I have never read a proper explanation of the Castletown Deeds, but their origin seems to lie in the existance on the IOM in the late 18th and early 19th century of two "parties" the Duke of Athol's Party, and the Castletown interest who were the existing establishment who were loyal to the English Crown. The existing registration of Deeds and Mortgages (North-Side and South-Side Sales) was carried on by the Manorial Court, under the Duke's Seneshal, and his registry was in Douglas at what became Seneshal House near to Fort Street. THe Castletown interest, and certain wealthy merchants were opposed to the Duke's pretensions, and found it intolerable to submit to him and his lackeys any more than was essential to legalise their dealings. The type of transaction found in the Castletown Deeds will therefore be found to include many mortgages to the wealthy merchants, family settlements by families like the Leeces, Drinkwaters, Moores and their buying and selling. Obviously also some just felt it better to enrol under the aegis of the High Court rather than the Duke.

NGC