Smuggling stories
SMUGGLING is one of the themes of a Manx historian and writer's new book.
Controversy 1651-1895: From Smuggling to the Common Purse explores the development of the financial relationship between the Isle of Man and Britain.
Author Dr Kit Gawne gave a copy of his book – published by the Manx Heritage Foundation – to Braddan Parish Commissioners' chairman Margaret Hodge at Port Soderick bay.
Mrs Hodge said: 'I was delighted to receive, on behalf of the commissioners, this fascinating book from Dr Gawne, another very talented Braddan resident.
'Braddan is an extraordinary parish, reaching from the tip of the Sulby reservoir right down to this rugged coastline.
'For well over a hundred years, trading ships would stop off at the sheltered coves here with their cargoes of luxury goods for use in the lucrative smuggling trade.'
The book tells of beach skirmishes and sea battles with cutlass and cannon, plans to take political hostages from the Island and a never-ending exchange of insults between nations.
It sheds light on the struggle between local radical protestors and conservative protectionists, which threw up heroes and villains on both sides.
It also reveals the story of the Isle of Man's tough negotiations with Britain, which brought about the hard-won financial and political independence it enjoys today.
In his book, Dr Gawne explains the Island once supplied surrounding countries with vast amounts of contraband.
It all landed here legally, paying much lower import duties, but was smuggled under cover of darkness by sailing vessels to the shores of England, Ireland and Scotland.
To end the practice, Britain negotiated in 1765 with a reluctant Duke of Atholl, Lord of Man, to purchase back the Crown's sovereign rights to the Island through the Revestment Act.
Manx lobbyists, politicians and newspapers made repeated representations to the British authorities to try to regain control of the Island's affairs.
It took many decades, but a better relationship developed between the two countries.
This led to the introduction of a popularly elected House of Keys in 1867 and the setting up of the Common Purse Arrangement in 1895.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
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