[Extracted from IoMNH&ASoc Field Section Notes and Queries vol 1 No. 8,9,10 + 11]

Sections of this paper were used in the 1972 Industrial Archaeology of the I.O.M.

MONA-ERIN - THE STORY OF THE MINES AROUND GLEN MAYE

by T. A. Bawden

Read 22nd January 1970.

This paper was prepared, not because of any importance attached to the mines of which it tells in themselves, but because their story is typical of many.

To the visitor to the Isle of Man and, indeed, probably to the vast majority of Manx men and women, Glen Maye is simply a very attractive glen which runs down to the sea on the west coast of the Island, a glen with a fine waterfall and shaded walks. Few people who pass through the little group of houses clustered around it, and go down the narrow winding road to the beach at its mouth, would believe that industry of any kind ever played a part here.

And yet those people would have travelled through all that remains to be seen of what was once Spoken of as "the most promising of any young mine on the Island since the discovery of the great lode at Glenrushen" and was widely regarded as "an important element of future wealth and progress".

A nineteenth century advertisement refers to "Borings made by the ancient Romans, scattered through the Glen", a claim which probably appealed to Victorians with a classical bent, but which must have been made by a proprietor with little or no knowledge of the facts.

Nevertheless, Glen Maye did attract the attention of miners from very early times. Martin O'Connor, who was a partner in a foundry at Vauxhall, writing of a mine in the glen in November 1740 refers to what appeared to "have been formerly an old but slender tryall made on that vein where some specks of ore is even now to be seen in the drift".

According to Grime and Simpson, reporting to The Company of Mine Adventurers of England in December 1740, the vein had been re-discovered "by a shepherd who was going up the hill and with his foot tumbled down some earth and discovered a small rib of ore so informed Sir John Askin of it who set men to work, but found it not likely for turning to account and so was left". Sir John Askin was a speculator who worked the Manx lead mines in partnership with the Duke of Athol. His younger brother, Charles, was a Lord Advocate of Scotland. O'Connor described the position of the mine as "Three miles to the Westward of Foxdale and on the same line". Grime and Simpson say : "In the parish of Kirkpatrick about a mile and a half from Peell Town, near the small string at new Church *, This mine is only about five hundred yards from the seaside near a small River running hard by".

The mine, if such it can be called, merely consisted of a driving of one fathom through a small string of ore about one inch wide running North and South. Only three pounds were expended on it and between one and two hundredweights of small grained clear ore raised.

Grime and Simpson pointed out that Askin had not looked for any other vein nearby "which we suppose may be found if properly sought after, for we are of an opinion that this string is only what we call a flier out from the main vein, but how it would prove if tried is hard for us to conjecture". Edward Whigham, who managed the mines after Askin's death, had reported in October 1739 and been much more pessimistic: "There is some ore there, but I don't think it worth while to lay any money out on the same".

In 1823 the Duke of Athol granted to Michael Knott of Chester a lease of all the mines in the Island (with the exception of those in Lonan). Soon after this, Knott sold his interest to a company of which he was a member. This was the Isle of Man Mining Company. Their operations were naturally centred on Foxdale (as they were for the whole of the company's long life), but investigations were prosecuted in many other parts of the Island.

A plan of metalliferous veins at Glen Maye, dated 1826, is referred to by Lamplugh, who says that it shows two north and south "main veins", and three N.W.-S.E. "cross veins" or "feeders", with the note - "The whole of these veins, laders and feeders bear lead ore to the surface, and are in every way promising to be productive in that metal." This plan seems to have been lost.

* Patrick, built about 1710.

William Jones, reporting to the company on 30th August 1830 stated: "In other parts of the Island I have seen several other very promising veins particularly at Glen Mai but in our present circumstances we cannot afford to give them a trial." By the following year, however, finances had taken a turn for the better and Jones ordered a level to be driven into the hill on the South side of the Glen in the most likely looking vein, near where some "fine lumps of ore" were found near the surface. The level was driven throughout 1832, eventually following a small string of ore into the hill, but no discovery of any importance was made.

Eleven years elapsed before operations recommenced, this time "in the Western side of the hill". On 25th July 1843, Captain Grose (of the Foxdale Company) reported: "Another trial is also making at Glenmay by two men driving a level on a vein about 3 feet wide which has produced some small spots of ore, and we think to continue it on a little further to see if it makes any improvement." By the following November four men were driving the level. William Jones was still sanguine about the prospects; several small veins making their appearance at the surface of the cliff, each containing small lumps of ore and Jones believed it possible that these might come together as they went into the hill, making a body of ore on their junction. Eventually, the miners came in contact with another large powerful vein running nearly at right angles with the first. It consisted of "a strong sparry kindly looking rider, and making a great deal of water". By February 1844 they had driven about 8 feet in it without getting through; no ore was found and the driving had been suspended by the following May.

In the meantime, about December 1843, a neighbouring farmer, "but on the opposite side of the valley, by cutting a drain thro' one of his fields near the summit of the hill, met with several large lumps of ore in the alluvial soil of the country making together from two to three cwtz." These, Jones felt, must have been washed from the top of some vein nearby, and he consequently agreed with the farmer to pay him £20 per ton for the first 5 tons of ore which he could produce him. The farmer and two of his sons sought the vein spasmodically for two months, without success;"but as they are very poor they cannot afford to go on any longer, and have therefore given up the bargain to me."

Jones "put some men to cut a trench cross the field in the hopes of finding the vein, which can be done at no great expence as the rock is not deep", and promised to pay the farmer for the work he had done if ore was found in any quantity. A vein, about 3 or 4 feet wide and composed of fine brown gossan very favourable for the production of ore, was soon found, but without an ore body. A shaft was sunk to prove it further on the line of bearing. Jones reported, "We have no water, and the expense comparatively trifling." The trial cannot have been successful, however, for no further reference to it has been found. It is probably the trial on Gordon about 500 yards East of the high road marked "Lead Mine" on the 25" O.S. and noted by Lamplugh as "Adit (and sinking?)".

About this time the original lease granted to the Isle of Man Mining Company expired and was replaced with a new lease in respect of a much reduced area. There was considerable competition for leases of the areas vacated.

The first application for the Glen Maye district came from Dumbell of the Laxey Mines late in 1846, but it does not seem to have been followed up.

However, a Mr. Peter Young was granted a licence to quarry slate in an area including Glen Maye; late in 1848 he wrote to the Woods and Forests Commissioners to the effect that owing to indications of lead in the district he wanted a licence to search for ore for twelve months with a stipulation that if he applied for a lease within that time it would be granted to him on the same terms as the Isle of Man Mining Company at a royalty of 1/l0th provided he could satisfy them he could work both mine and quarry satisfactorily.

Before anything could be done, however, he died: his application was taken over by Obadiah Ash, a business colleague, and a mining agent.

Ash eventually obtained a licence to search for ore on a sett extending from Peel to Glenmay, bounded by the sea on the west and the Kirk Patrick road on the east. He and his associates were quick to commence the search; the Manx Sun of May 31, 1851 and the Mona's Herald of Wednesday, June 4th, 1851, announced that "a vein of lead ore was discovered on Tuesday last, near the Raggatt House, German, in the immediate neighbourhood of Peel, by some parties who had been some time searching for it; and who we understand, also intend working a vein lately discovered at Glen Meay".

Just prior to this, the operations of the company were stopped by the proprietor of some property (very probably the Raggatt) on which they had entered. On the suggestion of the Crown Agent, £50 was lodged at the Bank of Mona as security for the payment of any surface damage to which they might become liable, but the obstruction continued. Eventually, the Crown Agent had to write to Robert Moore, High Bailiff of Peel, who had been engaged to prevent the company's operations, advising him of the circumstances and pointing out the right of the company to proceed. "I feel sure ... that you will dissuade your client from offering any further obstructions to Mr. Ash, as they could only prove annoying to all parties, and expensive and utterly useless to himself." That seems to have settled the affair. Such incidents are common in the history of Manx mining, and the mining companies were always able to count on the backing of authority.

Strangely, little work seems to have been done until 1857, although it is possible that a shaft was sunk by them in Glen Maye, In 1863 there are several references to "a shaft on the south side of the gill" which was said to have been sunk by "a former company". By 1862 the shaft, which was between 5 and 6 feet across, was full of water and boarded over. It was by the side of the river and fourteen or fifteen fathoms deep. Six men had been employed sinking it. There was also a pit about twenty or thirty feet deep sunk in a field on Knockaloe Moar, owned by Robert Charles Quirk. In the 1860's it caused much worry to Quirk, who begged Ash to go on with the mining or fence the pit in as children played near it.

The Manx Sun of December 12, 1857, announces the proposed formation of a company "for the purpose of working several lodes of lead ore which have for some time been known to exist in the parish of Patrick, within two miles of the town of Peel ... it is intended to raise 200 shares of £10 each, in order already been obtained on favourable terms, the royalty, or proportion of the proceeds claimed by the Government being fixed at a twelfth part of the yield instead of a tenth, which we are informed is usually claimed."

The prospectus of this, "The Isle of Man Peel Castle Mining Company", appeared in the Manx Sun dated January 2nd, 1858. It includes a report by Captain William Tregea and Captain Matthew Grose (who had been dismissed by the Isle of Man Mining Company), both of the South Bradda Mine. In it they state: "On the estate of Capt. Cameron" we noticed a large lode running in an East and West direction, composed of Flookan Quartz, and small fibres of Lead. The strata is of schist or clay slate formation. At short distances from the lode there are several strings of spar running in a counter direction and crossing the lode, which are provincially called "droppers", bearing very favourable indications." "About 300 fms. North a level hes been driven on a North and South lode, which will form a junction with the former at some distance West of the dwelling house on the estate. We should recommend you to commence a level on the East and West lode, known as James's ** Veins From the river, the ground is easy; and may be worked at a moderate expense." "There are several other trials worthy of notice, which at some future period we should like you to prove; for instance at the Mill, a well defined lode has been discovered, which crosses your sett, a trial in itself we consider deserving the attention of capitalists."

The New Church trial already mentioned had almost certainly been on one of these veins. According to Grime and Simpson, "In the parish of Kirkpatrick a small string of ore about half an inch wide appearing to the day in a small river the string runs East and West, they tried a fathom sinking and raised upwards of one hundred of ore for which they paid only ten shillings, and so was left at Sir John Askin's death, or otherwise we are informed if he had lived he would have made greater trials ... New Church vein we think would be easily tried, by reason the ground appears very soft and the sides give way in sinking, by all outward signs the string or vein would mend in sinking, and so we take this to be a promising place for turning to a pritty good account."

The Isle of Man Mining Company also had a trial here in the 1830's. William Jones' report dated 1st October 1835 reads: "The Level at the Raggatt Farm is at last driven into strong kindly rock, and when it has proceeded about 7 of 8 fathons further, it will be under the field where we expect to find the vein. I never saw so strong a mineral deposit before with occasional lumps of ore in it. The Level has been driven through it about 80 fms. and there must be a strong vein somewhere near us, if we have the luck to hit upon it."

*The Raggatt. **Probably after Captain James Ash, a son of Obadiah.

This contrasts markedly with his earlier report of 1 July, 1834: "The new trial at Kirk Patrick, ... proves to be nothing, but some small strings with a thread of ore in them, and as the country is very flat and full of water, I do not conceive it worthy of further notice."

The Peel Castle Mine is listed by Lamplugh as "Glenfaba Trial"; it was on the south side of the Neb, about 100 yards north of Raggatt.

Strangely, in view of all these favourable reports (though not, when one remembers the short life of the mine), Sir W. W. Smyth, Chief Mineral Inspector for the Woods and Forests Commissioners, reporting to his board in 1858, wrote: " a level has been driven a few fathoms from near where the road, at one mile from Peel, crosses the river; but there is no, lode at all."

Captain Roberts of Ovoca, County Wicklow, reporting in 1863 states: "In the Raggett Glen a large Flucan Lode appears with some specs of mineral in it. I should recommend a shaft to be sunk 10 or 12 fathoms on it and a level driven some fathoms upon the lode to prove it, or see more of its character." No further action was taken, however, for as early as the end of 1858 the company had decided to concentrate its attention on the indications in Glen Maye.

The workings of the Isle of Man Peel Castle Mining Company in Glen Maye are situated 550 yards from the shore, or 150 yards higher up the glen than the position of the veins as shown on the 1826 plan, which may be incorrect in scale, although an old shaft was revealed in this vicinity by floods about 1930.

The company first sank a small trial shaft. Then other shafts were opened and levels driven, They also worked a small quarry nearby (which had been started by a former company). The stone obtained was probably for their own use. Four small buildings were erected and various machinery was installed. They also widened the track down to the mine, which had been no more than a footpath in places.

In Sir W. W. Smyth's reports for 1858 and 1859, it is stated that small portions of ore were visible in the workings, but that there was no appearance of a regular or strong vein. It was strong enough to encourage the company though, and on 13th March 1860 a Crown Lease was granted to Henry Hillary Bell and William Langtry Bell, two Belfast merchants, William Ash, also of Belfast, and James Ash. It was in respect of "All that piece or parcel of land situate and being in the Parish of Patrick, in the Isle of Man, bounded on the North and West by the sea, on the North-East by the Peel River, on the East by the road from Peel to Dalby and on the South by the Glen May stream."

Captain James Ash was the agent or manager of the company. He had been born in England in 1826. On April 30th 1849, at Kirk Braddan, he married Sarah Maria Hatton of Fort Anne Hotel, the daughter of George Hatton, an English Attorney. He was then living at Derby Terrace, Douglas, and carried on business as a draper in Douglas and later in Ramsey, until he first devoted himself to mining in 1856 - although both he and Obadiah, his father, had played (and were to continue to play) important parts in many of the mining and quarrying speculations of the time.

He was inclined to Methodism - his youngest son, born at Ramsey in 1864, was named Charles Wesley - and a moral reformer of sorts. In 1860, soon after moving to the district, he organized several very successful meetings in favour of abstinence in Gordon and Glen Maye. The teetotalist ranks were "reinforced to a degree unprecedented in the annals of Rechabitism in this place." To the amazement of local journalists, and doubtless many others, he persuaded many hard drinking miners and labourers to take the pledge - and what was even more surprising, to keep to it. He was also instrumental in forming a juvenile Band of Hope.

About this time, the Isle of Man Peel Castle Mining Company was wound up and a new company, the Peel Castle and Glenmay Mining Company (Limited), formed, One of the early tasks of the new company was to erect a water wheel about 20 feet in diameter by 4 feet breast, "with Pumping Apparatus, and power sufficient to drive Crushing Mills, &c." This wheel was situated right on the south bank of the stream, very close to where a small bridge now crosses it. About one-third of the mill trough remains. . A dam head, 20 feet high and 20 yards long, formed by two stone wells two feet apart filled in between with earth and sods taken from the sides of the stream, was built and finished in March 1860. Three small quarries were opened to supply stone for it. It held back a dam about half an acre in extent. The resulting change in the scenery in the glen inspired a "Herald" reporter to the heights of romantic lyricism :-

"The picturesque scenery in the neighbourhood ... has just been enhanced both as regards variety and beauty. The additional charm:has been given it by the extensive dam just constructed for the use of the new mines. Formerly, we had the richly cultivated valley, the pasture-clad hill with its flocks and herds, the rugged and hoary cliff, the dizzying precipice, the broad blue sea, and last, though not least, the dashing waterfall; but now, in addition to all these, we have the placid lake. Nature had indeed been lavish in the bestowment of her beauties toward this spot; and what she had forgotten art has supplied ..." :

During 1861, we learn from Smyth, drivings were being prosecuted "at 15 fathoms deep, in two lodes running pretty distinctly through clay slate and from 6 inches to 2½ feet in breadth, but unfortunately yielding no ore; traces of iron pyrites and carbonate of iron being all the metalliferous matter present."

About this time, for some reason, it became necessary to construct a new dam head higher up the stream just below Ballakirkey farmhouse. This would be just above the top of the old dam. A trench was cut along the south bank of the streams in this was laid a wooden channel or lade to water from the weir to the wheel, hen this was completed the old dam was emtied.

On the night of Sunday, 1st September 1861, the water wheel was seriously damaged "by the malicious insertion of a wedge within the cogs", A reward of £5 was offered "for the apprehension of the evil-mided offender", but there is no record to show that anyone was tempted by it.

But worse was yet to come. September 1861 was an extremely rainy month, The stream was swollen far above its usual size and full of broken branches and other debris. In very little time this blocked the sluice of the old dam; the water backed up until its weight and force became too great for the damhead, which burst.

For much of this time William Watterson, the owner of Ballakirkey, had been pressing the companies to pay him compensation for the damage he had sustained, His position can easily be understood, He had returned from Australia (he had sailed aboard the "Vixen") to find shafts and levels on his land, roads widened, trees cut down, land washed away, and where the "placid lake" had been, the land covered "to a depth of several inches with a shiny and highly deleterious and poisonous deposit from the washings of the Ore at Glen Rushen Mines" higher up the valley.

Eventually he felt obliged to file a bill in the Chancery Court, Before the bill was filed the company tendered £25, but this was refused. After a view of the premises, the matter was tried on Thursday, 26th February 1863 and on Tuesday and Wednesday, 17th and 18th March 1863,

The witnesses called included many local farmers and valuers (whose assessments of the damage ranged from a few pounds to £300), Captain John Bawden of the Glen Rushen Mines, and Henry Lobb, who had acted as captain at Glen May in James Ash's absence.

Lobb, in his evidence, refers to the shaft sunk by a former company. He goes on to mention a level below the dam-head and another above the dam- head. The former had remained open, but the latter, which was probably that driven in 1832, had fallen in before being re-opened by Ash,

Evidence was also given by a miner called John Cubbon, who had worked at the mine for the former company. Eight or nine years later he had taken up employment under the present company and had worked on the shaft and the level above the dam-head "at the top of the little field."

While the action was being heard by the court the property of the company was arrested. It consisted of :-

"One four wheel slide
Two large shear legs and chains and two gins connected with the shaft
One large wooden Airbox called a Duck
One wooden rail about twentysix feet long
One large ladder connccted with the shaft
Four pieces of Timber
One piece of wooden Air pipe
One large water wheel and apparatus connecting wheel to shaft
One large chain box, connecting chain to wheel
One wooden hand barrow, One plank. Two Iron Bars. One piece of wooden air pipe
Smithy & Smiths Apparatus, One draw Bucket
Five Iron pipes, twenty pieces of old Timber. One wooden shed attached to Water Wheel. One wheel barrow
One coal Tar Cask, A Bucket. One mine house and contents.
One square log of Timber about 5 feet Long. One wooden 2tep Ladder.
One lot of Mortar.
One large wooden water sluice or channel which conveys the water to wheel
One wooden House used as office.
Four pieces of wooden Scantling, each piece about 20 feet long.
One Trespass Sign Board.
One Wooden House used as a stable, with contents."

The jury returned their verdict on the 19th March, estimating the damages sustained by Watterson at £60,

By the beginning of 1864 the mine consisted of two shallow shafts, one to 8 fathoms and the other, the Engine shaft, to 15 fathoms, and several levels, in all about 200 fathoms, "driven on different veins, and openings made, from which several tons of Silver Lead Ore of rich quality have been obtained."

The called up capital of the Peel Castle and Glenmay Company was by now expended, According to Thomas Kermode, a Peel iron-monger and a shareholder, when speaking some years later, the principals "got disheartened, and did not pay that attention to the mine which their prospects entitled them to do. There was one man ... who was employed attending to the old wheel, but he could not get his wages, and made up his mind to leave. He (Mr.Kermode), however, still held to his first faith in the ultimate success of the mine, and being acquainted with some of the Belfast propriety, whom he knew to be men of honour and integrity, he said to this man that if he would continue to attend to the wheel he (Mr. Kermode) would be responsible, which he accordingly did to the amount of £32."

About this time, Captain Edward Bawden, senior, retired from the managership of the Isle of Man Mining Company. Captain Ned, as he was known, was a Cornishman, born at Marazion, He and his brother Josenh had set sail for the Isle of Man in a fishing boat when they were both in their twenties, On their first attempt they were shipwrecked on Lundy Island, but a second try was more successful; they reached their destination about 1830, Both took up employment with the newly formed Isle of Man Mining Company, and settled down. Edward was soon appointed to be one of their agents, In 1832 he married Louisa Ann Walker, the daughter of George Walker of the Royal Manx Fencibles, and Isabella Walker his wife. By the mid 1840's, Edward had become manager of all the company's works.

Kermode now tried to persuad him to become manager of the Glen Maye Mine. "This gentleman, however, with the caution that characterised him in all his transactions, would not undertake the office without first seeing the mine. The result was that Captain Bawden inspected the mine, reported that he thought it well worth a trial, and agreed to become manager."

The Herald, in reporting the appointment in the issue of 24th Fobruary 1864, was free in its praise of the captain, but guarded about the mine.

"We have no doubt, judging from the mining experience and success which characterised the career of Captain Bawden in connection with the Foxdale Mines; that he will more fully than has heretofore been done develop the said-to-be-ample resources of Glenmaye mines, we hope, ere long, to be able to report to our readers great prosperity as the result of his indefatigable exertions."

According to the prospectus which was published in the Manx Sun in March and April 1864, the nominal capital of the company was £10,000 divided into 1,000 shares of £10 each. Of these 500 had been issued. The proposal was to issue a further 500 of £5 each, to rank equal to the fully paid-up £10 shares. A deposit of £2.10.0 was to be paid on each share on allotment, and no further call was to be made without the sanction of a general meeting of the new shareholders, the old shareholders having no say in the matter.

Reports by Captain Bawden and Captain William G. Roberts, of Avoca, County Wicklow, are included in the prospectus.

According to Roberts there were four recognized lodes in the mine.

The first of these, which is referred to as "North and South Lode, Magnetic", varied from a few inches to three or four feet in width, and was comnosed of Flucan Clay Slate, and some quartz. A level had been extended along it for about 65 fathoms, but the lode was generally unproductive, a little lead ore having been found at one point only where a winze had been sunk on it three or four fathoms; but no improvement took place. Next Roberts speaks of the "Counter Lode, bearing about 25 degrees west of South Magnetic".

This lode had been from two to five feet wide, and similar, to the North and South lode, except that it contained ribs of Carbonate of Iron, and some Iron Pyrites. A level had been extended on it for 50 or 60 fathoms, but as it had been partly closed, Roberts was unable to see all of it. A cross cut was also extended from near the Engine Shaft 12 or 15 fathoms south-east, but nothing was discovered in it.

The workings in these two lodes must be those examined by Smyth in 1861 and earlier years, and presumably represent the total of the old Peel Castle Mining Company's works in the glen. Roberts now suggested that these two lodes "should. form a junction-a few fathoms: north of the Engine Shaft ; and although the lodes are small going in this direction, in the 15 fathom level, I should recommend the point of junction to be seen at a deeper level,"

The "North-West Lode" bore 40 degrees north of West Magnetic, with an underlie to the north-east, It varied in width from two to six feet, and was composed of "Flucan Clay Slate", some beautiful friable Quartz; and Carbonate of Iron". The 15 fathoms level had also been extended about 50 fathoms along this lode, "A little Lead Ore was also found in several places along the lode which I consider to be of a promising Nature. The lode is very similar to that at the 'Beckwith' Mine on the Foxdale property, which was very rich, and produced large quantities of silver lead ore, and I should recommend that the Engine Shaft should be sunk 20 fathoms deeper, and this lode fully tested at the 35 fathom level. There is ample water- power in the mine to drain it 50 fathoms deeper, and the shafts in a good position to also prove when sunk to the other lodes before referred to (which I should then advise) as well as the North and West Lode".

Finally, there was the "East and West Lode"; "This lode is situated about 80 fathoms south of the Engine Shaft, and dips to the north, upon which a shallow adit has been extended about 45 fathoms; but I was unable to get into the level to see the whole of it. A lode of some promise, bearing about north-west is said to be intersected at the end of this, but not being able to go into this part of the level, I could not see it."

This trial made by the Foxdale Compeny about 1843 is referred to as follows: "In the cliff on the west a lode is seen about four feet wide, composed of Flucan Clay Slate ahd (uartz, and a level has been driven some fathoms upon it, but the indications for mineral were not very strong."

Bawden, reporting on the 2nd February, 1864, confined himself to the operations at the Glen May Mine itself :-

"I find an engine shaft has been sunk here about 15 fathoms under the river, from the bottom of which three or four levels have been extended and different lodes or veins, which are chiefly composed of soft blue Clay, with occasional patches of quartz, and are embedded in blue schist or slate rock, similar to the lodes in the Foxdale Mines. In driving these lodes (?levels?), the veins have occasionally yielded some fine lumps of lead ore. I cannot speak in very flattering terms of these lodes at this depth, as in my opinion their underlie is much too rapid at this level to be found productive, Notwithstanding, the ground in the last few fathoms driven in the North 15 fm. level has assumed a more promising appearance, and is well worthy to be proved at a deeper level, There is also a large east and west lode situated at some distance south of the engine shaft, on which there has no trial of importance been made more than a small shallow level formerly driven by the Isle of Man Mining Company, and which I consider to be the main lode of this place, and from its appearance and character is well worthy an effectual trial, This lode is supposed to have been intersected in the forebreast of the South 15 fm. level. If so, only the north side of it has been touched; therefore I should recommend it to be cut through, as deposits of lead ore ere generally found on the junction of lodes such as these, I consider your most favourable point for future operations ts altogether north of your present workings, where other lodes are known to traverse your sett, and no doubt when properly developed will be attended with favourable results, 1 recollect some years since to have seen some very fine lumps of lead ore found in a field near to this place, which it is reasonable to suppose came from a lode in the neighbourhood, and where I would advise some small trials to be made during the coming summer in order to discover it. I would also recommend the sinking of the engine shaft 15 fathoms deeper in order to lay open the veins at that depth. I have seen no plan of the underground workings, therefore cannot accurately ascertain where the junction of these lodes takes place, a very important point to be ascertained, Should you deem it desirable, I will furnish you with the plan of all the workings."

The sale of the new shares did not do as well as Kermode had expected, When about £100 had been paid, things stood still for a time. Kermode, and a Mr. Rollo, therefore went to Captain R. J. Marsh, R.N., of Remsey,* and discussed the advisability of re-commencing work without delay. "They thought it better to start the mine with the £100 as capital, as being the most likely way to get off the shares; they accordingly requested Captain Bawden to put on a few men. After they had been at work for a few weeks they cut lead, That was upon a Saturday, and such was the effect of the news that on the following day, Sunday though it was, he (Kermode) received an application from one gentleman for twenty shares; and before the Saturday following the company was afloat. Captain Bawden recommended to sink a new shaft 50 fathoms deep; however, the company did not decide then to do so, but continued to drive certain levels until the capital was well nigh spent. At this time things seemed to be coming to a standstill, as the directors could not agree upon what plan to adopt as to the future. He (Mr. Kermode) thought it best to go to Belfast, and consult with the directors there. He accordingly went, and consulted with Mr. Valentine, who requested him to see certain gentlemen and agree upon something definite, and he did not mind risking two or three hundred pounds more in the mine, He met the persons referred to by Mr. Valentine, and arranged to form a new company.

*All three seem to have been directors, though the only local director named in the prospectus is Captain Marsh.

The decision to form a new company was possibly taken ahout the end of 1866, although "'at the December (1865) meeting of Directors and shareholders of the Glenmaye Mining Company (which is doing well under the able management of Captain Bawden) it was agreed that a new company should be formed with a capital of £100,000 in order that they might be enabled more fully than at present to develop the said to be vast resources of the mines."

According to Kermode, they sold £1,000 worth of shares in the room, and it was resolved to keep the men on, and not to stop the works. A fortnight afterwards, when he was at Glenmaye, Mrs. Quilliam - landlady of the Odd Fellows' Arms, Glenmaye - asked him if he had heard of the news. And in reply to the question "What news?" he was told that they had cut lead at the mine. "He went down to the office, where he met Captain Bawden, who had been underground, end brought up some of the lead. He wished him to allow it to be sent to Belfast; but he did not like to do so, fearing that people might think it was devised as a means to get off the shares. In Peel, however, the news soon spread, and ninety-five shares were sold that day; and the following day one hundred and ninety-five. In a week the company was fairly afloat; with a nominal capital of £12,000."

The new company was named "The North Foxdale Mining Company (Limited)"; the prospectus describes the sett as extending "over a district on the west coast of the Island, about four miles in length by one and a half in width", a much larger area than was the case, though it is possible that a licence to search for ore was held in respect of the extra territory.

The reports appended to the prospectus are by Captain R. Rowe, Manager of the Laxey Mining Company, and Captain Bawden.

In his report, Captain Rowe says -

"It may be well to preface my remarks by stating that I have frequently, during the last twenty years, officially and otherwise, visited this particular Mine and locality; that my attention hitherto has been directed to a small lode or Vein running irregularly about North-East and South-West, in which I have never been able to set any value or importance; amd that the trial then consisted of a shaft sunk about 14 fathoms, together with drivings on a small lode referred to at that depth, for some distance in each direction. I now find the same shaft being used, and a small water- wheel erected on it for pumping and drawing. But below ground there is a very considerable alteration in the Mine from amything I had seen before. A cross-cut driven North about 5 fathoms has intersected another Lode, altogether different in size from the one before referred to, which I have no hesitation in pronouncing can scarcely fail to contain large and valuable deposits of Lead in and about this immediate neighbourhood.'

The worktings on this lode were still limited, consisting of about 40 fathoms of drivings at the 14 fathom level, and a level about 13 fathoms long at 24 fathoms. Nevertheless throughout the whole of these new workings the Lode had been producing rich stones of ore, and uniformly maintaining a width of from 4 to 6 feet.

Rowe believed that the ground to the East of these workings would "be the most favourable for valuable discoveries, as the Lode will there be fed by other Lodes running into it and acting as tributaries. This is apparently all the Lode now wants, as far as it has been proved, to make it productive and valuable. About 50 fathoms ahead of the present Eastern end, at the 14 fathom level, a junction will teke place with another Lode, running in an oblique direction towards the present one which, doubtless, will be of great consequence, and ought to be pressed forward to with the greatest speed. I would also recommend the driving of the cross-cut still farther North at the 14, to intersect s Lode known to be in thet direction, as being a trial of importance and promise.

'The principal feature of the Mine, however, as it presents itself to me, is the Eastern ground before named; and, for its proper development, I would advise means be raised forthwith, to sink a new Engine Shaft, so as to command the Lode where Glenmay Glen is crossed by another and small Glen from the North, as at this point the junction with the other Lodes before referred to will have occurred, and in my opinion valuable discoveries of Lead will be made."

"The situation end water facilities for machinery and dressing purposes are here most complete."

Bawden agreed with Captain Rowe in the opinion that valuable deposits of Ore may be reasonably expected in depth... There is another very important point from 30-40 fathoms East, in advance of us, where I expect this Vein will form a function with another large and powerful one running in en oblique direction st which junction good results may reasonably be looked for, as it s is on the junction of Veins such as these that large deposits of Lead Ore are generally found in this Islend. As I have stated in previous Reports, I consider the best and most economical mode of procedure would be to sink a new Engine Shaft in such a position as to command the point of junction eastward, as well as the western part of the present workings, where the Vein showed such favourable symptoms at the 14 fathom level. This, if sunk about 50 fathoms under the present workings, would give this particular piece of Mining ground a fair and effectual trial, without which it cannot be properly tested ... "

* * *

The directors were now convinced of this latter point, end at lest Bawden was given permission to sink the new shaft. It was begun in March 1867. When it reached 16 fathoms the lode was cut and found to contain some very large pieces of ore. By July 1867, a further three fathoms had been sunk, and from one to two tons of rich ore sent up from the shaft. The Herald reported: "We hear that the lead still goes down, and that from the present appearance of the lode it is fully expected to continue in quantity as the sinking proceeds. Captain Bawden has been instructed to publish a report of the mine once a quarter, so that in future shareholders will be informed how the works will be proceeding. The directors are pushing forwerd the works as much as possible in order to develop the mine. They have engaged Mr. Thomas Cain, of Douglas, to erect a new wheel 34 feet by 4, and they expect to have it finished within four months from this dete. We congratulate the lucky shareholders, as without doubt the prospects ere the most promising of any young mine on the Island since the discovery of the great lode at Glenrushen, and we trust the mine will prove to be a very productive one; £1 shares are selling at £3, some are asking £5, and others will not part with them at present, as they fully expect that shares will greatly increase in value."

By October 1867 the wheel case was finished; the new shaft sunk on a slant to prove a wider area was about 26 fathoms deep; and the lode was still producing nice pieces of lead ore. The £1 shares, with 10s. paid up, were in good demand in Belfast at £2.10s. per share.

The pit work and the boxes which were to convey the water to the wheel were almost finished by March 1868. Three tons of excellent ore had been raised. At last it seemed the perseverance of the directors was being rewarded.

At first, it was intended to call the wheel after a Belfast lady; but the directors decided that second thoughts were often best; and the wheel was eventually named "Mona-Erin" as a compliment to both Manx and Irish shareholders.

The starting of the new wheel on Friday, March 6th 1868, by Captain Bawden, was deemed so important an event by the directors that it was made the occasion of treating the joiners, smith and other employees to a substantial dinner. This was provided by Mrs. Quilliam (who had long supplied refreshments to visitors to the waterfall), in a barn owned by William Watterson - the old differences obviously had been forgotten.

Two long tables occupied the length of the barn, while a cross table was placed at one end; at half past two the company, numbering forty-five, sat down to a meal of roast, boiled and baked meats, rice, and other puddings, &c. The Captain presided, 'and was supported by John S. Moore, Esq.H.K. Lhergydhoo, Richard Quirk, Esq., Rhaby, C.P. of Patrick; Messrs. Thomas Kermode, T.J. Graves, Ash, Joughin, Clucas, and Johnson, all of Peel; and Messrs. George Sherwood, and J. C. Fargher, of Douglas. Grace was said by Mr. J. S. Moore, and all present proceeded practically to discuss the repast, with appetites tolerably well sharpened by the bracing breeze which hed prevailed all morning."

On the tables being cleared, Captain Bawden proposed the toast "Success to the Mona-Erin Wheel", and then the company settled down to listen to the speeches. After Thomas Kermode had finished speaking, Captain Bawden ordered ome of the men to bring a sample of the lead they had cut in sinking the new shaft; the piece placed on the table by the man, Edward Teare, weighed about a hundredweight. Referring to the plan of the mine, the Captain pointed out where lead had been cut. He then proposed the health of old Obediah Ash, one of the persons longest interested in the mine. After several other speeches, the meeting broke up at about six o'clock, "being one of the most pleasant and cheerful meetings ever held at Glenmaye."

* * *

The cheerfulness did not last for long, however. By May 1869 parties under Captain Edward Bawden, junior, the new agent, were searching the surrounding country for indications of ore. On the 21st of that month, investigations were being prosecuted as far south as Ballelby Strand.*

*This is a considerable distance outside the sett, which indicates that there must have been a new licence to search for ore.

In the mine itself, sccording to Smyth, the 50 level had been driven 70 fathoms West and 30 fathoms East on an unkindly lode yielding nothing whatever. So success never came. On 20th July 1870, the North Foxdale Mining Compemy (Limited) went into liquidation, and a month later the following advertisement appeared in the Manx Sun :-

"SALE OF NORTH FOXDALE MINE, «
Lease and Plant, &c.

Mr. Raby respectfully announces that he is instructed by Silas Evans, Esq., the Liquidator, to SELL by AUCTION, on THURSDAY, Sept.8th 1870, all and singular the North Foxdale Mine and PLANT, situate at Glenmay, Isle of Man.

The lease is dated 13th March, 1860 from the Woods end Forests Commissioners, comprising an extensive piece of Mining Ground in the Parish of Patrick, adjoining Glenmay Village, at a royalty of 1-12th for ores obtained without steam power and 1-14th for same with steam power, with a dead rent of £1 per annum.

The goodwill of the lease and everything apperteining thereto, with all plant, &c. &c. will be offered in 1 lot so as to enable any speculators to continue the prosecution of the works; and if not so sold the Plant will at once be sold separately in lots, which comprise -

A 20-ft. Water Wheel, Winding Gear complete,
About 50 fms. of 6 and 7"-Pumps, with clack doors and Boxes, &c.,
2 6" Plunger Poles,
About 50 fms. of 6}" Main Rods, with Strapping Plates &c.,
2 Bobs, with Brasses, Pedestals, &c.,
40 fms. of 13" round Iron Rods, with Shieves, &c.,
About 100 fms. of Tram Iron 2%" x 3",
Iron Skip and 2 tram wagons,
100 fms. galvanised Wire Rope, 2" circ.,
About 14 fms, of a small Plunger-in Pole,
1 Smith's Bellow, Vice & Smith's Tools,
Good Die, for screwing different size bolts,
Office Furniture, with different other articles.
Auction to take place on the Ground, at 12 o'clock, Noon.
Auctioneer's Rooms & Offices - Drumgold-st. Douglas; Residence - 21 Prospect-hill, do."

The lease was not sold. One interesting and puzzling omission from this list is, of course, the "Mona-Erin". Possibly the old wheel had already been disposed of, and "20-ft" is a misprint for "30-ft", The wheel is said to have been sold to the Isle of Man Mining Company who re-erected it in Glen Rushen.

The century which has passed since the closure of the mine has seen many changes.

The road down the glen, which formerly left the glen above the mine, now has a branch leading right across the site of the surface works, obliterating much. A few blocked adit mouths and one or two indications of shafts are discernible with careful inspection. Most of the spoil heap now forms the road; what is left is overgrown, but specimens of ore can still be found in it. Part of the trough of the old wheel is still to be seen. But the trough of the "Mona-Erin", now surrounded by trees, still stands - silted up and overgrown though it may be. The course of the lodes which fed the wheels can still be made out, though one of the paths down the glen now follows much of the route taken by the older one.

It is as well, in closing, to look back to the speech made by J.S. Moore on that bracing March day a hundred years ago, for it reveals much of the men whe risked so much here.

"Some men" he said,"object to speculation, and never embark on anything where there is a risk. This, I think, is taking an extreme view; for, I feel, where there is something tangible to go upon, men are bound to speculate. They have every reason, when good men are at the head of affairs, to get on in the right way. "

"The results of speculation are evident in many parts of the Island. What would heve become of Laxey if men had held back when those mines were started? And what a benefit it will be to this neighbourhood if the North Foxdale Mime is similarly successful: "

"Then, again, at Foxdale itself, I remember when a boy, fifty-three years ago, mining works going on there, and they have never ceased yet. Even the fishermen speculate; they launch out their boats and prepare their nets, uncertain as to the result of their labours. No-one can look around and see the result of speculation, or combination, without being convinced of the amount of good that is done, in the shape of providing employment for men, whereby they can procure bread, clothing, and education for their families. Some people say, "Oh! you engage in these speculations for yourselves, and met te bemefit your fellow man,' but I deny this. Men cannot do it for themselves alone - others must be benefited indirectly. I would therefore impress on all present the necessity of uniting, and trying to do all you can for the benefit of your fellows while they are in this world. Some men come into the world, end pass through it, whose lives are a blank, living; and, worse than all, a blank, dying; and I would urge upon all present to do something in the world while you are in it."

APPENDIX ONE

(1) The Isle of Men Peel Castle Mining Company

FORMED: 1858 ;
DISSOLVED :
CAPITAL: £2,000 in 200 Shares of £10 each.
AGENT : Capt. James Ash.
SECRETARY: Obadiah Ash.
TREASURER: H. H. Bell.

(2) The Peel Castle and Glenmaye Mining Company, (Limited)

FORMED :
DISSOVED: 1866
CAPITAL: £10,000 in 1,000 shares of £10 each.
MANAGING AGENT = To 1864: CApt. James Ash. 1864-66: Capt. Edward Bawden, senior.
DIRECTORS : April 1864: William Langtry Bell, Merchant, Belfast; Henry H. Bell, Merchant, Belfast; Henry Megarry, Manager, Northern Bank, Lurgan; Capt. R.J. Marsh, R.N., Ramsey.
SECRETARY : April 1864: William Ash, 3 Donegal Street Place, Belfast.

(3) The North Foxdale Mining Company, (Limited)

FORMED : 1866
DISSOLVED: 1870
CAPITAL: £12,000 in 12,000 shares of £1 each.
MANAGER 1866-68; Capt. Edward Bawden, senior. 1868-70: Capt. Edward Bawden, junior.
DIRECTORS : August 1866: James Valentine, Belfast; Capt. RJ. Marsh, R.N., Ramsey; Robert Hanna, Northern Bank, Belfast; Henry H. Bell, Merchant, Belfast; Thomas Kermode, Merchant, Peel.
SECRETARY : Silas Evans, 23 Waring Street, Belfast.
REGISTERED OFFICE: 5 Gellings Court, Market Place, Douglas.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS : William Askin, Belfast Ship Owner 800 James Coole, Douglas Mezchant 420 Robert Deakin, Sheffield Merchent 120 Robert Hanna, Belfast Banker 500 David Woods Johnston, Belfast Merchant 200 Thomas Kermode, Peel Ironmonger 160 William Keig, Peel 130 John James Karran, Douglas Banker 100 William Kelly, Liverpool Ship Owner 200 Richard John Marsh, Ramsey Captain R.N. 100 James Major, Belfast Merchant 135 William John Nicholl, Belfast M 280 James Phillips, Belfast Shipbroker 310 William Pearse, Ballywater, Co. Down Farmer 125 William Barry Ritchie, Belfast Merchant 200 John Shelly, Belfast Collector of Customs 100 James Spittal, Ballaughton Advocate 200 William Valentine, Belfast Director 400 James Wetherald Valentine, Belfast Merchant 200

APPENDIX TWO

Principal Sources

ATHOL PAPERS X48/17; Bk.127; X49/12

ISLE OF MAN MINING CO. MINUTE BOOK " REPORT "

CROWN AGENT'S LETTER BOOKS, 2, 3.

MANX SUN 31/5/1851; 12/12/1851; 12/1/1858; 1/9/1860;. 9/3/1861;
7/6/1862; 2/8/1862; 11/10/1862; 31/3/1863; 26/3/1864; ;
13/8/1864; 15/9/1866; 29/9/1866; 14/3/1868; 29/5/1869;
11/6/1870; 20/8/1870.

MONA'S HERALD: 14/9/1861; 24/2/1864; 10/8/1864; 25/1/1865;
25/8/1866; 15/9/1866; 31/7/1867; 23/10/1867;
4/3/1868; 11/3/1868. ;

CHANCERY ACTION 1862/49: Watterson v Ashe & ors.

COMPANY FILE: 20.

MONA DAILY PROGRAMME: 4/7/1876.

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (LAMPLUGH).