I have just confirmed that my great grandfather, Henry, married his first wife, Olivia, at St. Thomas, Douglas in 1877. The strange thing about this is that neither of them was from the Isle of Man, nor to my knowledge any family members.

What I am hoping is that someone can suggest why they were there. They were both well over 21, so not eloping. Was the island a set off point for emigrants, or is there something else in Manx history of that time that may give me a clue.

If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them.

Thanks everyone.