'Manx Worthies' [A.W.Moore,1901, on Manx Notebook] says that "JOHN CORKILL, of Ballagorry-Moar, Maughold, was in the Royal Navy between 1792 and 1801".

There were at least two John Corkills in the RN at that time, according to the 1893 court case.

In their section "Corkill, Kerrow ny Ard", in 'A History of Kirk Maughold', J.W. & C.K. Radcliffe say John, the elder son of John Corkill "1736-1784" "is thought to be the John Corkill of Ballagorry referred to in 'Manx Worthies' as having spent some years in the navy", and that the land passed from the second son Thomas. But, as previously noted, they had confused his birth date with that of John Corkill of Ballagorry Mooar, whose eldest son John fits the description in Manx Worthies.

This John Corkill was bapt in Maughold on 11 May 1777, the son of John Corkil & Jane Skillicorn. He married Joney Joughin of Rhenabb on 21 Nov 1801, "on his return from sea" (according to CR).

But was aged 15 too young to go to sea? Does anyone know?
And were personal navy records with more details kept from this time?

Thanks,
Sue