[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]

(7) Ramsey Philanthropic Society, 1795-1850

Description

The second friendly society founded on the Island has left neither its articles of association nor records of its operation. Its reported public appearances on Holy Thursday, the annual Club day,the anniversary of its foundation, describe for many years a typical procession to church with music, followed by a dinner, loyal toasts and conviviality. In 1820 it merged with the Benevolent Society of Ramsey which had been inaugurated in 1815, having in 1818 lost its younger members, obviously troubled by the potential drain on funds of the original ageing membership, to the formation of the Ramsey Amicable Society which survived in some style until 1889. Regrettably without its regulations of association and any records of its operation it is impossible to examine the ideas and influences behind the founding of this second urban society. It is reported as active in the Manx Sun of 18 May, 1850, but did not survive to be registered as active in the 1879 Medical Aid and Poor Relief Commission Report.

Records

Isle of Man newspapers, ut supra et passim.

Publications

...

Later research (by F.P.C.)

The notices in the Press are relatively few - partly explained it seems by lack of sending any notice to the press. Those that do appear are, as Harrison states, typical of the many Benefit Societies of the period.

Manks Advertiser, Saturday, 19th May 1804:

On Thursday the 10th instant, agreeably to annual custom, the Members of the Ramsey PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY, walked in procession to Ramsey Chapel, where an excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. Thomas Cubbon, of Kk Maughold. After service they proceeded in the same regular order, to the New Court House, where an elegant Dinner was provided — Several Gentlemen of the town were invited to a participation of the cheer ; and the greatest order and harmony prevailed during the evening. Several loyal toasts were given, and, indeed, the company appeared emulous to out-vie each otter in Loyalty, Sociality, and innocent Mirth.

Manks Advertiser, Saturday, 29th May 1813;

The Ramsey Friendly Society held their Anniversary (as usual ) on Holy Thursday; they were accompanied, in their procession, to and from chapel, by the Band of the Douglas Volunteers, and afterwards partook of an excellent Dinner at the Courthouse, where many loyal toasts were drank, and the day was spent in the greatest harmony and conviviality.

Manks Advertiser, Thursday, 7th May 1818:

The Ramsey Philanthropic Society commemorated their anniversary on the same, day, the particulars of which, not having come to hand, we decline for the present to detail

Manks Advertiser, Thursday, 3rd June 1819;

RAMSEY PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY.

On Thursday, the 20th ult. (being Ascension Day) this Society commemorated their.twenty-third anniversary. The members marched in procession to chapel, where an excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. Hugh Stowell, rector of Ballaugh, from Luke x. 37, "Go, and do that likewise." After which they returned in the same order to the Court-house, where they dined together, and spent the day with that conviviality and harmony which have always distinguished their meetings. This Society consists of 135 members; and its capital, in cash and bonds, amounts to £56 after having paid, during the past year, £106. 15s. 10d to its sick, and £64 to the families of deceased members.

Rising Sun, Tuesday, 1st June 1824

The Ramsey Philanthropic Society also commemorated their anniversary on the same day [Holy Thursday] and if we may judge from their former annual meetings, have no hesitation in saying that they kept it up with the same life and spirit as either of those at Douglas or Castletown; but not having received any account of their proceedings, we cannot do that justice to the Society as we otherwise could have wished and would have felt great pleasure in doing.

Mona's Herald, Wednesday, 7th June 1848

Thursday last being Ascension-day, the Ramsey Philanthropic Society celebrated their fifty first anniversary, by walking in procession through the principal streets, preceded by a band of music. They attended divine service at St. Paul's church, where a discourse was delivered by the Rev. W. Kermode ; and after the ceremony was performed, proceeded to partake of an excellent and substantial repast, provided by Mr. Quayle. Nearly all the members of this club are elderly men, and on the occasion had a nice turn out, having a respectable appearance : but, we understand, the funds are low. We understand it is the intention of this society to frame new rules for the purpose of augmenting the funds.

Mona's Herald, Wednesday, 15th May 1850;

The members of the Ramsey Philanthropic Society celebrated their anniversary. After transacting the usual routine of business, and electing officers for the ensuing year, 100 formed In procession and proceeded to St. Paul's Church, where the Rev. William Kermode delivered an appropriate discourse. They afterwards paraded the town and suburbs, with a band of music, banners, flags, and proceeded to Kneale's Warehouse, where ao excellent and substantial dinner was provided by Mrs. Anne Quayle, of the Royal Oak Inn. The evening was spent in hilarity and friendly conversation. Several toasts were given and responded to, when the company dispersed, highly delighted on assembling once more around the festive board. The funds of this long established society are steadily progressing, as well as the number of members.

The final notice found suggests that its poor finances were well known

Mona's Herald, Wednesday, May 11, 1853

On the same day [Ascension-day], the members of the Ramsey Philanthropic Society, held their fifly-seventh anniversary — for many years this old established Sociely was gradually going down towards oblivion, and has paid many thousand pounds for the relief of sick members, — but during the past year it has again added a trifle to its almost extinct exchequer.

Officers + Finances

No press notice names the Officiers. Only 8 loans ranging from £5 to £30 can be found in the records - it is possible there are earlier loans under the name of one of the stewards rather than the society, one loan does not name any officiers, 4 loans would not appear to have been repaid leaving the following nine records of the Stewards with only one record naming the President.

It would appear that the Society in some form lasted at least until 1861 though the last note in the press was that of 1853. The sums loaned are relatively small suggesting the Society was, as the final press notice has, "gradually going down towards oblivion.". It was not named, unlike the Ramsey Amicable Society, in the procession of the Coffin of Sir Mark Cubbon to Maughold Churchyard on 17th May 1861;

The three entries in 1834 would support the appointment of new officiers from the Ascension Day of that year, but others support 1st Jan

Charles Kissack was bapt May 1786 so would be about 64 - lived in 'house behind Court House' in 1841

References

Constance Radcliffe Shining by the Sea A History of Ramsey 1800-1914 1989

Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The Editor HTML Transcription © F.Coakley , 2026