Chris -

Sounds like an exciting opportunity for some good exposure for Manx genealogy.
My suggestion would be that you try for records which are particularly valuable on the IOM - Sadly Manx BMD certificates are not notably early or helpful.I would suggest some of the following:

1. Tithe Commutation schedule 1840 - these list occupiers as well as owners, + cover a good % of the IOM.

2. 18th century marriage contracts - these usually mention both sets of parents with women's maiden names + set out the land being settled

3. Manorial Rolls - one is spoilt for choice here, but there is a very beautifully written undated one for the mid sixteenth century - also the Manorial Composition Book of 1705 gives a lot of detail.

4. Ecclesiastical presentments. These records are very comprehensive, and continue up to a late date. Entries exist for a good proportion of illegitimate births. Visually they are not very exciting.

5. There are farm plans prepared c 1840 + c1860 for valuation purposes. We have a couple in the family which would be free of MNH Copyright.

Suggest you contact me direct - my new e-mail address shows up on the Quine section of manxroots.com