I was wondering if there was something going on historically in the early 1830s that would have prompted someone from Liverpool to relocate to the Isle of Man?

My GGG Grandfather John BRETHERTON, a plasterer by trade, born in Liverpool, married Jane GORLEY (born Cockermouth, Cumberland) in 1833 at Malew, Isle of Man. They had their first child, John, there. By 1837 the couple are back in Liverpool, where they have more children and spend the rest of their days.

I've always assumed on John's part that it was just a case of prospecting for work... in which case, why the IOM? From my limited understanding, besides seasonal work, employment was scarce on the island. And their arrival seems to coincide with a cholera epidemic on the island, which surely would have been a disincentive?

Have I missed something? The Bretherton family, as far as I can tell, had no relatives on the island. All the other Brethertons were firmly established in Liverpool.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Gabrielle,
Devon, UK