary builder with imagination and integrity, he was also a fervently religious Methodist and a popular preacher."

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The following excerpts are from some of the entries in Memorial Notices in Manx Notebook of Kneen relatives (connected to Margaret Costain nee Kneen) who were buried in Rushen Churchyard

Brother in law, Henry Kelly of Ballaqueeny b 1834---"a stalwart supporter of Wesleyan Methodism"

Sister, Esther Kelly nee Kneen b 1839--" The service at deceased's home and at the graveside was sympathetically conducted by the Rev W. J. Hannam (Wesleyan Superintendent minister)."

Brother, William Kneen of Croit e Caley b 1830 --- " His father — the late Mr Richard Kneen was a " local" preacher of considerable repute, and one of the founders of the Mona Rushen Tent 53 years ago. Mr Wm. Kneen in early life became a member of the Wesleyan Connexion, and was an adherent of the little church at Colby. He was a class leader and trustee, and a generous contributor to the funds of the church. A member of the Quarter Board, he has held the office of circuit steward and served on many important committees."

It was excerpts like these which had made me assume that Elizabeth Redhead was also a staunch Methodist. I wonder whether their conflicting religious views caused problems when Elizabeth married Richard Costain in 1839.

Jean C