[From Annals of Kirk Christ Lezayre]

CHAPTER IX - THE VICARS OF THE PARISH

LITTLE or nothing is known of the Clergy before the end of the sixteenth century. Wm. Harrison in " An Account of the Diocese of Sodor and Man, etc," Manx Society, XXIX, pp, 96, 97, published in 1879, gives a list of Vicars from 1575 to 1877, but it is untrustworthy for the seventeenth century. In the following list the names of clergy who may have been Vicars, but for which no proof has been found, are enclosed in parentheses ( ). The names of others who are found in Harrison's list, but who do not seem to have held the office of Vicar, are enclosed in parentheses followed by H in square brackets ( ) [H]. The dates, also, for this period are not the dates of appointments. They simply mean that Harrison has found some mention of them in such and such a year.

(Gororand 1257). In a charter of King Magnus son of Olave,¹ drawn up at Ramsey in 1257, on the Feast of the Invention of the Holy Cross, we find Gormand the parson as one of the witnesses, and it is possible that he was Vicar of Kirk Christ Lezayre at that time. Hath Aryg e Gororan-the ford of O'Gorman's shieling-is mentioned in the account of the boundaries of the Abbey Lands. The ford was probably somewhere on the Block Eary stream before it enters the Sulby River.

Perhaps Gormand or some of his relatives held the shieling.² As Lezayre was not granted to Whithern until 1285, Gormand was probably Rector, not Vicar.

The charter of Magnus grants the " village of Kellcrast "-that is Kirk Christ Lezayre-" near Ramsa," to Bishop Richard, cf notes on Bishop's Barony.

MICHAEL the Canon, 1408. Along with the Bishop and certain others of the clergy and laity he signed a declaration against the claims of Sir Stephen Lestrop (Le Scrope).³ Michael would be a Canon of Whithern.

THOMAS CLEARK 1502 (not in Harrison). In an extract from Lib. Scacc : contained in the Book of Precedents, p. 17, it is stated that a certain Mold McCurleod was indicted for stealing a firlett of corn out of the Church, the property of the Vicar, Thomas Cleark. Nothing further is known of Cleark.

MICHAEL McKEWLEY 1515. In the Manorial Roll for this year Michael McKewley, Cleark, is amerced 6d. in his plea against John McCally. He may have been Vicar.

WILLIAM NORRIS 1575 [H]. He was ordained deacon on Wednesday, August 10th, 1571, by Bishop John Salisbury and was Vicar of Lonan in 1585 [H]. He was Vicar-General in 1583.⁴ In that year a certain man named Corrin brought an action against him for debt. The Lockman certified that he had left and served the summons at the defendant's house, the defendant being absent from home. The Deemster gave for law that it was a lawful summons, and an attachment was awarded. The same year " Edwardson " brought an action against " Sir Wm. Norris and Sir Wm. Crow, Vicars Genll, for suspending him wrongfully concerning some paper he had writt, and that without any admonition given him either by the Sumner or any other of such punishment as they appointed him. By which wrongful judgment given in ye sd Court he holds himself damnified in £100 and prayeth proofs, etc." which is granted. But the Chancery Court found that the Vicars General had not proceeded illegally against him, and that his complaint was groundless, and " therefore order him to ye Bop's prison during ye pleasure of the sd Vicars Genll."⁵ In 1585 Norris brought an action against " Cannell " for " the profitts of the Parson's Thirds of Kk. Michael, and recovered."

1586. " Robert Fletcher complaineth against Sir Wm. Norris and Sir Wm. Crow Vicars Generall, Administrators of the goods and chattel's of Thos. Fletcher descd. for £ 15 11s. 10d. due to have been paid in the lifetime of the said Thomas, etc. Sir W. Norris, One of the Defts., appeareth and saith by custom of the country they are to deliver goods to the value of the debt and not money. And the Deemster for Law saith That the custom of the country is That every Creditor shall take his due payment of the goods suitable as they are priced, and not to be paid in money."⁶

Henry Curwen had been appointed illegally Archdeacon by the Earl of Derby. The Officers Spiritual and Temporal and the twenty-four Keys decided that John Phillips, the old Archdeacon was the rightful holder. In 1595 Curwen sued Norris for the profits of the Archdeaconry, being £55. It was referred out of Court to be tried by a jury who say the " Pltff cannot produce or prove any Bargain from the Defft, nor any other matter to shew that the Defft might owe any such debt. Therefore recovers nothing."

In the following year " Wm. Norris, Clerk, complaineth against Henry Curwine, Clerk, for 30s. paid him out of ye profitts of ye Rectory of Kirk Andreas, etc. The Deft hath not appeared by himself nor his Attorney, and for that it appears that the Deft useth delay, he is ordered to appear at the next Court or else the debt to be awarded against him." He did not appear and he was ordered to be sent to Castle Rushen until he paid.⁷

In 1604 Norris was in trouble. Bishop Lloyd writes as follows :

" To my Chancellor and Register and all others whom it may concern

These are to do you to understand yt for some Capital and notorious offence committed by Sir Wm. Norris against Capt. Mollineux, I have discharged and by these presents do discharge and displace him from using any place or office under me, and therefore do hereby require you not to permit or suffer him henceforth to deal in anything belonging to my jurisdiction Episcopal till you know my further pleasure.

Given the viith of September, 1604. George Sodor.

There is no further record of the suspension. He was still Vicar General in 1627.

The Spiritual Laws were committed to writing by Vicars General Norris and Crow about 1610. They had received them orally from their immediate predecessor, Sir Henry Gale, and transcribed them " at the request of John Ireland, Lieut.-Governor, on behalf of William, Earl of Derby."⁸

1606. "Six Jurors present Sir Wm. Norris and Sir Wm. Crow Vicars Genell, for granting Admincon of the Goods of one Margt. Ine Charilt an Irishwoman, who was not sworn to the Isle according to its laws, to . . . Jenkin McGawne agt., the Royaltys and prerogatives of the King's Majesty and the Keyes of the Isle." We are not told what was done to the Vicars General.

1613. " The Vicars Generall for giving Pat. fforster, Genll Sumner, a certificate tending to defame the Government and proceedings of the Law here, are by the 24 Keyes left to be fined and punished." The Crows seem all to have been in opposition to the Government, and in favour of the Puritan party.

1613. Dec. 18. Phil Kelly defied the Vicars General. They suspended him. He continuing obstinate, the Bishop excommunicated him, upon this he petitioned the Governor and " an Hearing was granted before ye Officers and 24 who acquitted yeVicars General of ye scandal of Perjury-but meddled not with ye Excommunication-(under which he still continued until taken off by ye Bop upon his submission),

" Memo. They said that ye Vicars General had been guilty of mistakes yet they took not upon them to fine them." A note on the back of the paper states that the case concerned orphans' goods. Kelly seems to have belonged to Douglas. He made public confession and was absolved the following February 10th.

1624. Mrs. Christian brought an action against Sir Wm. Crow and Sir Wm. Norris, Administrators of her dead husband for a legacy. The decision was " that the Deceadent's Debts are by the Laws of the Isle to be paid before Legacy so far as his goods will Extend." She brought a further action on " Acct. of a Debt due from her husband. It is hear sayd that my Lorde Harry, Earle of Derby, sent his Comcon requiring the Viccars Genll to determine and decide the debt now claimed by Pltff."

Norris married the daughter of Daniel Gill the younger who was " Clerk of St. Andrew's " in 1584. (Probably he was curate of Andreas.) He died a few years later, his father, Daniel Gill, yeoman, surviving him. His will was proved in Douglas in 1592. Mrs. Norris died in July, 1609. The surviving sisters Katherine married Philip Moore of Kirk Lonan ; Elizabeth, married Wm. Clark of Jurby ; Jane, married Hugh Cannell, Vicar of Kirk Michael, and Margaret married Donald Qualtrough of Kirk Lonan, yeoman-sold a parcel of land in London to Alleyn, the builder of the Fortune Theatre. William Crow who was, perhaps, a relative, made an award concerning it on 19th December, 1605.⁹

Donald Gill was entered in the Manorial Roll for the farm of Ballagarrow in Glen Auldyn in 1643. Perhaps he was the representative of Daniel Gill mentioned above.¹⁰

WILLIAM CROW (or CROWE) was a Crow of the Nappin, a family which seems to have thriven greatly during the 17th and 18th centuries, for branches of it are to be found entered on the Manorial Roll for the estates of Ballacree, Glentramman, Neary Mooar, Ballacowle, Ballacottier, Glenduff, etc. At least five generations were in Holy Orders-William, Silvester, Edward, Vicars of Lezayre; Charles, Chaplain of Castletown and Vicar of Warcop, and his son Charles, Bishop of Cloyne in Ireland. The last named left his paternal inheritance in Ballacree to be added to Lezayre glebe.

Harrison's dates for William Crowe are as follow :-1576, Curate of Onchan, 1582 ; Vicar of Braddan (succeeded by Robert Cottier in 1594) ; Vicar of Lezayre in 1603 (succeeded by his son Silvester in 1614); Rector of Bride in 1618 (succeeded by Charles Cowell in 1623). Actually he was Rector of Bride in 1605 and was still there in 1626 and 1627. He was dead by 1631. The " Edwardson " case ¹¹ shows that he was Vicar General in 1583. For his actions and decisions as Vicar General see Norris, above ; (they seemed to have worked very agreeably in double harness).

We get very few glimpses of him in his private capacity. In 1580 Donald, a proctor, brought an action against him " for 2s. for the Tyth of his fishing boat. It is said that he recovers nothing. But it is declared by the Deemster to be Law according to a certificate produced by the Defft, under the Archdeacon's hand, that every Vicarr or parson of Pencon may have a choice boat tyth free within his parish, so the Pltff is dismissed because he cannot prove to the contrary."¹²

In 1581 he is mentioned in " Ingates and Outgates."3 In 1581 Julie 19, Sir William Crowe lycd to transport iii stonne wool; dozen & a halfe of swyne, viij yardes rowe cloth."

In 1583 20 Feb. "Lic. granted Sir William Crowe to transport 20 bolls oats in bulk, prvided yf the be sould to any Scotesman, then to pay after the rate of a stranger."¹³

1582. Christopher Carret was fined for charging Sir William Crow with witchcraft.¹⁴ If Carret was a member of the Garrett family of Ballabrooie in Lezayre, it would seem as if William Crowe was either Vicar of or resident in Lezayre that year.

In 1582 he brought an action against Caller (Callow) for satisfaction for serving the cure in Kk. Maughold Church and recovered. He seems to have been in charge of Maughold before going to Braddan. 1605 " William Crowe, parson of Kirke Bride " was one of the parties who made an award regarding an estate in London belonging to a Gill family in Lezayre. The award is dated 19th Dec. Jas. I. 1605.¹⁵

1598. A certain Harrison brought an action " versus Sir Wm. Crow Vic. Genérll for occupying the half of Kk. Andreas Gleeb. The Court find it to be a case wherein the Lord Bop, hath delt, for all which cause the Bop. referreth himself to the Goverr, who being absent by sickness, it is deferred till he take hearing."¹⁶

William Crow is usually called Vicar-General. Did he really hold that office and in his old age give it up and take instead the less important office of Vicar-General's Official? Or was it that he never was Vicar-General but only called so by courtesy? On May 10th, 1626, he, Norris, and Hugh Cannell of Michael, were appointed a commission to administer the affairs of the diocese during the absence of Bishop Philips. Cumming states that he was then Norris' Official.

In 1627 Norris and Crow in reply to a question by Ed. Fletcher, Deputy-Governor, stated that a person censured or punished by the Spiritual Court, can appeal to Staff of Government or to the Lord himself. In such a case the Civil Court may prohibit the Spiritual Court from further action in the case. They say " that the Lord of this Isle by prerogative may, and is, to call to his Honble Court Temporal, any Spiritual Officer, to answer that Court according as ever hath been in our time, and for to certify our knowledge, we have subscribed our names, the 30th of July, 1627.

William Norris, Vicr. Genl. William Crow, Official."

This opinion was quoted by Bishop Wilson's opponents, as an official opinion of the Vicars-General. On Oct. 3, 1718, Archdeacon Wattleworth and the Vicars-General refer to it, and lay stress on the fact that Crow was not Vicar-General but merely Official. As he described himself as Official only at the end of his life, it would appear he had resigned the more important office. He died in or before 1631, for in that year a certain "Moor" brought an action against "Crow Exectr to parson Crow, Judge Spiritual decd, for his filliale portion of goods recd by the sd parson. It is here said that because the sd parson Crow did not take security for the Pltff's goods (being then an infant) in the Spiritual Court from those he disposed of yt same unto, his Exectr is liable to pay ye sd portion of Goods to ye Pltff being £8 10s. 0d. The Cause was twice heard by the Governor, and at last heard and determined at Lathom by Lord Strange."¹⁷

SILVESTER CROW, Son of Sir William Crow. According to [H] he was Vicar in 1614 and was succeeeded by his son Edward, in 1624. In 1604 mention is made of " Silver Crow," son of Sir William.¹⁸

He was certainly Vicar in 1612, and probably long before. In that year a Court was held at Castletown on November 26th, consisting of the Captain, Receivers, Deemsters, Clerk of the Rolls, and twenty-four Keys. Among other matter . . " they find that Sir Silvester Crowe, Minister of Kk. Christ of the Ayre Parish, after publishing of the Capten's precept signifying the Countesse of Derby her pleasure touching the Sumner's office, did in verie contemptuous manner towards the Government say in the ale house that the precept was not worth a strawe, and therefore leave him to be fyned and punished at the discretion of the Capten and Officers, who considering the best abilitie of the Partie have fyned him in 45/- and to be punished for a weeke within the Castle."¹⁹

1616. " Joyner versus Sir Silvester Crow and Sir William Crow, etc. The Deft shoewd a Bill drawn and compiled by himself concerning the Debt aforesaid which appeared to the Court to be fraudently done & contrary to the proceedings of the Ecclesiastical Court, therefore the sd Bill is disallowed, and the Debt decreed, and the sd Sir Crow for his presumption to write a Bill importing any Evidence contrary to a prohibition made agst him upon Recrd in 1613, is to be fined."¹⁸

His will is dated 1620. He bequeathed to his son Edward three oxen, to his wife, Elsbie, a brewing pan, to Ewan Christian, Deemster, his riding horse. Witnesses John Christian, Huan Crowe, Wm. Standish. His daughters were Isabell, Katherin, Margrete.¹⁸

EDWARD CROW. 1624. According to [H] he was succeeded by Charles Coole in 1640, Richard Fox, no date, John Thompson, 1660, Samuel Robinson, 1667. Actually Edward Crowe was still Vicar in 1671/2 when he signed a petition to the Bishop asking for the appointment of Lieutenant William Curlett as parish clerk in place of John Standish who had recently died.

The dates are further complicated by A. W. Moore's statement that William Standish, presumably the father of John, was Vicar in 1630.²⁰ We may take it that none of the above, with the exception of Fox, who succeeded Crow, ever held the office of Vicar of Lezayre.

Edward Crow was the son of Silvester and grandson of William. His son, Charles, who was baptised at Lezayre on June 28, 1630, was successively Vicar of Hawkshead, Chaplain of Castletown, and Vicar of Warcop, and father of Charles, Bishop of Cloyne, in Ireland.

The references to Edward Crow are few, but they shew that he was mixed up with the troubles of the period, and sympathised with the Puritan authorities.

The first mention is a letter from Bishop John Phillips ²¹ Mr. Viccar Generall,

I spoake to you yesterdaye to move the Governor for assistance of a souldier, for the people are grown so insolent and refractarie they will not regard Ecclesiastical Censures and in particular now William Carrett ²² steps up insultingly refusinge after admonition from myself to pay tythes to Vicar Crowe to whom the Stewarde of those Abbey Lands hath sett them; from whose disobedience much still may ensue. Therefore desire for the assistance of a souldier. He hath already resisted the Sumner and is in the state of a suspended person; if he should ones draw excommunication upon himself which I would be sorie of. Therefore be a meane to prevent by movinge the Governour for ordinarie assistance by the lawes of this Isle, with my best wishes.
adieu, this 1st off fiber, 1630
yours in what hee may to use.
Jho: Sodor de Man."

In 1631 Crow leased 1/3 of the Vicarage to Deemster Ewan Christian.²³

In the " Book of Precedents " there is a passage hard to understand-" Sayle to Edw Crow, Clerk, of house, 11 d. from Mrs John Christian for ye satisfaction of a debt due to Wardens of Preston from Dan. Kneale." This was in 1635 In the same year Edward Crow, Clerk, made complaint against Thomas Kinred for falsely slandering him to have made a false writing, etc. Recovers XIs.²⁴

In 1639 there was trouble with Bishop Richard Parr who ordered Sir Edward Crow " not to exercise your ministry nor offlciat in your church save only to chrysten."²⁵

[fpc: in Episcopal wills for 1643 is a decree dated 1 Feb 1643 by Bishop Richard Parr that 'whereas Sr Ed Crow vicr of Kk Christ Leare hath confessed that he hath committed the foule sin of Adultery .. to bee suspended ab officio et beneficio..]

1643. " Ed. Crow, Clerk, versus ffaile for killing him a mutton with their doggs. Damages Xs. Recovers a mutton and a fleeces of wool."²⁶

1644. " Ed., Crow, Clerk, quer. versus Patoon Goldsmith for Defaming him, to have written false letters or Bill. Damages£20. This action returns on the Plt. because he took the same before the Jury of Slander have given Answer, who were sworn but yesterday."

The Crowes were very liberally treated in Lord Fairfax's time. The records show that Edward Crowe,²⁷" Minister of Kirk Christ," got an addition of £10-a very considerable sum in those days-to his salary. Charles, his son, " Minister of the Gospell " received the sum of £30 yearly " for officiatinge in the Chapel at Castletown." This is much higher than the salaries paid after the Restoration. The liberality of the Commonwealth Government may have influenced Edward Crowe's action in 1660.

In that year there was a great dearth of Clergy. A number of parishes were vacant, and there had been no Bishop since 1643. Governor Chaloner wished to get some men ordained non-episcopally.

A certain Henry Harrison-probably the son of the Vicar of German and Patrick-was a candidate. The Governor asked Robert Parre, Rector of Ballaugh, and Robert Allen, Vicar of Maughold, to examine him. Their report was favourable. The Clergy were summoned to meet at Marown Church on March 4th to ordain him. As only eight turned up they preferred not to proceed in the matter. Edward Crowe was one of those present. On May 9th, the Governor ordered any three of the Ministers on the north side of the Island to meet and ordain Harrison Deacon and Priest, Parre to be one of the three. On May 15th he was ordained at Jurby by Robert Parre, Rector of Ballaugh ; John Harrison, Rector of Bride ; Edward Crowe, Vicar of Lezayre, and John Huddlestone, Curate of Andreas. These, with Robert Allen of Maughold, were probably the leaders of the Puritan party among the clergy.

In 1663 Crowe settled certain houses and lands on his son Charles. This property or some portion of it, would probably be the land given by the Bishop of Cloyne, as an endowment of the living. It lay on the north side of the highroad, below the present Vicarage.

The last we know of Edward Crowe is that in 1671/2 he signed a petition to the Bishop asking for his approval of the appointment of Lieutenant William Curlett as Parish Clerk. He probably died in the course of 1672, as there is good reason to think that Richard Fox was Vicar before the end of that year.

A word may be written here about the men mentioned by Moore and Harrison, but who could never have been Vicars.

(WILLIAM STANDISH, 1630). He was probably a member of the family that owned Ellanbane, and a kinsman of Miles Standish the Puritan captain. Bishop Phillip's letter given above shews that Crowe was Vicar at that time. Nothing further has been found about him. He was possibly the father of John Standish, Clerk in 1630 and held that office for forty-one years. Harrison includes him in the list of Vicars, but definitely calls him Clerk.

(CHARLES COOLE) [H] It is possible that he was Curate but not Vicar. Harrison gives the date 1640.

In the previous year Edward Crowe had been inhibited. Possibly Coole may have been appointed to take charge of the parish for a time. He was buried at Santan and left two daughters, Ellin and Mally.²⁸ A list of his library was given in the Museum Journal.²⁹

" An inventory of ye bookes of Sir Charles Coole deceased as followeth. 1658. Prissd by James Moore, Clerke and Thos. Parre, Clerke.

s. d.

St. Ambrose Comentary upon luke and other places 4. o
The Comentarie of Augustin Malerett upon ye Gospele according to St. Mathew .................. 3. 0
Pioeous workes ................................................ 6. 0
First fruits of ye Gentiles in 3 little sermons ......... 6
A sermon on ye passion by Doctor Andrewes ......... 4
Natures overthrow by Humphrey Sydenham ......... 8
peters inlargmnt by Harris .................................

3 sermons by Win Worghyn a sermon of Samuell page on ye supper of ye Lord: the pphesie of Obediah ................................................... 1. 0
The Soules pilgrimage ....................................... . 10

3 sermons of Thomas Gataker .............................. 1. 0
Kinge upon Jonas ............................................. 2. 0
Ellons Catechysm upon ye Comandments ............... 2. 0
A part of Saundersons workes .............................. 2. 4
The penetent Citizen ....................................... 2. 0
An Exposition on Hoseah ................................. 8
A part of Robert Harris workes ........................... 2. 0
Some of Higgens sermons .................................... 1. 6
Doctor Boyen on ye winter part ........................... 2. 0
Slatter on ye Romans .......................................... 1. 6
Bonys Meditacon ................................................ 8
The Abbridgmt of ye Gosple & the Back parts of Jehonah by Hidron ....................................... 8

The following items have to do with Charles Coole.

1648. Liber Cancell. " Sir Charles Coole for & in behalf of his son-in-law Dan Christian complaineth against Wm. Cowle & Margt. his wife for detaining from the said Daniel a certain tenement fallen due to him upon the death of his father by Right of Descent. The Verdict of the Court was in his favour."

1650. Liber Plit. (Book of Precedents, p. 156.) " Sir Charles Coole made complaint against Don. Kaighen for breach of Covenants about a Beast which he hyred with the Plt. flor to plow, etc. Recovers Vs."

(JOHN THOMPSON, 1660) [H]. Harrison has a John Thompson as Vicar of Rushen in 1660. It is most improbable that the two parishes named Kirk Christ should have each a Vicar named John Thompson, both appointed in 1660. Chaloner ³⁰ in 1656, states that the Vicar of Rushen in that year was named Thompson, an Englishman who had been schoolmaster at Castletown. Harrison has obviously confused the two parishes.

(SAMUEL ROBINSON, 1667) [H]. He certainly was not Vicar in 1667. He may have been curate for a while. Crowe was succeeded by Richard Fox who died in 1679. Harrison states that Robinson became Vicar of Arbory on April 23rd, 1680. Feltham copies the following item from the oldest Register (now lost).

"In 1667 Samuel Carret, son to Donald a Vallan, below the Burne, buried 25th of May ; my godson (and a stout blade), yet died. Samuel Robinson being then minister."³¹

As Crowe was still Vicar as late as 1671/2, Minister must mean Curate in this case.

RICHARD FOX. Harrison gives no date. He succeeded Ed. Crowe at the end of 1671. In 1665 he had a lease of the Clerkship of Kirk Andreas, executed by Mr. Huddlestone, Curate of Andreas.

In 1665 he was appointed Episcopal Registrar. In 1671/2 he signed the petition on behalf of Lieutenant William Curlett. His name stands next to that of " Vicarr," Edward Crowe, and is followed by William Crowe " Minister," probably of Jurby, who was a landowner in Lezayre. In 1671 he presented the Wardens "for that there is neither flagon nor chalice belonging to the church but an old chalice utterly unserviceable." They were to have been procured by 25th of March, 1671. Nothing had been done by 26th June, 1673.

In 1678 the " Suit of Richard ffox, Clergyman, against Thos. Gill (Killey) and Wm. Gill.

" Wm. Kneen said that Wm. Gill said to him in his own house that he would not stay in the church whilst Mr. ffox read in English for he would as soon sitt upon the side of Skyhill as be in the church when he did not understand what was spoken." One of the defendants pleaded intoxication.³²

In his Will, dated 1679, he expressed a wish to be buried under the altar. His name appears three times in the " Book of Precedents (B)." 1678. " Richard ffox released his right to Baltrim to Robert Christian for a house and garden rent 4d joining ye Bopp's Croft at Kk Maughold Church."

1677. " Mr. Richard ffox versus Mr, Hugh Moor for that the Defft. having made sale of a house of 3d. rent unto him with an obligacon under a penalty of £40 to uphold the said bargain yet the land is since recovered from him by Courts of Common Law it appearing that the Defft. sold the Pltff. the premises for £12 obliging himself to uphold and Awarrant the same agst the pretended title of all persons what soever, notwithstanding such pact yt the premises hath been recovered from the Pltff. since by Court of Common Law therefore the Court decreed he shall refund the Consideration money to ye Pltff."

Fox was still alive in 1680 for in that year Edw. Christian of Maughold sold Christian's Close to Mr. Richard ffox, Clerk. He wrote the following elegy, which Mr. D. Craine supposes may refer to the death of Governor Henry Nowell, who died in 1677

This is thy Tomb and lyes thou here below
And takes thou here thy rest for men to know
This was thy lot my friend to rest soe neere
Those ffriends who had affection for thee deare,
Whose memory thy work shall still retaine
And if it were nat wee were too toe blame.

This makes mee recollect my thoughts too shallow
To comprehend thee; in this tract doth follow
Some little observacons but I will
First begg excuse, t'excuse my rustick skill
I am a stranger to thy good degree
I'll cease on that but this I know to be.

Most true a true and Royalist thou was
Witness thy valour, no feight was lett passe
But thou concernd thy selfe, the renowned Earle
Whose commands thou embrac'd that purest pearle
That was thy Chieftaine and my Mr too
All way too little wee could for him doe.

When that unhappy war did force thee, and
When thousands more (by times) did ghore this land
Thou r'entertain'd was by that noble Race
As a domestick servt put in place
Of care and trust wch thou didst manage well
Witness thy actions: who can better tell Them,

I who was so fequent (sic) to behould
Noe I think noe man dare be halfe soe bould.
In that most noble service thou and I
Join'd hand in hand (p'moting constancie)
Both wh Impplements wee did undertake,
Thou here has done, I have my gel (?goal) to make.

Fox seems to have been an employee of the Earl of Derby (perhaps a chaplain). He was obviously not a Manxman, and had little knowledge of the Manx language.

ROBERT PARR, June 20, 1686 [H] and ROBERT PARR Vicar General, June 11, 1698 [H]. Were there two Vicars of Lezayre of this name, or do they refer to one and the same person? There were certainly two Robert Parts in Holy Orders at this time for one was Rector of Bride in 1723 or later, while the other died as Vicar of Lezayre in December, 1712. Also the benefice seems to have been vacant for some time round about 1693. On the whole it seems more likely that there were two Vicars of the same name.

The following letter ³³ of the Duke of Ormonde, who in 1674 was guardian of the ninth Earl, addressed to Bishop Bridgman, shews that Manx was at that time universally spoken in the country districts. (The person who appointed Richard Fox had not considered this a matter of importance.) " I received your Lordship's of the 13th October, acquaynting me of the unfitness of one Robert Parre for the presentation which was granted to him for the livinge of Kirk Lonan within the Isle of Man, to which as I remembered he was recommended unto me by the Bishop of St. Asaph as being of the Isle, the people of the parish being all Mankesmen and not understanding English, though he was not so good a schollar as he wished for the place, yett he might be useful to them in readin the Mankes tongue. . . "

He was not appointed to Lonan, but became Vicar of Lezayre in 1681, on the death of Richard Fox. Bishop Henry Bridgman's Commission is dated September 28th of that year.

" Henry, by divine permission, Bishop of Sodor, Man, and the Isles, To our beloved in Christ, Robert Parre, clerk, eternal greeting in the Lord. (We do admit) the said Robert Parre, clerk, to the perpetual Vicarage of the Parish Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Lezayre within our Diocese and jurisdiction, legitimately vacant by the natural death of Richard Fox, the last incumbent thereof. To which thou has been presented (to us) by the right Honourable William, Earl of Derby and Lord of Man and the Isles aforesaid, the true and undoubted patron of this Church, thou having first taken thy bodily oaths on the Holy Gospels, both to renounce all and every all and every kind of jurisdiction and forensic power, and to recognise the supreme authority of the most illustrious (in Christ) prince and Lord, Charles II, in all causes both Ecclesiastical and Civil within the kingdoms of his Majesty, and to bear fidelity and allegiance to the Lord the King aforesaid, which oaths were to be taken by thee according to the tenor of the laws of this famous kingdom of England in this ease provided. And to pay thy canonical obedience to Us and to Our successors, and to reside in the said Vicarage according to the force, form, and effect of the laws of the Kingdom of England, and of the Ecclesiastical Constitutions.

And as thou hast neither directly or indirectly obtained the said Vicarage by any simoniacal compact, We institute thee to be perpetual Vicar of the Vicarage of the Parish Church of the Holy Trinity, Lezayre, and invest thee with all rights, members, and appurtenances thereto canonically belonging. Committing, and We do commit to thee in the Lord, the cure and government of the souls of the parishioners therein.

Saving always all Our Episcopal rights and customs and the dignity and honour of our Cathedral Church of Sodor and Man.

In testimony whereof we have caused our seal Episcopal to be impressed hereon.

Given the 28th day of the month of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and eighty one and in the ninth year of our Consecration.

Henric: Sodorensis."

The above document, with that which follows, are given because they are the earliest deeds of Induction and Institution of any Vicar of Lezayre, which have been preserved.

" Henricus peymissione divina Sodor et Monae Episcopus Dilecto nobis in Christo Roberto Parre Clerico Salutem Gratiam Benedictionem. ..Ad prædicandum verbum Die et publico exponendum Sacras Scripturas juxta talentum tibi a Deo concreditum in Ecclesia parochiale Stae Trinitatis Lezayre infra Insulam et Diocesim prædictam (subscripto prius et juratis per te omnibus et singulis in hac parte de jure subscribendis et jurandis) tibi licentiam in Duo. concedimus et facultatem per psents : tamen monemus ut sacras literas pure et sincere tractes, easque prudente populo cum simplicitate diligenter exponas, et ne sermonibus tuis contentionem jam da rebus constitutis spargas, neque alterationem gut innovationem quamcunque in doctrina gut ceremoniis, suadeas, præter eum quem Regiae Majestatis authoyitate in Ecclesia Anglicana nunc stabilitum. In cujusrei Testimonium Sigillum nostrum Episcopate p'sentibus apponi fecimus tertio die mensis Octobris Anno dni Millesimo Sexcentisimo Octogesimo primo, atque Consecrationis undesimo (1681).

Henric : Sodorensis."

Bishop Levinz granted a new licence and faculty to Roberto Parr "literato, vicario Ecclae Pariochialis Sctae Trinitatis Ayre " for preaching, expounding and teaching " scholam anglicanum " in the parish church, September ist, 1685.³⁴

How long did Parr stay at Lezayre? One would be inclined to think that he stayed there until the end of 1712, if it were not that Sacheverell writes to the Archbishop of Canterbury on Sept. 1st 1693 ³⁵ . . . " at my coming over, I found the ancient Cathedral down, several churches ruinous, to the repairing thereof the Earl of Derby has kept the bishopric vacant for near three years ; and although the churches are already repaired, yet the necessity of a chapel in Castletown will force his Lordship to continue the vacancy at Killcrast till Easter next, and yet even that will fall infinitely short of the real and pressing necessities of the clergy in that place." He approved of the appointment of Edmund Corlett as Parish Clerk in February, 1688/9. We hear no more about him before the vacancy. Did he die or is he the Robert Parre we find at Arbory in 1713, and at Bride, 1723 ? If so, where was he 1693-1713 and who was the opponent of Bishop Wilson?

ROBERT PARR the second must have been appointed after 1693. [H] gives the date as June 11, 1698, but that may be the date of his appointment as Vicar-General. This latter appoint ment goes against the idea of two Robert Parrs. A Vicar General is usually a man of considerable seniority and knowledge. Where was Parr before 1698? His name is not found in the lists of Clergy. It is hardly likely that a man recently beneficed should hold the office.

From the Episcopal Register. " Jane Kissag of Kk. Christ Lezayre, having cleared herself upon oath (at a Consistory Court holden at Kirk Michael the 29th June last) from any incontinence or carnal dealing with one Radcliffe, who by some malicious suggestion reported that he and she were guilty thereof. The The Right Reverend the Lord Bop has ordained that publication be made in as many Parish Churches as the said Jane pleases, that no manner of person liable to ecclesiastical jurisdiction upbraid her or her relations with the sd Scandal under the penalty Of £3 ad usum Domini, 40 days imprisonment, and further punishment at the Ordinary's discretion.

Dated July 6, 1699.

J. Woods, Reg.Ep.

July 5th, 1699. The above order was published in Kk. Christ, Lezayre by me Robert Parr."

He may possibly have been a son of Robert Parr, Rector of Ballaugh, 1640-70. A Robert Parr was in trouble under Bishop Wilson, but he does not seem to have been this man, though, if there were two, it may have been the first. The Lezayre Register has the following entry. 1712. Burials. " The Revnd. Mr. Robert Parr, Vicr. Dec. 3."

HENRY ALLEN 1713/14. An entry in Ballaugh Register, copied in the " Manx Note Book"³⁶ states as follows: 1760. "Mem. that Mr. Henry Allen, son of Mr. Samuel Allen, of Kk. Maughold, was ordained Deacon in St. Mary's of Ballaugh, by the Rt. Reverend Father in God, Doctor Thomas Wilson, Lord Bishop of this Isle. Present ye Rev. Mr. Wattleworth, Archdeacon, Mr. Norris, Vicar of Kk. Michael, etc. The collection for ye poor, that day was £01 03s. 06d. Note this ordination was on ye 22nd of September, 1706." He was Chaplain of Douglas, and was appointed to Lezayre on April 13th [H] 1713/14. At the end of the year he wrote at the bottom of the Register of Baptisms -" Mr. Hen. Allen removed from the Chaplainship of Douglas. Comenc'd Vicar this year, and found Edmd. Corlett, Clerk."

On the death of his uncle, Thomas Allen, he was appointed Vicar of Maughold by the Earl of Derby on October 21st, 1726. He died in 1748 and was buried at Maughold on June 21st, aged 71 years. According to Moore ³⁷ he was author of several Manx carols. He raised the question of the income of the Vicar of Lezayre, in the Convocation of 1725, but got no satisfaction.

WILLIAM BRIDSON, January 24th. 1727/28. According to some MSS notes of A. W. Moore preserved in the Manx Museum Library, William Bridson was the son of John Bridson, Vicar of Braddan (169', Harrison), who was probably the great grandson of Henrie Brydsone, M.H.K., of Ballavarvane, 16o7. Another John, probably a cousin, held Orrisdale in Michael and Ballaugh, was M.H.K., and Attorney-General in 1703; died 1704.

His descendants sold the estate to the Crellins. William Bridson had a son, John, Vicar of Marown, 1799-1808. William seems to have been a coarse person. Bishop Wilson called him a " rough and ignorant Vicar." The Bishop wrote in his diary " Mr, Bridson, the Vicar, upon the Archdeacon's being suspended, very insolently declared before his brethren in Convocation, that for all his censure he would keep his company." He sided with the Earl of Derby in his quarrel with the Bishop-the only one to do so except the Archdeacon, and Parr (not the Vicar of Lezayre of that name). In 1722 the Earl in a letter to the Governor, notes " that Parr and Brightson " were " good." Bridson seems to have been a keen supporter of the civil auth orities against the spiritual, and got well paid for his support. He was appointed Vicar of Marown, April 13th, 1713, [H] Vicar of Lezayre, January 24th, 1727/28, [H] Rector of Bride, May 25th, 1729, Rector of Ballaugh, July 17th, 2729. He died on February 7th, 1750/51, and was interred on February 9th in the chancel of Ballaugh Church, on the north side of Dr. Walker's remains. [H]

Bridson is only remembered by his insulting opposition and rude conduct towards Bishop Wilson. He was suspended for that. The judgment of the Consistory Court was as follows:-³⁸" Whereas is appears by the annexed depositions, that Mr. William Brideson, Vicar of Kirk Marown, did affirm he could make the Lord Bishop a liar, only he was ashamed to do it, touching a censure granted by his Lordship and the whole Court against Henry Balfour; which censure he also called unjust and illegal and that he would prove it so; and, in pursuance of his said false and scandalous aspersion, presumed to administer the Holy Sacrament to the said Henry Balfour, whilst under the censure aforesaid. And all this under pretence of a verbal order being granted by his Lordship, with the consent of the Court, for the said Balfour's only asking Mr. Christian's forgiveness: the contrary to which has been affirmed and subscribed unto by the whole Court; and likewise fully appears, as well by the depositions of four persons of undoubted credit who were then present, as by the written order that day granted in the said case;

For this and other instances of great contempt and insolence towards his Lordship at sundry times, particularly in a full Consistory Court in the face of the Country, and for his long and malicious persisting therein, contrary to the laws of the Church, and in utter disregard of his ordination vows, etc., he, the said William Brideson, is hereby suspended ab officio et beneficio, and is so declared to be and continue until sufficient satisfaction shall be made for the great injury done his Lordship, and the offence given to all sober Christians within this Diocese.

And of this censure publication is to be made in Kirke Marown Church next Lord's Day; and notice to be then given who shall be the persons appointed to officiate there during the suspension aforesaid.

Wm. Walker. John Curghey."

" Memorandum.

Bresides the Lord Bishop, Vicars-General, and Episcopal Registrar, the following Clergy were present: The Revd. Mr. Charles Wattle worth, Mr. Matthias Curghey, Mr. Wm. Gell, Mr. Cosnahan, senior, Mr. Cosnahan, junior, Mr. John Woods, junior."

Bridson speedily apologised and was re-instated on 29th August, 1721, after having been suspended for about two months. " To the Right Reverend Father in God, Thomas Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man.

The humble Petition of William Brideson, of Kirk Marown, shewing:

That your Petitioner, in his Passion, at a certain time in Peel Town, very insolently and rudely expressed himself in relation to your Lordship, of which he is now very sensible, and for which he is now heartily sorry. And being for that and other reasons suspended, he has no other refuge to fly unto but your Lordship's clemency and forgiving temper; hoping that that may prevail, and receive him again into favour.

That your Petitioner, with all submission imaginable, begs of your Lordship to forgive him for this great offence, and to intercede with the Vicars-General to take off his suspension, and to restore him to the exercise of his office, which shall be a perpetual obligation on your Petitioner to take special care of his future behaviour, and for His Lordship's happiness and theirs also to pray.

My Lord, I am heartily sorry for the great wrong and injury done your Lordship in saying I would prove your Lordship a liar, for which offence I humbly beg your Lordship's pardon, and for all my other offences whatever; beseeching your Lordship to pass them by, and to order my restoration to the exercise of my function.

And I hope by God's Grace, I shall for the future approve myself, my Lord, your Lordship's most dutiful Son and Servant.

William Bridson."

The removal of his suspension was then announced by the Vicars-General.

Our Right Reverend Diocesan having extended his fatherly favour and indulgence to William Brideson, in accepting his submission and humble acknowledgment of his offence, which we hope may beget him a grateful and lasting sense of his Lordship's clemency and tenderness and consequently of his obligations to the profoundest reverence and obedience: We have therefore thought fit, in observance of his Lordship's good pleasure in that behalf, to determine, that the sentence of suspension ab officio et beneficio, passed on the 27th of June last, shall take no further effect against the said William Brideson; namely when this our order, with the petition, etc. thereto annexed, shall be published the next Lord's Day (after the reading of the first service) by the Vicar, Chaplain, or Curate, whose course it is to officiate at Kirk Marown, who is also to give the sense of the same to the people in the Manx Language; after which the said William Brideson is to proceed to the reading of the second service and to the performance of all other parts of his office, being hereby declared to be restored to his office and benefice, in all points as hitherto.

Given this 29th day of August, 1721,

William Walker. John Curghey.

MATTHIAS CURGHEY, junior, February 12th, 1729. He was the son of John Curghey, Vicar of Braddan and Vicar-General ³⁹ and probably nephew of Matthias Curghey, senior, Rector of Bride. He was a member of the family of Curghey, of Ballakillinghan, one of the most prominent families in the Parish and Island. He was ordained Priest September 24th, 172?. He was Curate of Lonan in 1725, and was absent from Convocation in that year through being away in Ireland. He was appointed Vicar of Marown September 18th, 1728, in succession to William Bridson, whom he shortly after succeeded in Lezayre.

He became Rector of Ballaugh, February 24th, 1761, and died January 19th, 1771. The inscription on his tombstone in the north-east corner of Ballaugh old churchyard reads : "January 19th, 1771, aged 73, died the Rev. Matthias Curghey, Vicar General and Rector of this Parish, an humble, meek, pacific man, sound divine, learned and exemplary. With the Rev. P. Moore, associate reviser of the Manks Scriptures translated by the Clergy of the Isle, a great, arduous, original work."

Along with the Rev. Robert Radcliffe he translated certain of the Psalms, in 1761 and these, by order of Bishop Hildesley dated November of that year were appointed to be sung " in the several country churches of this Isle" These were printed in the " Manks Prayer Book " in 1777. He revised the Epistles, and along with the Revs. James Wilks and Philip Moore, the Pen tateuch, and with the former, the Gospels and Acts. Archdeacon Mylrea, in writing to the Rev. Philip Moore, stated " He was certainly a good Christian and a man of great candour. Mr. Curghey is indeed a public loss to Mona and a particular loss to you in your arduous undertaking " (translation of the Bible).

Moore in his reply, speaks of " learned friend and fellow labourer."

The Visitation of 1743 states that he built a new Vicarage House.

Near the end of his life the question of Briefs was discussed in Convocation. " The Clergy are asked in what manner Briefs had been recommended in their time and have answered that whenever the Lord Bishop was within the Island the Govr. under his hand desired his Lordship to recommend the same to the clergy, excepting within these two years or thereabouts, and Mr. Curghey, Vicar-General, who had been in holy Orders about 42 years, declares further that the late Bishop Bridgman did (in his time) by his own authority grant Briefs in all parts of this Diocese.

JOHN GILL was licensed to preach and expound on October 24th, 1751, and ordained Priest September 24th, 1752. He held a Curacy at Andreas and was appointed to the Vicarage of Malew on April 19th, 1759 J H]. Two years later-April 2nd, 1761 he became Vicar of Lezayre. He was Archdeacon's Registrar 1762-70. He took part in the translation of the Prayer Book and Bible. Along with the Archdeacon, Rev. M. Curghey, Rev. James Wilks of Michael and Rev. Wm. Crebbin of Jurby, he served on a Committee to revise and correct the Litany so that it might be printed. In 1761 he was presented at the Consistory Court "for forbidding and restraining our said Parish Clerk to raise and sing Psalms." The Court stated that " it was agreeable to the Ordinary's Order. They might soon expect a collection of Psalms in Manx." He received £7 7s. 0d. for his services in connection with the recovery of the Impropriate Tithe. He died in 1772, and was buried at Braddan on October 27th. An inscription on a tombstone in Lezayre Churchyard reads : " 1776. Mrs. Mary Gill, wife of the Rev. John Gill, Vicar of this Parish."

THOMAS CORLETT, appointed September 13th, 1773. He. was a compenent Manx scholar. While Curate of Bride he translated Job into Manx.

Feltham ⁴⁰ states that Mr. John Kelly, of Douglas, wrote to Thomas Corlett in 1774 asking for all the proper names of places, etc., and added " My intention is to annex these proper names, which will prove as useful as curious, by way of an appendix to a dictionary of the Manx language, which is almost compiled." Corlett was sent to London as early as 1765, as corrector of the press, in printing the Manx translation of the Bible.

He seems to have been in trouble in 1775, and was reprimanded.⁴¹

In 1789 he states that he was presented at the last Chapter Court for yielding obedience to his Lordship's authority. " I have most certainly incurred the displeasure of many of my Flock on account of reading the whole service in English."⁴³

In 1781 " The Rev. Thos. Corlett and Chas. Casement pre sented for keeping black cattle in the Churchyard whereby the church windows (as supposed) have been damaged." The presentment was dismissed as not well founded.⁴⁴

1786, July. To Revs. John Moore and Ewan Christian, Vicar Generals: -

The Petition of Robert Redhead, John Corlett, Thos Corlett, John Kneale, Churchwardens of Lezayre,-states in brief that the Bishop had visited and ordered repairs in the church and churchyard. The then wardens overlooked it. The present wardens found it necessary to cut down some trees in the churchyard fence; they thought them parish property, and so could sell them to defray part of the cost. Vicar Corlett insists he has absolute right to them, and also to trees growing in the yard. He got the trees cut down and sold, and damaged part of the fence in so doing. They ask for a speedy hearing to prevent the timber being used for other purposes than repairing church, churchyard fence, or vicarage. The Vicar-Generals ordered the petition to be heard at T. Quine's house in Patrick, on the last Thursday in April. The Vicar claimed that the petition should be recorded in the Episcopal Registry so that he can have a copy. This is ordered to be done, and the hearing is to take place at Michael on May 29.

There seems to be no record of the result.⁴⁵

He was ordained Deacon on June 16th, 1764, and Priest on March 14th, 1772.

For his neglect of the Register see " Registers."

He died in January, 1803, and was buried at Lezayre on the 7th. The " Manx Advertiser " of January 8th, 1803, states " Died,-Sunday last in Kirk Christ, Lezayre, (of a dropsy), the Rev. Thomas Corlett, having been about 30 years Vicar of that parish. He possessed considerable abilities, and was allowed to have as complete a knowledge of the Manx Language as any man in the Island. ` A great man is this day fallen in Israel.' "

HENRY MADDRELL, appointed March 22nd, 1803. He had been Chaplain of Ramsey and Ballure since 1790. He was Archeacon's Registrar in 1834. Little is known of him. He is said to have been of a miserly nature. He was either very unfortunate or very neglectful, for during his time (I) the church became ruinous and had to be pulled down, (2) the school was roofless, and (3) his successor had to rebuild the Vicarage. He died in 1842, aged 76 years, and was buried at Arbory on July 29th. He was a member of the family of Maddrell of Balla maddrell of that parish.

Vicar Maddrell's curate in 1841 was the Rev. William Kermode, who became Rector of Ballaugh and father of the eminent Manx antiquary, Philip Kermode, M.A., the first Director of the Manx Museum.

JOHN HENRY LaMOTHE, appointed December 5th, 1842. He was the youngest son of Dr. Frederick LaMothe and Margaret Corlett of Glentramman. He was born on July 23rd, 1812 and married Eliza McHutchin, daughter of John McHutchin, Clerk of the Rolls. He graduated at Trinity College, Dublin, in 1836. He was private Chaplain to Sir John Mordaunt, and Rector of Walton in Warrington. He died June 6th, 1845, and was buried at Lezayre. His wife and only child died the following year. He rebuilt the present Vicarage.

WILLIAM BELL CHRISTIAN, born on the 17th August, 1815, died on the 31st July, 1886, was the third son of Deemster John Christian of Milntown. He was educated at private schools at Chester and near London, and at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1840. He was ordained Deacon on 14th June of the same year and Priest on 7th July, 1841, and held the Chaplaincy of St. John's and from 7th July, 1845, the Vicarage of Lezayre. As his family increased he obtained per mission to reside in his own house at Milntown, the Vicarage being too small for his large family. He resigned in 1861. He was the last member appointed to the self elected House of Keys. Immediately after this, in 1866, he was elected member for Ramsey in the Reformed House and continued to represent the same constituency until he became Receiver-General in May, 1885. He was a most valuable member of the Legislature; although not an eloquent speaker, his utterences were always weighty and well considered. The respect in which his colleagues held him was shewn by their voting him into the Chair in the Speaker's absence. As Receiver-General he was a conspicuous success, as not only did he apply himself to his work with diligence, but he brought considerable practical knowledge to bear upon it. In 1866 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and proved an excellent magistrate. A thorough gentleman, his sterling character, adorned by an urbane and kindly demeanour, won him universal respect and esteem.⁴⁵

He was the head of a family which traced its descent from Gillochrist, 1176, and for over five centuries had been the most influential in the Island. No less that fourteen members of the family held the office of Deemster. After his death the estate passed into other hands and much of it has been sold.

EDWARD SNEPP, appointed 1861.

THOMAS HENREY, appointed 1863. He had been a missionary in Japan, and later became Vicar of Crossens, Lanca shire. His son, the late Rev. Thomas Selby Henrey, Vicar of St. George's, Old Brentford, placed a window in Lezayre Church in memory of his parents.

W. M. HUTTON, appointed 1870.

CLEMENT CARUS-WILSON SHEPHEARD, appointed Dec ember 26th, 1877. Author of " Memorials of Henry and Margaret Jane Shepheard."

ARTHUR ALEXANDER BRIDGMAN, appointed 1879. He graduated at Gonville and Caius College in 1836, of which College he had been a Scholar and, at his death, the senior member. He served in the Royal Navy and had been present at the bombardment of Acre. He was ordained Deacon, 1844, and Priest, 1845, at Llandaff. At first Curate of Llanfihangel, he was afterwards Pereptual Curate of Padgate. He died on January 14th, '9o9, aged 94 years and was buried at Lezayre.

JAMES HAMPTON CAIN, Bishop Wilson's Theological School 1906-7. Deacon 1907, Priest 1908, Curate of Lezayre 1907-9, Curate in charge of Lezayre 1909, Vicar of Lezayre 1909-20, Rector of Bride 1920-42, Rural Dean of Ramsey 1918 38, editor of Diocesan Calendar 1915-33 Secretary of Diocesan Conference 1914-28, Secretary of Convocation, Chairman of the Isle of Mnn Education Authority 1925, 1938-41, Canon of St. Columba 1906, Proctor for the Clergy in York Convocation 1931-1942. Retired 1942, and died January 6th, 1944. Buried at Lezayre.

ROBERT DANIEL KERMODE, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, 1888, B.A. 1891 (2nd class Classical Tripos) Lady Kaye Theological Student. Jesus College, Cambridge, 1891, Otter Prizeman 1903, 3rd Class Theological Tripos 1893, M.A. 1895. Deacon, 1893 ; Priest, 1894, London ; Curate of St. George's-in-the-East, London, 1893-6 ; St. George's, Douglas, 1896-8 ; Vicar of Maughold, 1898-igo8 ; Chaplain to the Forces 19oo (South African War) ; Vicar of St. George's Douglas, 1908-19 ; Examining Chaplain 1910-25 ; Proctor for the Clergy in York Convocation, 1912-31 ; Canon of St. Patrick, 1912 ; Rural Dean of Douglas, 1914-19 ; Vicar of Lezayre, 1920-39 ; Priest in charge of Lezayre, 1939-45

GORDON SAYLE, St. Edmund's Hall, Oxford. B.A. 1925, M.A. 1945, Diploma in Education 1926, Wells Theological College 1929, Deacon 1929, Priest 1930, York ; Curate of St. Chad, York, 1929-31 ; St. Paul, Middleborough (in charge of Holy Cross) 1931-34 ; Vicar of Fylingdales, Diocese of York, 1934-38 ; Chaplain of Queen Margaret's School, Scarborough, 1938-39; Vicar of Lezayre, Nov., 1939 ; Chaplain to the Forces, 1939-47 served in France and Belgium, 1939-40; Palestine, Egypt and North Africa, 1941-2 ; Italy, 1943 ; France and Germany, 1944-45 Mentioned in despatches. Was Chaplain to the Manx Regiment in North Africa, etc. Came into resid ence in August, 1945. Appointed to St. Paul's, Ramsey, January, 1947

JONATHAN EDWARD COWLEY. Bishop Wilson Theological College, 1924. Deacon 1925, Derby for Southwell ; Priest 1926, Southwell. Curate of Crich 1925-28 ; Organising Secretary C.C.C.S. for N.E. district, 1928-29 ; Chaplain at Kaduna, Nigeria, 1929-33 ; Organising Secretary for C.C.C.S. for East district, 1933-37 for South district, 1937-38 ; Vicar of Holy Trinity, Tewkesbury, 1938-43 ; Vicar of Henham, Diocese of Chelmsford, 1943-47 ; Vicar of Lezayre, July 31st, 1947

Footnotes

1 Manx Soc., Vol. VII, p. 90.
2 J. J. Kneen, Place-Names, p. 529.
3 Manx Soc., vol. II, p. 247,
4 Liber Cancel, in Book of Precedents.
5 & 6 Liber Cancel, as before p. 61.
7 Liber Cancel, in Book of Precedents, p. 72.
8 Moore, Dioc. Hist., p. 101.
9 Mr W. W. Gill's notes.
10 Mr. W. Cubbon's notes.
11 see Norris above.
12 Book of Precedents B.
13 Mr. W. Cubbon's notes.
14 Liber Scace. in Kneen's Personal Names, ete.. P. 118.
15 Mr. Gill's notes. Letters of Crowe are scattered in Warner's "Catalogue of the MSS. and Muniments in Dulwich College." 1,881, Young's History of Dulwich College, and The Alleyn Papers." (Shakespeare Society)
16 Book of Precedents, B.
17 Book of Precedents, B.
18 Mr. D. Craine's notes.
19 A W. Moore, Notes aud Documents, p. 27.
20 Moore, Manx Worthies, p. 205. This letter of Bishop Phillips shows that Crow was Vicar in 1630.
21 Mr. D. Craine's notes.
22 William Carrett was probably a member of the family of Garett of Ballabrooie, some of whom were very troublesome.
23 Arch. Registry. Mr. D. Craine's notes,
24 Liber Plit., p. 118.
25 Arch. Registry. Mr. D. Craine's notes.
26 Book of Precedents, 3.
27 Moore, Notes and Documents, etc., p. 20.
28 Mr. D. Craine's notes.
29 Journ. 'Manx Museum, vol. I, No. 2, p. 220.
30 Chaloner, A Short Treatise, etc. Manx Soc., vol. X, p. 16.
31 Feltham. Manx See., vol. VI, p. 150.
32 Mr. Craine's notes.
33 Moore, Notes and Documents, p. 42.
34 Episcopal Registry.
35 Manx Soc., vol. IX, Oliver's monumenta, vol. III, p. 160.
36 Vol I, p. 103.
37 Manx Worthies, p. 101.
38 Moore, Notes and Documents, pp. 77-50.
39 A. W. Moore, Manx Worthies, p. 24.
40 Feltham, Manx Soc., vol. VI, p. 53.
41 to 44 Mr. D. Craine's notes.
45 Manx Note Book, vol. III, p. 45.