[From Thwaites' Directory, 1863]

PEEL.

PEEL is a small ancient town and seaport, occupying a pleasant situation on the western coast of the island, at the mouth of the river Neb. It is in the parish of German, and in the sheading of Glenfaba, and is distant from Douglas, 11 miles N. W.; from Castletown, 12 miles N.; and from Ramsey, 16 miles W. by S. The town is irregularly built, the streets narrow and inconvenient, and the houses crowded together in a very inelegant manner. Many improvements have, however, been made within the last few years. Several new houses have been erected, and in a few years, if this enterprise and prosperity continue, Peel will wear a far different aspect to what it does at present. In population and importance, Peel ranks the third town on the island. According to the census of 1861, the town contained 451 houses, and 2818 inhabitants. Of the houses, 432 were occupied, 14 uninhabited, and 5 building. Of the population, 1313 were males, and 1505 females. In 1851, the town contained 376 houses, and 2342 inhabitants, thus showing an increase in the past ten years of 75 houses and 476 inhabitants. When the smuggling trade was prosperous, Peel was a station of great importance, but the inhabitants are now chiefly employed in the fisheries. The bay is said generally to abound with fish, but the employment is precarious. During the fishing season, Peel is the principal place of resort of the herring fleets from the sister isles. Here, is an extensive ship yard, besides which, there are several other trades of minor importance.

The bay is about three quarters of a mile in diameter, and affords shelter from all winds from the south and east. A short time ago, a schooner was totally lost in the bay. She was named the Western Trader, and belonged to Whitehaven, whither she was returning, in ballast, from Carlingford. The master, with much difficulty, succeeded in coming to an anchor in Peel Bay, the wind blowing strong from the south-west at the time, accompanied by heavy rain. About nine o’clock the same evening the wind suddenly veered to the north, and increased greatly in violence. Shortly afterwards, the people on shore observed signals of distress in the rigging of the schooner, and a boat, ably manned, put off to render assistance. The brave fellows endeavoured to bring the schooner into the harbour, but after several gallant but fruitless attempts, they were obliged to return to the shore, which they had the greatest difficulty in accomplishing. The crew of the schooner remained on board their vessel. The schooner was ultimately driven on shore at the Craig Mallin, at the extremity of the bay. The crew, with the assistance of those on shore, fortunately escaped to land, and the schooner shortly afterwards went to pieces.

The Harbour is a good dry one, and at spring tides will admit vessels of 100 tons burthen. The pier is a good substantial stone structure, measuring 400 yards in length, and from seven to ten yards in width. At the end is a lighthouse, the light of which is stationary, and may be seen in clear weather at a distance of eight miles. In 1830, a jetty of substantial masonry, 40 yards in length, was constructed at a cost of £550 by the Harbour Commissioners, as a protection from the heavy swell of the Irish Sea. The number of vessels belonging to Peel are—schooners, 9; smacks, 24: making in all 33, with a tonnage of 1663 tons. The market is held on Saturday, and an annual fair is held on the 28th March.

The Parish Church of St. Peter stands in the Market Place. It is a plain structure, and was rebuilt in 1816. The interior is neatly fitted up, contains a good organ, and has accommodation for 600 hearers. The living is a vicarage, value £160, in the patronage of the Bishop, and incumbency of the Rev. John La Mothe Stowell, B.A. Here are 31 acres of glebe land. The Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, in Atholl street, was built in 1839. It is a neat edifice, nicely fitted up, and contains accommodation for 500 worshippers. The Primitive Methodist Chapel, in Michael street, was erected in 1835. It is a small plain building, neatly fitted up, and has accommodation for about 300 hearers. A Cemetery was opened about nine years ago. It occupies a pleasant situation on the Douglas road, a short distance from the town. There is a small Chapel for the performance of the burial service. The ground is under the management of Mr. P. Clucas.

The Mathematical and Nautical School was founded by the Rev. James Moore, of Dublin, who, by his will, dated 12th January, 1763, left the ground rent of three houses in Dublin, amounting to £20 yearly, for the erection and endowment of a Mathematical School in the Isle of Man, in order to have ten poor scholars taught, gratis, in the different branches of that science; the site of the school-house not to be farther distant from St. John’s Chapel than Peel town. The school, which is situated in College street, was rebuilt in 1846. There are about 45 scholars attend, who are instructed by Mr. John Gawne. Christian’s School was founded in 1652-3 by Philip Christian, of London, but a native of this island. By his ‘will, he left certain houses in London to the master, warden, and commonalty of Clothworkers of London, that they should pay out of the rents and profits thereof, yearly, £20, towards the maintenance of a Free school in Peel, for the education of poor children. A school house was erected in connection with this charity in 1688, towards which the Clothworkers’ Company contributed £100. In 1840, the Clothworkers’ Company informed the bishop that the rents of the premises left by Mr. Christian had increased, and that they desired to extend a proportionate benefit to the school, provided it was satisfactorily conducted. Subsequently, the sum of £48 was allowed, and afterwards £66 l0s. The school being in a very dilapidated state, the trustees resolved to erect a new building, to he called Christian’s Endowed National School. The first stone was laid on the 26th of July, 1842, and the school was opened on the 27th of June the following year. The school, however, soon became too small for the increased number of its scholars. It may here be noted that Bishop Wilson, by a codicil to his will, dated the 1st of June, 1748, left £50 for a petty school-mistress in Peel town. In 1848, the ladies of Peel, desirous of establishing an infant school, held a bazaar, by which they realised £146 14s. 4d. In 1851, a proposal was made to the promoters of the Infant School, that it should be engrafted upon that founded by Bishop Wilson, and be amalgamated with Christian’s School. This plan was agreed to, and it was ultimately considered advisable to erect an entirely new and more commodious school-house in connection with Christian’s endowment, and that the schoolhouse built in 1842 should be converted into an Infant School. A new schoolhouse was accordingly erected,the cost of which, including land,&c., amounted to rather more than £700. Of this, £315 was obtained from the Committee of Council on Education, and £290 was the proceeds of a bazaar, &c. The school was completed in 1861, and forms a noble building, with master’s residence attached. There is accommodation for 400 children; about 180 attend. Mr. William Cowley is the master, and Mrs. Margaret Killey, mistress. The Wesleyan School forms a handsome and spacious building, in Douglas Street. It was opened in January, 1863, and was erected at a cost of about £800, of which £396 was granted by Government, out of the Educational funds. The stone used in the Construction of the building is the old red sandstone obtained in the vicinity, intermixed with granite procured at Foxdale. The school is conducted by Mr. Charles King, whose residence is attached to the building.

The Gas Light Company was incorporated by Act of Tynwald, 1857. The company’s capital amounts to £1,500, raised in 300 shares of £5 each. Mr. Thomas King is the company’s secretary. The Waterworks’ Company was incorporated by Act of Tynwald, in 1862. The capital of the company (£2,000) was raised in 400 shares of £5 each. Mr. Thomas King is the secretary and agent. The Custom House is in Atholl Street. Mr. Leslie Lockhart is the principal coast officer; and Messrs. John Cowley and John J. Corlett, tide-waiters and boatmen. The officers connected with the Peel Coastguard Station are—Mr. W. Brander, chief boatman in charge; Mr. Edward Bowling, commissioned boatman; and William James Beer, Joseph Hill, and Benjamin Goddard, boatmen. The Court House comprises a neat building, in Atholl Street. The High Bailiff’s Court, for the recovery of debts under 40s. Manx, is held here every Saturday. The court has jurisdiction over the parishes of German, Ballaugh, Michael, and Patrick. R. J. Moore, Esq., is the high bailiff. The Magistrates’ Court is held here every fortnight; and the Deemsters’ Court every month. The Police Force consists of two men besides the chief constable, Mr. Matthew Collister. The Temperance Hall—a small building—is in Shore Road. It was formerly used by the Wesleyan Methodists as a place of worship.

The town was formerly called Halland, Holene, and Holm Town. In Manx, Purt-ny-Hinshey, signifying the Harbour of the Island. Various conjectures have been hazarded with respect to the etymology of its name. By some it is supposed to have been derived from the Danish, Holm—an islet in the sea. the most probable conjecture, however, is that of Mr. Train. This author, speaking of the mound adjoining the Cathedral Church, says—" This earthern fortification, in the Saxon language is called Peel. As I cannot find the appellation of Peel given to any place in Man before the Scottish conquest, I am of opinion that it was first applied by these conquerors solely to the mound in question; although it has since been extended, not only to St. Patrick’s Isle, but also to the village on the adjoining mainland, then called Halland Town.

The chief attraction of Peel is its ancient castle. It stands on a small rocky islet, known by the name of St. Patrick’s Isle, and said to be the place on which the celebrated St. Patrick landed, when overtaken by a storm, on his voyage to Ireland. The island, which is about five acres in extent, is separated from the town by the Peel river, which, at low water, is scarcely one foot deep. The island is connected with the mainland by a strong stone causeway, which has been constructed within the present century. The approach to the garrison was by a flight of steps, cut out of the solid rock, and strongly cramped with iron. These, however, are so much decayed as to be now scarcely discernable. The whole area is inclosed with strong stone embattled walls, four feet thick. The walls are flanked with towers, built of clay schist, and in many places quoined and faced with red sandstone. They are supposed to have been erected by Henry, the fourth Earl of Derby, about the year 1593. In Bishop Wilson’s history of the island, we find that Thomas, Earl of Derby, encompassed the castle with a wall, and other fortifications; but in the Lex Scripta, we find an order issued from Latham House, and dated 18th of February, 1593, directing that the two garrisons of Rushen and Peel should again be erected. Within the area are the ruins of numerous walls, buildings, &c. The principal of these are the Cathedral of St. German, and the two Churches of St. Patrick. In the centre of the area, is the pyramidical mound, about 12 feet high, and measuring on each side about 70 yards. It is flanked on three sides by a ditch and corresponding walls or mounds. It is supposed to have been originally used as a place of fortification, and subsequently for the performance of devotional exercises. A short distance from the mound, and on the most elevated portion of the islet, stands an old round tower. It is a most remarkable building, constructed principally of old red sandstone. It rises about five feet in height, and measures at its base, in circumference, 44 feet 6 inches. Its internal diameter is 5 feet 9 inches. On the eastern side of the tower is a door, which, from its elevation, must in former times have been approached by a ladder. It is 6 feet 9 inches higher than the ground. Near the summit, which is battlemented, are four square-headed apertures, facing the cardinal points of the compass. Another of these apertures is seen lower down on that side facing the sea. This tower is supposed to have been used for the purpose of a belfry; and also to protect all the sacred utensils, books, valuables, and relics, and where the ecclesiastics might repair for greater safety in times of attack. The Cathedral Church of St. German is built in the form of a cross. It is partly in the early English and partly in the decorated style. A small portion is also built in the Norman style. The dimensions of this ancient edifice are—length of choir, 36 feet 4 inches; of the nave, 52 feet 3 inches; and of the tower, from east to west, 24 feet 11 inches; making the total length of the interior, 114 feet 6 inches. The total width, at the intersection of the transept is 68 feet 3 inches; the height of the choir wall and the nave is 18 feet; and the thickness of the walls is three feet. The walls are composed of coarse grey stones, but the angles are quoined and formed of a reddish stone. From the centre of the building rises a low tower, surmounted on the southwest by a square belfry, the height of which is 66 feet. The transepts are surrounded by a heavy corbel table. The arch of the north transept is in the early decorated style. The southern and western arches are also decorated, but appear to be of a later date. The north and east windows of the north transept appear to have been decorated with two lights. Beneath the former window is a plain door. The west window of this transept was a decorated lancet. In the south transept, the south window is of two lights: above this, in the gable, is a second window of two lights. The eastern window of this transept, like the southern ones, are not exactly in the centre. On the west side of the south transept is a lancet window, beneath which is a door, the principal entrance to the cathedral, To the right of this door is a bracket for an image, and on the opposite side a circular benatura. The nave, which is also decorated, has two blocked windows on each side. There are four arches of construction, with four two-light obtuse-headed windows in them. On the south side of the nave is an old runic monument, but it is in a broken and very imperfect state. The inscription is as follows

.us: titensi: eftir: asritlzi: kunu: sina dutur: utr .... raist. .. ."

The choir, which seems to be the most ancient part of the building, was erected by Simon, Bishop of Man. In Keith’s Catalogue of Scottish Bishops, we find that* Symon, Bishop of Man, and a native of Argyleshire, died at his palace of Kirk Michael,~ A.D., 1239, and was buried in St. Germain’s Cathedral, which he had begun to rebuild. On each side of the choir are five plain lancet windows, beneath which are two arched recesses, supposed to have contained tombs or to have been sedilla. The east window is a small plain unequal triplet, with an interior drip stone. Beneath the chancel is a fine crypt, 34 feet by 16 feet. A series of arched lancet- shaped ribs springing from thirteen short pilasters, twenty-one inches high, support a pointed barrel vault. The entrance to it is down a narrow dark flight of steps, within the thickness of the south wall of the chancel. It is dimly lighted by a small aperture looking out upon the sea. Waldron, speaking of this place, says—" This is certainly one of the most dreadful places imagination can form. The sea runs under it through the hollows of the rock with such a continual roar, that you would think it every moment breaking in upon you; and over it are the vaults for burying the dead." In the north-west corner of it, was formerly a well or spring, which must have added greatly to the dampness of the place. According to Waldron, anyone formerly visiting this horrid dungeon, and not counting the pillars in it, was certain to be shortly afterwards imprisoned in it. This place was formerly used as the ecclesiastical prison. In 1397, Thomas, Earl of Warwick, was banished to this island by Richard II., and confined in Peel Castle, on a charge of treason, preferred by William Scroop, afterwards the Earl of Wiltshire. During the reign of Henry IV. he was liberated, and his accuser summarily beheaded, without trial. It was here, also, that Eleanor Cobham, the ill-fated Duchess of Gloucester, was confined till her death—a period of 14 years. It appears she had been accused of associating with witches and wizards, to circumvent the life of the King, and claim the crown for her husband. Being found guilty, she was banished to the Isle of Man, and confined in this vault. Since her death, says Waldron, they tell you that to this hour a person is heard to go up and down the stone stairs of one of the little houses on the walls, constantly, every night, as soon as the c~cock strikes twelve. The conjecture is that it is the troubled spirit of the lady, who died as she lived—dissatisfied, and mourning her fate. It is said that the Duchess, early one morning, (about seven years after she was imprisoned,) was gently awakened by one of the soldiers requesting her to get up and follow him in silence, and to be careful of awakening the sentinel, who was asleep on his post. Leading her through the cathedral, he entered a long narrow passage which communicated with Sir John Stanley’s own apartment, and, opening by a secret spring a door near the centre of it, carefully concealed by the tapestry, displayed a subterraneous passage, which had been formed to favour the escape of the garrison if it should be overpowered. Entering

this, they were conducted by various windings beneath the sea to a cave among the precipitous cliffs which line the coast southward of Holme Town. Immediately they proceeded to a farm house, where her conductor had provided disguises for them both. At dusk, they went in search of an old hermit, whom they knew had a cell on the sea shore, near a place called the Cloven Stones, near Laxey. On finding him, they explained their situation, and requested concealment in his cave till such time as they could get on board some passing vessel. The hermit acceded to their request. Having partaken of some food, they retired to rest. Next morning, the soldier informed her that he was one of the retainers of her husband, and proceeded to give her an account of the means he had employed to effect her escape. While thus engaged, a trooper, sword in hand, rushed into the cave, calling on others to follow him. But the old soldier had no intention of yielding so easily; therefore, drawing his sword, he stretched lifeless at a blow the foremost of his assailants, killed or disabled three more, when a lance from a distance brought him bleeding to the ground. Being now disabled, they rushed furiously on him, and seizing him by the hair, immediately cut off his head. The duchess was again conveyed to her dungeon, and though several attempts were made to effect her escape, they were all ineffectual, and after an imprisonment of 14 years she died. Edward Christian, (the uncle of William Christian, who was shot at Hango Hill,) was likewise imprisoned here by James, the great Earl of Derby, on the combined charges of conspiracy against him and disloyalty to the King. In the register of Kirk Maughold, (the parish to which he belonged,) we find, under date 1660, the following entry :—" Edmund Christain, sumtime captaine at ye sea, and afterwards for a time Governor of ye Isle of Man, departed this life in ye Peel Castle, being a prisoner there for sum wordes spoken concerning ye King, when ye great difference was betwixt King and Parliament. He was committed by James, Earle of Derby, being then in this isle, and John Greenhalgh, Governor, and afterwards buried in Kirk Maughold Church, where he was baptized. Was buried January ye 22, 1660." Here also, at a later date, was imprisoned, by Bishop Wilson, the Clerk of the Rolls, because he refused to pay the sum charged against him as tithes. The last prelate who was enthroned in this cathedral was Bishop Wilson. The whole building is now in a complete state of ruin. The lead with which the church was covered, was by an Act of Tynwald, in 1710, granted to Bishop Wilson, for the purpose of roofing the Church of St. Patrick. A stained-glass window containing the arms of the island and the monogram of Archbishop Parker, which was placed in the choir during the time of Queen Elizabeth, is now in the possession of the Clerk of the Rolls. The cathedral is now used as a burial place for those who may perish at sea. Within the cathedral is the tomb of Bishop Rutter, the friend and companion of James, the great Earl of Derby. A brass plate, with one corner broken off, but otherwise in good preservation, which was supposed to have been stolen from this prelate’s tomb, was accidentally discovered in the well near the sally-port of the castle. It bears the following inscription :—

Between the cathedral and the round tower, are the remains of the old church of St. Patrick. The materials with which the building is constructed is the clay schist, intermixed with the old red sandstone. The masonry is irregular and wide-jointed. The heads of the windows and doors are in the form of a circle; the voussoirs being very thin and deep. The bottom part of the east window has been removed, and there is a partition wall erected in place of the rood screen. On the western gable of the building is a bell turret, having partitions for two bells.

Previous to the death of Olave the Black, which took place at Peel Castle, in 1237, there is no mention made of this fortress, although there is great cause to believe that it was used as a place of defence long before that period. Before the use of fire arms, it was considered one of the strongest fortresses in the British isles. Previous to the purchase of the island by the British Crown, a body of native soldiers, in the pay of the Lord of the Isle, was garrisoned in Peel Castle. Since the revestment, however, the garrison has been removed. On the sale of the island, many matchlock muskets were removed from the armoury, which stood a little south of St. Patrick’s Church. About a century ago, there was in the cellar of a house at Peel, several very ancient guns, the bores of which were a foot in diameter. They were formed of a number of thick iron bars, held together by 15 strong iron rings. Several of them had no breach, and were loaded behind with a chamber. These guns are said to have been removed from the castle. It appears that Peel, like many other places in the island, suffered from the incursions of the MacCullochs, the Galhovidian rovers. According to a deposition, dated at Peel Castle, we find that John Machariotic had had taken from him by Collard MacCulloch and his men, "by wrongous spoliation, twa box beddes and aykin burdes, a feder boulster, a cote mailzie, a mete burde, twa rystis, five barrels, a gyle fat, xx pipes, twa gunys, three boIls of malt, a querne of rosate extending to ic load of petes, viii. boll of corn, xi. knowte."

In connection with the castle is the strange tradition of Moddey Dhoo, or the Black Dog of Peel Castle. According to Waldron, "there was formerly a passage to the apartment belonging to the captain of the guard; but it is now closed up. The reason they give you for it is a very odd one. They say that an apparition, called in the Manx language the Moddey Dhoo, in the shape of a large black spaniel, with curled shaggy hair, was used to haunt Peel Castle; and had been frequently seen in every room, but particularly in the guard chamber, where, as soon as candles were lighted, it came and lay down before the fire, in presence of the soldiers, who, at length, by being so much accustomed to the sight of it, lost great part of the terror they were seized with at its first appearance. They still, however, retained a certain awe, as believing it was an evil spirit, which only waited permission to do them hurt; and for that reason forbore swearing and profane discourse while in its company. But though they endured the shock of such a guest when all together in a body, none cared to be left alone with it. It being the custom, therefore, for one of the soldiers to lock the gates of the castle at a certain hour, and carry the keys to the captain, (to whose apartment the way led through the church,) they agreed among themselves that whoever was to succeed, the ensuing night, his fellow in this errand should accompany him that went first, and by this means no man would be exposed singly to danger: for I forgot to mention that the MODDEY DHOO was always seen to come out from that pas-. sage at the close of day, and return to it again as soon as morning dawned, which made them hook on this place as its peculiar residence. One night, a fellow being drunk, and by the strength of his liquor rendered more daring than ordinarily, laughed at the simplicity of his companions; and although it was not his turn to go with the keys, would needs take that office upon him, to testify his courage. All the soldiers endeavoured to dissuade him, but the more they said the more resolute he seemed, and swore that he desired nothing more than that the Moddey Dhoo would follow him, as it had done the others, for he would try whether it were dog or devil.

After having talked in a very reprobate manner for some time, he snatched up the keys and went out of the guard-room. In some time after his departure, a great noise was heard, but nobody had the boldness to see what occasioned it, till, the adventurer returning, they demanded the knowledge of him; but as loud and noisy as he had been at leaving them, he was now become sober and silent enough, for he was never heard to speak more: and though all the time he lived (which was three days,) he was entreated by all who came near to him to speak, or if he could not do that to make some signs by which they might understand what had happened to him, yet nothing intelligible could be got from him, only that by the distortions of his limbs and features, it might be guessed that he died in agonies more than is common in a natural death. The Moddey Dhoo was, however~r, never after seen in the castle, nor would any one attempt to go through that passage; for which reason it was closed up and another way made. This accident happened about three score years since," that is, about the year 1670. Sir Walter Scott, in his "Lay of the Last Minstrel," thus refers to it

"But none of all the astonished train
Were so dismayed as Deloraine;
His blood did freeze, his brain did burn,
‘T was feared his mind would ne’er return,
For he was speechless, ghastly, wan,
Like him of whom the story ran,
That speak the spectre-hound in Man."

In 1648, the erection of a fort was commenced on the Horse Hill, opposite the castle, in order that any relief brought to the castle in time of the garrison’s rebellion or a siege, might be intercepted. Outside the walls of the castle is the Giant’s Grave, a green mound about 30 feet in length.

In 1229, we find that Reginald unexpectedly arrived, in the middle of the night, in winter, from Galloway, with five ships, and burnt up all the ships of King Olave, and all belonging to the nobility of Man, then at St. Patrick’s Isle.

On the promulgation of a law, in 1821, restraining the importation of foreign corn, the population of Peel rose, and drove out of the town a troop of yeomanry, whom the Deemster had sent from Castletown to quell the riot.

According to Bishop Wilson, the inhabitants of Peel had a very simple plan for ascertaining the hour of high twelve, when the sun shone. Near the centre of the castle gate, a space of about ten feet in height and one foot in breadth, was whitened with lime. A black stripe four inches broad was painted down the centre. When the sun was shining, the shadow of the castle gate reached the black line in a particular manner, according to the season of the year. By this simple expedient most of the people regulated their time-pieces. The country people, down to a late period, did not reckon time by the hours of the day, but by the trad harveish, or service time.

The vicinity of Peel is very pleasant and picturesque, and contains many fine residences, some of which are surrounded by fine thriving plantations. In the rocks along the shore are many curious caverns, formed by the incessant action of the sea. On the northern strand are occasionally found agates and cornehians, which are used for seals and brooches.

(note the following is mostly drawn from IoM Charities 1831)

FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL. — Philip Moore, Sen., of Douglas, by will, 1746, bequeathed unto the Right Rev, the Lord Bishop and the 24 Keys of this Isle, for the time being, five hundred pounds British, in trust for the uses hereafter mentioned, viz., considering what great use and benefit a proper Schoole for the educating of youth, in some convenient place, as near the centre of the island as might be thought most proper; the interest of which said sum of five hundred pounds to be paid after his decease, unto a proper Schoolemaster, qualified to teach Latin, and such other learning, as may fit youth for the service of the country in church or state, under such rules, regulations, and restrictions as shall be thought most advisable and effectual for that purpose, by the trustees before mentioned, or a majority of them; hoping that by their due care and interest, and by the good and charitable donation of other well disposed persons, at some time hereafter, such a foundation may be made as to encourage a Master of Arts, or some other well qualified man of learning, to reside and keep a Free Schoole within this island, for the purposes before mentioned ;—the said sum of five hundred pounds to be paid unto the said trustees, by his son Philip Moore, after his decease, and to be considered full satisfaction of his part of the stock-in-trade betwixt them; he, the said son, Philip Moore, paying unto the said trustees yearly, the interest of the said sum of five hundred pounds, at five per cent., until the said principal sum is paid in by him to the said trustees; and until a proper Schoolemaster may be found, and fixed in the said Schoole, the interest of the said five hundred pounds may be applyed to the building of a Schoole-house or other conveniences, as the said trustees, or a majority of them, shall think most necessary. In the year 1770, a house in Peel-town was purchased by the trustees from Philip Moore, Junr., which was afterwards, out of an accumulation of the interest of the legacy, considerably enlarged, and converted into a commodious dwelling-house for the master, including a school-room. The deed of sale from Philip Moore, though searched for in every place where it was thought probable it might be deposited, has not yet been found.

[Tue Keys v. the Rev. J. Gelling.] A difference of opinion existed whether the School was under the direction of two Trustees, or twenty-five Trustees, and a Petition was presented to the Lieut. Governor on this subject, on the part of the 24 Keys, which was heard on the 6th of April, 1826, when it was adjudged that the Petitioners, the 24 Keys, were individually Trustees for the said School, at Peel, along with the Lord Bishop, and that they, as a majority of the Trustees, might legally institute proceedings against the Defendant, in such form as they might be advised.

The said Legacy of five hundred pounds is secured by bond and mortgage from the Rev. John Cottier, to the Lord Bishop and 24 Keys, on the Estate of Ballayemmy, in Marown, dated the 27th March, 1826, bearing interest at the rate of six per cent. per annum.

MATHEMATICAL SCHOOL. — The Rev. James Moore, of Dublin, M.A., by will, 12th January, 1763, bequeathed to his Executor (George Moore, of Peel) the ground rent of three houses in Dublin, lately rebuilt by Mr. Good-body, on the Blind Quay, amounting to twenty pounds yearly, as the same shall be paid by the Rev. Dr. Lyon, now tenant thereto, and by his heirs and assigns for ever ;—In trust for the erection and endowment of a Mathematical School in the Isle of Man, in order to have ten poor scholars taught gratis for ever, in the different branches of that science; the site of the Schoolhouse not to be farther distant from St. John’s Chapel than is Peeltown; the nomination of the Scholars to be absolutely vested alternately in his brother Philip Moore of Douglas, and his executor, and their representatives for ever; and the appointment of a Master, sufficiently qualified by ample testimonies, to be exhibited to the Bishop of the Island for the time being, or in the vacancy of the See to the Vicars General, to be alternately also at their disposal and direction; which Bishop or Vicars may, in case of neglect of such appointment by their representatives for twelve months, themselves appoint one. The Master thus presented and appointed to have full liberty to receive and discharge said yearly rent of twenty pounds, and to take all legal ways for the recovery thereof, by distress or otherwise, as the said donor was then empowered to take. He also ordered his books to be sold in exchange for Mathematical books and instruments, for the use of the above-mentioned Mathematical School.

On Painted Tables in the School-room.—" This School-house was erected pursuant to the Will of the Rev. James Moore, M.A., bearing date 12th January, 1763, who endowed it with £20 Irish, yearly, for ever, for the perpetual education of ten poor Scholars in the different branches of the Mathematics."

John Stevenson., Esq., of Ashley Park, near Walton on the Thames, Surrey, from his affection to his native country, gave £100 sterling, and the interest thereof from the 2nd day of April, 1775, to the Master of the said School, and to his successors, for the education of two poor Scholars for ever, alternately to be nominated by the Governor, and by the Lord Bishop of the said Isle, and their successors, who are appointed Trustees of this donation. This money (C100 sterling) is in the hands of George Quayle, of Castletown, Esq., who pays the interest annually to the Schoolmaster.

Sir George Moore, by will, 1787, bequeathed to his Grandson, Captain George Quayle, of Castletown, In Trust, for the use and benefit of the Mathematical Schoolmaster in Peel town, appointed by his late Brother, the Rev. James Moore of Dublin, in his Will and Testament, namely, the house in Peeltown, which he bought and built for that purpose, together with the small house adjoining, their respective gardens and appurtenances, in consequence of his sale from Hugh Woods, and under the assignment of a mortgage made to him by James Parr, of Peeltown, under the assignment or sale made to him of a small part of one of the said houses and gardens by the late Rev. Wm. Mylrea, Archdeacon of the said Isle. He also bequeathed to George Quarle aforesaid, In trust, for the use and benefit aforesaid of the Mathematical Schoolmaster in Peeltown, his house in Peeltown, formerly known by the name of Gibony’s House, now occupied by the present Mathematical Teacher, Richard Wilson, with all rights, liberties, and properties thereto belonging, to be enjoyed by the present Master of that School, and by the succeeding Masters thereof: hereby investing all power to the said George Quayle respecting the exercise of the right of his said late brother, the Rev. James Moore’s donation, and respecting the emolument in any wise appertaining to the said Mathematical School, so that every occasion of promoting the benefit of Moore’s School may receive assistance and every good effect. He also bequeathed to his Grandson, George Quayle, of Castletown, the sum of five hundred and thirty-seven pounds, twelve shillings, and sixpence, more or less, which he had in the five per cent. funds in London, under the direction of his Grandson, Thomas Quayle, Esq., of Princess Court, Westminster; In trust, to secure the payment of one hundred pounds, which were given to him by Captain James Stevenson, of Ashley, for the use of the Mathematical School in Peeltown, the interest whereof has been annually paid to Richard Wilson, the present Schoolmaster, and to be continued to him and the succeeding Masters of that School.

Caesar Corris, of Peeltown, merchant, by will, 1826, bequeathed the sum of one hundred pounds British, as a donation to the Mathematical Schoolhouse, situate in Peeltown, established under the will of the Rev. James Moore, of the City of Dublin; the said sum to be placed at interest, in good landed security, by his brother Michael Corris, who lie appointed trustee, and in his name, for the purpose hereafter mentioned, that is to say, that the yearly interest of the said sum of one hundred pounds British, be paid to the master of the said Mathematical School, and to his successors for ever, by him the said Michael Corris and his heirs, for the education of two scholars, that is to say, two of his own kindred, if such may be found, and that he, the said Michael Corris and his heirs, at all times hereafter shall have free and full permission to appoint any two of his own kindred, if such may be found, and of his name, to be taught and instructed in all sorts of useful and Mathematical learning in the said school, according to the most approved method thereof, without any charge. And it is hereby provided, that in case there should not be any of the donor’s name or kindred to be found, a sufficient number, according to the terms of his will, to be taught as before-mentioned, and not otherwise; his said brother and his heirs to be at liberty to name and appoint such other person or persons to be educated in the said school, on the terms before-mentioned, as he or they may please to nominate and appoint.

PETTY FREE SCHOOL.—Philip Christian, clothworker, and citizen of London, by will, 1654, bequeathed five pounds of that money of his which was in Captain Christian’s hands, to bee disposed of by twentie shillings a yeare for five yeares next after his decease, for buying of small books, pen, luke, and paper, or what shall be thought most fit by the minister and schoolemaster of the towne of Peele, in the Isle of Mann, for the time being, for the use of the poorest men’s sons and daughters of the said towne of Peele, inhabiting there, and not otherwise. He also devised two houses situate, lying, amid being in Lovell’s Inn, in Pater Noster Rowe, in the Parish of St. Faith, under Paule’s Church, London, (after the departure of his wife Rebecca, out of this present world,) to the Master Wardens and Corninalty of the art or mystery of cloth-workers of the Citey of London, above menconed, and to their heirs and successors for ever; to this intent and purpose, that they and their successors shall pay out of the rents and proffits thereof yearly arising, or to them accruing, unto two poore youthes or boyes every yeare for ever, (after one yeare that the said two houses shall come into their possession,) the som of tenn pounds appiece, the said youthes or boyes to bee natives of the Isle of Mann; and if they bee of his kindred or of his name, then they shall be preferred before any other, and the neerest of kin to be first preferred; and they that shall in that behalf bee preferred, shall bring a certificate in writing from some credible men or man of that island, that his parents are poore and not able to preferr him, which certificate is to be approved to be true by some of that nation that liveth in London, to the Master Wardens and assistants of the said Company of Cloth-workers; and for want of such of that island or nation to come from thence, if there be any here at London that their parents were borne there, if they are poore and not able to put his or their child or children apprentice, then they may be capable of this guift of tenn pounds apiece, to put them out to be apprentices. And if it shall happen that there be not a free school main-tamed for the teaching of children in the towne of Peele, in the Isle of Mann aforesaid, then the twenty pounds a yeare, formerly given for the putting out of two boyes to be apprentices, shall cease, and the said som to be paid by the said Company of Cloth-workers, towards the maintenance of the said schoole, of which somme, the scholemaster for the time being shall have eighteene pounds a yeare for his paines, and the other forty shillings to be paid and employed in buying and providing bookes, pen, inke, and paper, for poore shollers there.

Bishop WILSON’S SCHOOL.—This is a petty school established in Peel for the education of girls, which the bishop endowed with the sum of fifty pounds, the interest of which is annually paid to a schoolmistress. This sum, with the bishop’s bequest of £5 to the poor of German, and Ellinor Moore’s legacy of £5 to the poor, is secured by mortgage from John Kewley to the Vicar and Wardens of German, for £60 Manks, on the lands of Ballaquayle, in Malew, dated 18th March, 1826, bearing interest at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum.

Miss Leonora Munn, by her will, dated the 22nd October, 1857, left to the Vicar of German, " In trust for the use and benefit of the Infant School, proposed to be established in Peel, in connection with Bishop Wilson’s foundation," the sum of £5, as a legacy. To this the executor of her will added £2 2s. l0d, in order to raise the original foundation to the sum of £50 sterling.