Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The
Editor
HTML Transcription ©
F.Coakley , 2012
[From Annals of Kirk Christ Lezayre]
THE traditional founder of the family of Christian, of Milntown was Gillocrist, the foster brother of King Godred II (1176).
They were the most influential family in the Island for four hundred years and even " Stanlagh Moar," the great Earl of Derby, found it advisable to treat them with much civility.1
No less than fourteen members of the family held the office of Deemster from 1408 till 1852. The family is of Scandinavian origin. The name was MacCristen, Cristin and now altered to Christian. There were many branches, especially in the North, nearly all of which have now disappeared. In the adjoining parish of Maughold they were so plentiful that the old saying is still remembered :
Christian, Callow and Kerruish,
All the rest are mere refuse.
The first of whom there is any record was John McCristen who was one of the Deemsters in 1408 and a Member of the Tynwald Court in 1422. Of his three successors, who all bore the name of John, the first resided at Altadale (Glen Auldyn), the second was Deemster from 1500-1510 and the third Deemster from 1511-1535 The last acquired property adjoining Altadale and called the whole Milntown. He was the first to put the Manx laws in writing. Daniel, his brother, was the ancestor of the Christians of Baldromma in Maughold. His sister married Garrett of Ballabrooie and his elder daughter Samsbury, of Ronaldsway. His eldest son, William, was Deemster along with his father and succeeded to the estate in 1535, but died four years later.
William's second son, Robert, was also Deemster. From him descended the Christians of Lewaigue. Ewan, the fourth in descent from William, changed his name from McCristen to Christian. He succeeded to the property in 1593. In 1605, when only 26 years old, he was made Deemster and held that office 51 years. He was also Deputy Governor of Peel Castle and the most influential man in the Island.
"Ex. Rotul. Insulę Manę,, p. 33
Liber Curiae Cancellatiae tent infra Insulam Man pro uno anno integro incipiente ad Festum Sancti Michaelis Archangeli anno domini 1604et finiente ad Festum Sancti Michaelis Archangeli in anno domini 1605.
6 Augt. 1605.
The names of these two sufficient Men of every Parish that have appeared at this Chancery Court for the Election of a Deemster according to my Lord Gerrard's direction, vizt
The 24 Keys (except two sick and one in England) agreed with the two from each parish (two from Ballaugh and one from Michael
being absent) . . . And have according to the directions sent from the Right Honble Lord Gerrard for the Election of a Deemster,
thought in their discretions that these persons following, vizt : Henr. Ratcliff, Wm. Bridson, Ewan Christian and Edwd.
Christian, are every of them sufficient honest men and every way fitting to discharge the office and place of the Deemster,
every one of the 24 and the two of every parish being called by pole to give their approbation in the same.
(signed by) Cuth. Gerrard, Wm. Lucas, Wm. Ratcliffe, James. Hay. Tho. Samsbury, Deemster." Ewan's sister, Jane, married
Thomas Samsbury, of Ronaldsway and died without offspring. Ewan purchased the estate from her trustees and gave it to his
third son, William, the famous " Iliam Dhone." John, the eldest son, who died before his father, was assistant Deemster.
His eldest daughter, Mabel, born in 1599, was John Curghey of Ballakallinghan's second wife. Ewan, John Curghey's eldest
son by his first wife, married Margaret, born in 1617, a younger sister of Mabel.
Ewan was succeeded in 1656 by his grandson Edward, who was also Deemster. He died in 1693.
Mullenlowne was the cause of a dispute between Edward Christian, of Staple Inn and his sister, Margaret Christian, executrix of the will of her mother, Dorothy (nee Wilson), wife of Deemster Edward Christian.2 This was about the year 1700. The Deemster in his will, dated 1693, desired that, subject to his widow's consent, their second son, Edward Christian of Staple Inn, should get Mullenlowne. His widow does not seem to have approved for after her death in 1695 the daughter, Margaret, disputed the tenure. An award of September 3rd, 1696, gave the property to Edward and his wife, Jane Harris. They may have lived in England and sublet the estate to their brother, Captain James, who had to hire someone to act as Moar for the Quarterland. Edward and Jane died without issue before March, 1729, when Mullenlowne passed back to their nephew and heir-at-law, John Christian (1688-1745) the head of the family. Mullelowne came to the Christians about 1500, on the marriage of Deemster John Christian with Calyvorry Knele. It remained in their hands till 1904.
Deemster Edward Christian's eldest son, Ewan, purchased the property of Ewanrigg Hall, in Cumberland (circa 1680) and also succceeded to the Milntown estate on his father's death in 1693. He, along with his namesake of Lewaigue and John Stevenson of Balladoole, was appointed by the House of Keys in 1703, to treat with the Earl of Derby concerning the " several disputes, questions and differences . . . between the Lords of the Isle and their tenants," which were then arranged by the " Act of Settlement."
His eldest son, John, married Bridget, daughter of Humphrey Senhouse, a lineal decendant of King Edward the First. Of his numerous daughters-the " Maids of Milntown by whom the whole Island was overrun "-several married into Manx families. Ann to one of the Bacons who later held Ballabrooie-the Garrett property-Jane to Captain Charles Moore of the Abbey ; Elizabeth to William Fine of Ballachott ; Alice to Quayle Curphey of Ballakillinghan; Margaret to Thomas Wattleworth of Peel. She had two daughters one of whom, Elizabeth, was Archdeacon Moore's and W. F. Moore's grandmother ; the other Margaret married her first cousin, Joseph, son of Thomas, Vicar of Crosthwaite, Cumberland, who was Edward Christian's fifth son.
From Joseph Christian are descended a numerous branch of the family. Among them we may mention Ewan and Joseph Henry Christian, architects to the Ecclesiastical Commission ; Henry Bailey, Member of the Council of the Cape of Good Hope ; Henry, Admiral and Chief Constable of Gloucestershire, and Mrs. W. F. Moore, of Cronkbourne.
To return to the elder branch, John, the eldest son of John and Bridget Senhouse, married Jane, daughter of Eldred Curwen,of Workington Hall, Cumberland. He was High-Sheriff for Cumberland in 1766. His third son, Charles, married Ann, daughter and heiress of Jacob Dixon of Moreland Close.
Their second son, Fletcher, was mate of H.M.S. "Bounty" and leader of the mutineers. He settled in Pitcairn Island. His son, Thursday October Christian, died in 1850. In 1856 the whole community was transferred to Norfolk Island.
Mary, daughter of John and Bridget Senhouse, married Edward Law, Bishop of Carlisle and had a son who became Lord Ellenborough.
John, the High-Sheriff, died in 1767 and was succeeded by his son, John, then a child twelve years old who, in 1775, married as his first wife, Margaret, daughter of John Taubman of Castletown.
(John Taubman had married Esther, John Christian Curwen's aunt. From him are descended the Goldie-Taubman's of the Nunnery). By her he had issue, John, who became Deemster and succeeded to the Christian properties. Margaret Christian,nee Taubman died in 1778. In 1782 he married Isabella, heiress of Henry Curwen of Workington Hall, and assumed the name of Curwen. He was one of the first agriculturists of his day and he held a high position in the House of Commons.3 Deemster John Christian's son, William Bell Christian, Vicar of Lezayre and Receiver-General, M.C., M.A., J.P., the 19th in descent from John McCristen. He died on July 31st, 1886. He was the last Christian of Milntown. The estate has passed into other hands.
1 See his very caustic letter, Manx Soc. vol. III, p. 47.
2 Castle Rushen Papers No. 156. Journal, vol. III, No. 47, p. 117.
3 For further information about John Christian Curwen, see "Manx Worthies," by A. W. Moore, pp. 73-5.
The Curgheys were buried in the Chancel of the old Church of Lezayre. When that was pulled down the tombstones were removed to Ballakillinghan. The inscriptions on most of them are quite illegible, but one (now preserved in the Church) recorded the death of Deemster John Curghey the Second who died in 1609, while another, of much later date, gives the names of five holders of the estate-John (1st) died in 1559, John (2nd) Deemster, 1609, Captain John (3rd) 1652, Captain Ewan (Ist) 1695 and Captain Ewan (2nd) 1697.
Nothing is known of John the First. John the Second was Deemster. On August 3rd, 1601, an agreement was made between the Deputy-Governor, Council and Officers, Deemsters, Keys and others, as to payment of Customs in money instead of kind, there having been great mortality among horses, cattle, etc. John Courghye was one of the Deemsters who signed this agreement.
In 1604 Deemster Curghey had an experience that reminds one very forcibly of what many suffered during the war years and afterwards. The Book o f Precedents states that ` The Deemster forfeits his boat and goods for going off the Isle without Lycense."
Liber Scacc. " The Officers, Deemsters & 24 Keyes being met to deem what the Law was for that John Curghey, Deemster, departed the Isle without the Governor's Licence, who say that according to the Statute that the boat that carryd him & what goods of the said John Curghey was then aboard, was only fforfeited to the Lord."
John, the Third, was entered for Ballakillinghan in 1613-1636. John Curghey deposed that he had no concealed land in his holding-that is that he had no land for which he did not pay Lord's Rent.
John, the Third, was Captain of the Parish and Member of the House of Keys. He was the " old John Curghey " referred to at the time of the Rebellion.
At this period the connection between the Curgheys and their neighbours, the Christians of Milntown, began. John Curghey's second wife was Mabel, eldest daughter of Deemster Ewan Christian, and Ewan Curghey, his eldest son by his first wife, married Margaret, Mabel's youngest sister.
1650. Ewan Curghey, who in his turn was both Captain of the Parish and a Member of the House of Keys, was chosen by the Deemster and Grand Enquest of Ayre Sheading to be one of the Merchants for the Country in place of Daniel Christian, deceased.1
1651. In the " Great Rebellion " Ewan was the leading figure in the Northern district.2
1659. Upon a Petition preferred unto the Governor by Ewan Curghey setting forth that " a Communicon lately directed to him and others in the Island by the Lord Generall ffleetwood to require some person in this Isle to be examined touching Capt. Rose, etc., the reply is to the effect that no Communicon or Wrott in England extends here without the privity or consent of the Lord. "3
At the Restoration Ewan Curghey's estates were confiscated, but they were restored to him in 1663.
1663. Christian versus Curghey " for a parcell of Intack taken at the end of Lough Mallo wch ye Pltff claimes as part thereof. The Dftt ordered possession of ye same, according as he pays ye rent of ii.s. taken in 1647, and his composition, giving in security for the proffļtts as James Christian had done for Lough Mallo."
Christian appealed to the Lord from this order of possession two days after. "Accepted to his Lop. because in regard of Christian's flee ffarm Grant this matter more nearly concerns his Lop. for his determination. No bond given upon this appeale. His Lop. ordered that both parties should put their papers and evidence into Mr. Roper's hands that his Lop. might determine the matter."4
1671. " Ew. Curghey, Sam Radcliff & Joh. Caesar sue Ed. Christian Deemster & James Ratcliffe occupier & ffarmer of Geo. Christian's estate for a proportion of the 1000 marks against the Officers and Deemsters by King's Council for costs and charges in Receiver's case. George Christian's estate wins. The Court states that the money was all paid George, the person particularly mentioned in the last order of the Council, though not mentioned in former orders. As they did not arrest him before he left the Island they cannot now be relieved."5
Ewan the First was succeeded by his eldest son, Ewan the Second, who died in 1697, two years after his father.
John, the second son (born 1657), became Curate of Bride in 1678. He was Vicar of Braddan in 1704. (Where was he in the interval?). He was Vicar-General. He died October 6th, 1733, and was buried in the Chancel at Kirk Braddan.
The Articles of Agreement between him and the Rector of Bride are interesting.
" 1678. ARTICLES AGREED UPON BETWIXT VICARGENERAL HARRISON PARSON OF Kk. BRIDE and JOHN CURGHEY OF Kk. CHRIST LEZAYRE in the presence and by the consent of Henry Bopp of Sodor and Mann December ye 12th. 1678.
Imprimis: The said parson maketh choice of the said John Curghey to bee his curate at Kk Bride during ye said parson his naturall life, soe long as hee shall be there allowed to officiate by the said Bpp and his successors.
For his sallary bee doth agree to allow his sd curate yearly and every yeare during the term aforsd his chamber in the said parson's own house where bee himself used to lye, with Locke and key, with all the surplice flees writeing of wills, and legacies to bee left by the deceadent pishioner wch he computes to ye valew xxs annum.
The said parson alloweth him competent dyett yearly in the house, wch hee computeth to four pounds p annum.
He alloweth him ye yearly sallary of three pounds due for the English schoole there, out of the Kinges royall gift of one hundred pounds. And also to teach a lattin-schoole for wch the children of ye pishioners are to pay qtely, the richer sort twely penie p qter, and ye poorer sort sixe p qter at least, wch the parson competenh to bee fortie shillings, and if it shall fall short thereof, the sd parson promisseth to make it up vijs et modis.
The sd parson obliggeth himself to preach there once a month at least, p.se'aut p.alium during the sd time.
All which is computed by us to be worth ten pounds p annum. In consideration of wch allowance the said John Curghey promiseth for his pt diligently to officiat the sd cure, and schoole, and . . . plure of the Bopp.
Henric Sodorens.
Rich Ffox Episcop. Regist: John Harrison
Johan Allen. A Secretis John Curghey Fiat Registrum H. Sodor
John was Vicar of Braddan (1704-1733) and Vicar-General. In 1722 he was imprisoned in Castle Rushen with Bishop Wilson and Dr. Walker. Of his six children, Matthias (born 1699), is the only one of whom we have any record.
We will first give an account of his uncle Matthias, the third son of Ewan and Margaret Christian. He had been Vicar of Patrick and German,6 and in 1729, was appointed Rector of Bride, where he died in 1754, aged 85.
In 1749 Bishop Wilson ordered that " whereas the Rev. Mr. Matthias Curghey, Rector of Kirk Bride, by reason of his great age and defect of his sight is rendered incapable of performing the whole service of the church in person, and not being able at present to procure one in Holy Orders to assist him, we have thought fit and do accordingly appoint the Parish Clerk and Schoolmaster of the said parish, Wm. Kewin, a person recommended to us of a sober life and conversation, to assist the said Rector in reading the first service of the Church, morning and evening, on Sundays and Holydays."
On an upright stone, formerly in the Chancel of Bride old church, is recorded the death of his wife Dorothea, " buried April 10th, 1749, aged 79," as well as his own.
For Matthias the younger see " The Clergy of the Parish," p.81.
To return to the older branch, Ewan (died 1697), the eldest son of Ewan and Margaret Christian, had a son John (died 1719), who married Margaret Quayle, heiress of Ballaquayle near Douglas.
Ewan's elder son, Quayle (died 1780), married Alice, daughter of Ewan Christian of Milntown and Ewanrigg. He was the first to change the name to Curphey. He was a member of the House of Keys for many years.
John, Quayle's elder son, married Susanah Sampson, of Dublin, whose mother, Ellenor Murrey, of Ronaldsway, was Bishop Wilson's wife's cousin. He died in 1801. Only the youngest of his sons-Edward (born 1762, died 1804)-survived his father. He married Isabella Quillin of Copenhagen, daughter of John Quillin, Attorney General. They had as issue only one daughter, Susanna Eleanora (born 1797, died 1879), the last of the Curpheys of Ballakillinghan. She married William Farrant (born 1798, died 1852), of Ballamoar, Jurby, who was Captain of the Parish and a member of the House of Keys. Their eldest son, William, M.H.K., C.P., J.P., succeeded to the Ballamoar property. His youngest son, Reginald, became Clerk of the Rolls and First Deemster. Edward Curphey Farrant, M.H.K., C.P., J.P., their second son (died 1890), inherited Ballakillinghan. He married Isabella Callister, second daughter of William Callister, M.H.K., of Thornhill.
Their children inherited the estate. The mansion house has been sold, but the family hold the rest of the property-the only case in the parish of the descendants of the original owner holding the family estate.
1 Book of Precedents, p. 157.
2 See "Great Rebellion" p.p. 158-161.
3 Book of Precedents, p. 177.
4 and 5 Book of Precedents.
6 A. W. Moore, Manx Note Book, vol. II, p. 122, is in error in stating he was Vicar of Marown and Lezayre. Matthias the
younger held these positions.
The principal family in Sulby in days gone by appears to have been that of Garrett of the estate of Ballabrooie, or Ballabroy as it is called in the Manorial Records. Lezayre was the only parish with two companies of Militia, and the captain of the West Company was usually a member of this family and was styled " Captain of Sulby." That the family was of considerable importance in the Island may be seen from the brasses on the north wall of the Parish Church. These brasses are the only memorial brasses of any antiquity in the Island save that to Bishop Rutter in St. German's Cathedral.
Entries on the Manorial Roll are as follow:
1515. Wife of Gilcrest McKerd
1643. John Carrett 1 Quarterland-52s.
1703. John Garrett and his son Mr. Ewan Garrett of Nottingham for ½ part of Quarterland of Abbey Lands-8s. 9d.
1703. John Garrett for Dew Tuck Miln to be erected upon his own ground on Sulby River-10s.
do. Dock intack -6d.
1715. Sold oxen to Lord for 29s. 0d. and 33s. 6d.
1723. As a Member of the House of Keys he protested against Governor Horne's actions.
As there was difficulty over the succession after the death of Earl Ferdinand, Queen Elizabeth, in 1595, sent Sir Thomas Garrett, Knight, " a gent of good reputacon and experience, and borne neere those partes " to take charge of the government of the Island. Sir Thomas being " borne neere those partes " was obviously a Manxman and, possibly a member of this family, which was the only house of this name of any importance in the Island.1
In 1643 there was much unrest. The Governor had to yield to the popular feeling, and ordered that two men should come to Douglas from each parish on the 13th of June "to present the grievances of the countrie." But contrary to his orders a Cross was sent out in each parish that everyone should come thither, " which accordingly they did in an unusuall manner armed, to the terror of the whole Court . . . and one William Carett of Sulby said with a loud voyce . . . that the countrey would pay no more tythes to the temporall proctors and that they would feight and dye first . . . and called upon the people that were there present and said unto them is not this all your minds, and all of them cryed and sayd it is."2
The Governor promised to try and redress their grievances and said he would ask the Earl to come to the Island for that purpose. In the Malew Register of Burials there is the following entry 1658. George Garrett and Jane Parr his wife buried in Kk Christ Lezayre (May 13th. 1658) in one grave, and their only son in the same grave 5 days before.
Mrs. Garrett was perhaps a daughter of Robert Parr, Rector of Ballaugh and a niece of the Vicar of Malew, and her husband one of the Ballabrooie family.
1669. Mrs. Margaret Garrett, wife of Captain John Garrett of Sulby, died January 16th.3 Her son, John, Captain of Sulby, died in 1692, aged 29 years.
1636. Pat. ffoster sells part of a miln of Abbey rent 2/6 unto Wm. Garrett lying in Sulby.
1637. ffin. Garrett sells 3rd part Quarterland of vis: viid: rent unto his brother John Garrett
1641. Garrett's accon agt the Abby Tennants of Sulby as bound Tennants to his Grainge miln to hear.
1645. Wm. Garrett sells Patoone Goldsmith half his lands. Rent iiis: vd.
1646. Wm. Garrett sells an Intack rent xiiid unto ffinlo Quark.
Articles of Agreemt between Edwd. Garrett, jun. & Thos. Cowwe, Glover, touching sd Garrett's Estate etc. It appearing that the sd Garrett hath formerly made severall Mortgages and Bargaines to the sd Estate to divers persons -,vch after Examination the Court finds to be fraudulent & tending to the great disadvantage of the sd Edwd. Garrett being inveigled & inticed thereunto thro' his simplicity. The Court finding the above Articles to be more benefit & advantage to him, Do adjudge and decree the former Bargaines null & void, & affirm ye above Articles according to Law, Leaving the former Bargainees to have their remedy for ye money they paid him on such Bargaines as ye same should appear by proof.
1715. John Garrett and Margaret his wife made a gift of land for a school in Sulby.4
As the school on this plot had been allowed to go to ruin John's grandson, Philip Garrett, sold a parcel of land in Sulby Big Milo Croft for 5/-. This was in 1771. On this site the school was built.5
1745. Elizabeth the wife of John Garrett the fifth of Ballabroy, died March, 13th.6
1714. Presentment. Appeale of John Garrett v. his stepfather Rev. John Curghey touching his mother's dower.7
1738. Leonora Cowl accused of sorcery by John Garrett of Ballabrooie.
He said she was in a thriving condition by gathering the dew off his wheat on Mayday morning in the little Pollagh. Garrett was sent to St. German's prison. 8
A Riot in Court.
At a Consistory Court holden at Ballavagher June 21st. 1753, Robert Wattlewortb and Butler Philip Garrett having this day in most tumultuous & boisterous manner bred and prosecuted a Quarrel] within the verge of this Court to the Hindrance of justice the highest token of Insolence . . . The sd Wattleworth having previously in open Court threatened to commence sd Quarrel]. For their presumption therein & that the sd Wattleworth and Garrett may learn to behave themselves with all due defference to the Court & within the verge thereof for the future-We order them and each of them to be committed in St. German's prison until they give bonds of ~3 ad usunt Dno ... they are also fined 16. 8 each before Release.
Ro. Radcliffe Matths. Curghey
To the Sumner of Lezayre these to execute, and in case of disobedience you are to apply for a soldier.
By 1806 the family was in low water. The claims against the estate of John Garrett of Ballabroy amounted to 1,071 5s. 2½d. The land was sold to Caesar Bacon of Seafield who renamed it Staward after his property in Northumberland. It has recently been sold again.
1 See A. W. Moore, Hist. p.p. 223-9.
2 A. W. Moore, Hist. Vol 1, p 237.
3 See Chapter on The Old Church, p. 52.
4 and 5 See Chapter on Schools, pp. 126, 127.
6 See Old Church, p. 52.
7 See Curghey of Bullakillinghan, p. 173.
8 Mr. D. Craine's notes.
The Crowes seem to have been a clan rather than a single family. The name does not occur in the Manorial Roll of 1515, but the form Ine Cray or Craye and McCraye found in the Treens, of Grest, Alkest and in the Partholesin Grest are the most important. In the Abbey Roll of 1611 there are five entries, viz :
S, d.
Willm Crowe and Ewan Crowe xij -
Robt. Curghie and Widow Crowe vj -
John Crowe senr. and Edmond Crowe vj -
John Crow, junr. x vj
Phillip Crow iiij vj
During the sevententh and eighteenth centuries the Crowes held many properties in the parish. The following entries in the Lords Books show the extent of their holdings.
1643. John Crowe, son of Edwd. Crowe of Ballacottier
1643. Sir Edward Crow, (Vicar) Ballacree
1703. Thos. Crow, Ballacree, 2 Quarterland near Glentramman, irs. 5d.
do. Bishop of Cloyne, remainder of Quarterland, 8s. 8d.
do. do. for parcel of Intack-The Nellan, Curragh, Braid a Glomma, Kneen's Garden, and also for his house and garden, 23s. iid.
1643. Edmond Crow
do. William Crow together with Quarterland called Narrymore.
1703. Edmond Crow for many Intacks adjoining Clerk's Glebe, etc, 10s. 0d.
do. John Crow, Narymore, Intacks in mountains, 2s. 10d.
do. Edmond Crow, Ballacottier and Intacks, 2s. 3d.
1720. John Crow, Airy, buried April ist.
1720. (Register) 1726. Edmond Crow, Ballacottier, buried May 21st. (Register)
1733. Edmond son of John Crow, Ballacottier, baptized July 15th. (Register)
1703. Edmond Crow, Ballacottier.
1703. Wm. Crow part of Quarterland, 10s. 7d.
1643. Robert Crow
1666. Sir Wm. Crow (Vicar of Jurby)
1703. Wm. Crow for a I Quarterland of Abbey Land, 12s. 0d.
do. Wm. Crow of Glanduff and Charles his son, Intack, Curragh, 4s. 4d. Dry Hall Gate, Loughan, 3s. 8d. 2 acres in Claddagh,
2s. 6d. Flaxcroft 1d. Crot e Kewney 6s. 0d. Parcel in mountains Crot ne Mooghill, 9d. Total 17s. 5d.
1729. August 21, Thos. Crow son of Wm. Crow, Nappin, Baptized (Register)
1666. Edmond Crow
1703. Edmond Crow half Quarterland, 12s. 0d. 1666. John Crow.
1703. William Crow and Charles his son for a messuage and tenement 10s. 6d.
1715. Edmond sold oxen to the Lord for 37s. 6d. and 27s. 0d.
1723. William Crow (Glanduff) buried December 12th. (Register)
1732. John son of William Crow (Glanduff) baptized March 7th. do.
1733. Capt. Charles Crow of Glanduff, buried April ist. do.
1643. Wm. Crow (Father)
1703. John Crow, 3 of Narymore 14s. od.
1645. Wm. Crow, Grandfather
1703. Wm. Crow ½ Quarterland, 23s. 4d.
Edmond Crow, other ½ Quarterland, 21s. 0d.
1705. Alice fil. Will Crow Garey baptized May 9th (Register)
1732. Will Crow buried August 13th. (Dhary)
Other Crowes entered in the Registers up to 1735
1720. Jo. Crow, Airy, buried April 15th.
1731. Elinr daughter of Ewan Crow (in te Gill) baptized March 12th 1733. Wm. Crow and Cath Curghey als Curlet of Baldrommah, married March 7th.
1734. Wm. Crow (Churry) buried March 2nd.
1735 Ewan Crow (Taylor) buried January 27th.
This family gave three Vicars to Lezayre-William, Silvester and Edward' and one to Jurby-William. It is with Edward's descendants that we have to do here. His son Charles tells that he was himself baptised on June 28th, 1630, in Lezayre. He may have been the " Mr. Charles Crow " whom William Standish refers to in his deposition.2 He would have been then twenty-two years of age. In 1654 he was Vicar of Hawkshead, Lancashire, and there his two elder children were born-Charles on June 24th, 1654, and Elliner on September loth, 1656. Soon after this he removed to Castletown where he was appointed Chaplain and possibly schoolmaster. There his next two children were born Dorothy on 5th July, 1659 and Nathaniel on September 15th, 1662. While at Castletown he received a stipend of f30 a year - a much larger sum than his father ever received as Vicar of Lezayre. In 1663 he was appointed to the parish of Warcop and read himself in on September 6th. There his four younger children were born. He died in August, 1683, and was buried on the 12th.
Extract from the Warcop Register, page 163 Charles Crow, vicker of Warcopp, 12 August, 1683:-3
The present Vicar of Warcop states that Charles Crow senior, was of a very charitable disposition, contributing on one occasion as much as all the rest of the parish put together, and zealous to make the parish support good causes. He raised money for the rebuilding of St. Paul's Cathedral.
Charles' son Charles was the only man of Manx descent to be consecrated Bishop between Donkan, 1374 and Thomas Wortley Drury, 1907.
Charles Crowe senior had been appointed to the parish of Warcop through the influence of a Cavalier to whom he had shewn hospitality in the Isle of Man during the Commonwealth. His son, Charles junior, was educated at St. Bee's School and at Queen's College, Oxford, where he matriculated on June 8th, 1671. He seems to have removed to Trinity College, Dublin, where he took his degree. He became in or about 1679 amanuensis to Dr. Andrew Sall, a converted Jesuit, and a little later usher in St. Patrick's School under Dr. Henry Rider. On the latter's promotion to Kilkenny Crowe succeeded him as head of the School. He was ordained deacon at Leighlin on April 13th, 1679, and priest on March 25th following. He was then appointed a Chaplain to the Lord Lieutenant and Rector of Clonenagh, Ossory.
He was appointed Bishop of Cloyne with the Provostship of Tuam, the Wardenship of Youghal, and the Union of Agadda in commendam by Queen's licence, dated 18th of May, and letters patent of September 15th, 1702. On October 18th he was consecrated in Christ Church, Dublin, by the Archbishop of Dublin, assisted by the Bishops of Kildare and Derry.
He did much to recover property of the See which had been alienated in the troubles that followed the Rebellion. Donothmore-an estate of 8,000 acres which had been formerly a possesion of the See was bought by him privately and later transferred to the church authorities. He also obtained a property called the Burgery which consisted of a number of small houses and cabins very close to the episcopal residence and devoted the income from it to charitable purposes.
He left lands near Cloyne in trust for the support of four widows and orphans of clergy. His biographer-Rev. W. M. Brady, D.D., states " the See has, reason to esteem Bishop Crowe as the best friend (after George and Edward Synge) that ever sat on its episcopal throne."'
Bishop Crow did not forget the parish from which his people came. He gave his paternal property at Ballacree as an endowment for the Vicars of Lezayre.
Convocation, June 9, 1720.
We the Clergy of the Diocese of Mann in Convocation assembled are very sensible of the Reverend Dr. Maxwell's zeal and care in making application to the Rt. Reverend the Lord Bishop of Cloyn for the Bounty which his Lordship has lately conferred on the Vicars of Kirk Christ Lezayre, etc. And we humbly intreat him to accept this testimony of our gratitude for his hearty concern for the good of this Church.
Convocation, June lo, 1731.
Having received from my son the sum of one hundred pounds, Irish value, sent unto him by the relict of the Right Reverend Dr. Crow, late Lord Bishop of Cloyne, towards establishing a fund for the destitute widowes and children of Clergymen in this Island, etc., I do hereby make myself accountable for the said sum as also my heirs, etc., etc.
Tho. Sodor and Man.
Mrs. Crow also gave £100 for the Manx translation of the Scriptures and Church Services.'
1 See " Clergy of the Parish," p. 67.
2 See " Lezayre and the Great Rebellion,'- page 169.
3 See Museum Journal, Vol. IV, pp. 57-8.
4 For the work of Bishop Crowe see "Clerical and Parochial Records of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, etc., etc., by W. Maxiere Brady,
D.D., vol. 111, pp. 111-113.
This family was a branch of the Standishes of Standish Hall in Lancashire. In 1502 Robert Standish, the head of the family, married Margaret Croft, a wealthy heiress, who brought him lands in Burscough, Wrightington, Maudsley and Croston, to add to his family property in Ormskirk and Newburgh. They had three sons, Thomas-the head of the family-John and Huan. The two latter are both closely connected with the Island.
In the earliest Manorial Roll there is an entry showing that Edward Standish was the owner of a house in Castletown for which he paid Lord's Rent 2s. 4d. a year. He would be a retainer of the Earl of Derby and probably a connection of Robert (see above) possibly a younger brother and so an uncle of John and Huan.
Thomas, in 1540, made a marriage settlement which further proves the Manx connection. He gave his estate (consisting of all the Lancashire properties mentioned in Myles Standish's will -see below) to trustees.
The estate was for the use of Thomas himself for life ... after that it was for the use of the right heir legitimately begotten; in default for the use of John and his heirs; in default for the use of Huan and his heirs. It is highly probably that Myles made his claim to the properties by this very deed.
To come back to the Manx Standishes.
Ellanbane was one of the farms in Lezayre which belonged to the Monastery of Rushen and, in 1540, when Huan owned it, it had just been transferred from the dissolved Monastery; and the rental was thence forward paid to the civil authorities.
In the year 1572 two documents were signed by " Johannem Standishe de Insula de Mane "-John Standish of the Isle of Man. I Bishop Hildesley's Life.
By them he releases " to Wm. Stopforth all those Messuages, lands and tenements in Lancashire which lately were in the possession of Robert Standish his father."
In 1579 certain Intacks adjoining Ellanbane were owned by John and Huan Standish. They were probably the " John of the Isle of Man " and Huan.
Eight years later John Standish the elder and John Standish the younger were granted the clerkship of Andreas.
" Henrie Erle of Derbie, etc. etc. To my Lieutenant and Captain of my sayd Isle, my Receyvors, Comptroller, Water Bayliffe and all my other head officers there, Greetings.
Know ye the sayde Erle for divers causes me moving hath given and granted and by these presents do give and grant unto John Standish the elder and to John Standish the younger, sonne of the said John of my sayde Isle, the roume and place of the Clarkeshipp of Kirke Andrewes within my said Isle together with all duties customes proffets & commodities with the appurtenances whatsoever, unto the sayde Clarkeshipp belonging, to have, houle, exercyse enjoye the sayde office of Clarkeshipp with the sayde proffets and commodities as affore; from the day of the date hereof, for and during all the natural lyffe or lyves of the said John Standish the ffather and John Standish the sonne and to the longer lyver of eyther of themWillinge and commandinge you and evrie of you my sayde officers that p'sently uppon the receipt of this my grante, the sayde John Standish the ffather and John Standish the sonne may enter uppon the said office of Clarkeshipp, with the commodities and proffets thereto belonging and the same to enjoye duringe their sayde naturall lyves, In Witness whereof I the sayde Erle have hereunto sett my 1,ande and Seale the eleventh daye of July Ano Regn Reginae Elizabeth vicesimo nono 1587.
H. Derby."
John the elder was presumably an old man. Could he be "John of the Isle of Man "? It is just possible.
In 1629 " Gilbert Staneish made to William Standish a surrender of his goods, comones, easements and chattels for 2 little crofts of viijd. rent. And William gives his grandfather's brother two days mowing of hay one during his life and the other for ever in Close Knappan."
This entry seems to refer to a deed of gift from a grandfather named Gilbert to his grandson William, of his properties. There is no mention of the father of William. Was he dead, or was he missing? Mr. Cubbon l makes out a strong case for the father being Myles the Puritan captain who had gone to America nine years before.
William Standish was a young man in 1629, for he was a member of the House of Keys in 1661, when he was followed by his son John who had been concerned in the insurrection.
In 1630 John Standish the son of another William was appointed Clerk of Lezayre. He died about 1671/2.
The following are from entries in the Abbey Roll.
1637. Wm. Standish & wife to Wm. Garrett a Sale of half a water corn Miln of 2/6 rent being the Abbey Miln.
Wm. Standish sells Close ne Grappin xiiiid rent unto Don. Lace, Kk, Bride.
1642. John Standish and wife to William Standish their brother a sale of Close Moar with a parcel of ground called Arrey
Greney of 4/3 rent, and an acquittance for his goods.
1655. Wm. Standish and wife to Wm. 11 Newnev a sale of half Close Moar except Arey Greney.
1659. Wm. Standish jr. to Wm. Casement a sale of a croft adjoining Close Moar of 2d. rent.
1641. Jo. Standish versus Wm. Standish for the Tythe of one Close for two years. Damages xis, recovers xviiid.
Myles Standish the famous Puritan captain, was born in 1586 and died in 1656. He sailed for America in the "Mayflower" in 1620.
He is said to have married his cousin Rose in 1619. She was one of the first to succumb to the privations of the first emigrants. Her sister Barbara, who was said to have been " left an orphan in England" when the "Mayflower" sailed, went out in the ship " Ann " to Myles in 1623 and married him soon afterwards. They had six children and lived happily together for thirty years.
What was Myles' connection with the Isle of Man? His last Will and Testament reads as follows
" I give unto my son and heire aparent Alexander Standish all my lands as heire apparent by lawful decent in Ormistick, Borscouge, Wrightington, Maudsley, Newborrow, Crawston, and the Isle of Man, and given to mee as right heire by lawfull decent but Surruptuously Detained from mee my great Grandfather being a 2cond or younger brother from the House of Standish of Standish."
What was: the property in the Isle of Man that Myles claimed?[fpc - what appears to have been missed is that there was an 'Isele of Man' higher ground in the mosses (undrained 'curraughs' of that part of Lancashire)] The only lands that were entered in the name of Standish in the Manorial Roll were Ellanbane and the adjoining Imacks. They were held by Huan Standish-a younger son of the house of Standish. It does seem as if Myles claimed to be a descendant of Huan.l
The Will of John Standish of Ellanbane (son of William) "March ye 4th 1671/2.
I John Standish of Ellanbaue, side and feeble in body but of good memory etc. etc.-My body to Christian burial wch I desire
may be in my mother's grave.
Itt. I bequeath unto ye poore one bowie of malt & one bowie of meale with two muttons at ve usual time of ye yeare.
ltt. I bequeath unto Sir Edward Crow & Sir Rich. flox each of them a mutton."
His daughter Christian inherited all his lands and was his sole executrix. She had to pay her sister Katherin £40 at the age of 16. Christian married Capt. Wm. Christian of Milntown in 1670. Henceforward the family was known as Standish Christian. They have long since lost their estate. Descendants are still living in the parish of German.
1 See paper by Mr. W. Cabbon in Proceedings of The Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society, vol. II, No. 3, pp. 287-293.
The Corletts, Corlets, or Curlets, for so the name was variously spelt, of Glentramman were a family that held a very important place in the parish for over three hundred years. They held the office of Parish Clerk from 1672 to 1823-a period when the office was of great importance-only inferior to those of the Vicar and Captain. Several members held commissions in the parish militia in one or other of the two parochial companies, and others were Members of the House of Keys. It would appear that more than one held all three offices together.
Most of the following items are taken from the Manorial Roll or Parochial Registers.
1515. John McCorleot entered for 19s. 4d.
1643. William Corlett, (grand father of Edmund).
1672. William Corlett appointed Parish Clerk, (died 1704?).
1688/9. Captain Edmund (son of Thomas and grandson of William) appointed Parish Clerk (Feb. 12).
1703. Thomas and Edmund his son entered for 19s. and 4d. 1703. Edward entered for a new miln to be
erected in his own house, and having noe tenants to same 1s.
1703. Thomas Corlett and Edmund entered for Bower's Close, Intack, etc., 15s.
1715. Edmund sold an ox to the Lord for 41s. 6d.
1723. Edmund Corlett, M.H.K. protested against Governor Horne's conduct.
1746. Oct. 27th. Captain Edmund Corlet of Glentraman, fifty years Clerk of the Parish, buried.
1789. June 7th. Captain Thomas Corlett, Clerk of the Parish near fifty years, buried.
1820. John Corlett senior, and John Corlett his son, arranged with the Vicar and Wardens to retain possession of the Clerk's
Glebe and to give in exchange land near Gob-y-Vonney and a sum of money.
1823. May 2nd. John Corlett (Senior), Glentramman, Parochial Clerk, buried.
1823. Jan. 19th. John Corlett sworn in as Captain of the Parish. He may have been the John Corlett the son mentioned above.
The name was a common one in the parish. Another John Corlett was appointed in 1831.
The inscription on the tombstone of John Corlett senior, states that he was a Member of the House of Keys " where he discharged his duty with the strictest integrity, and through life was animated by those principles which mark the Christian-the man of merit." He died at a great age. He married Ann Cowle of the Kella, who died in her 94th year.
The later generations of the family were not made of the same stuff as their fathers. Soon the property was frittered away and the last male representatives went to New Zealand.
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The
Editor |
||