The life and career of Captain John Quilliam was marked in two different ways this week.

On Wednesday, the Isle of Man Post Office and The Quilliam Group joined together to celebrate the famed Manx naval hero.

The Post Office has issued a commemorative issue of six stamps by local artist Colleen Corlett, which vividly illustrate six episodes from Quilliam’s life at sea, and later back ashore in the Isle of Man in public service as an MHK.

Maxine Cannon, general manager of Isle of Man stamps and coins officially launched the stamps, saying: ’It is a great honour for us to again mark the memory of John Quilliam who is widely acknowledged as the foremost Manx naval officer.

’After volunteering for service in the Royal Navy and serving as an able seaman, he rose on merit through the ranks to command a number of frigates as well as most famously serving with distinction in HMS Victory under Nelson at Trafalgar.

’We are proud to represent Quilliam’s story through these stamps, sharing his tale with our customers worldwide. His name and legacy continues to travel the world, only this time by mail!’

Meanwhile, a book telling the story of Quilliam’s life has been announced by Dr Phil Smith, chairman of The Quilliam Group, who said: ’For many years it has been our group’s aim to have a seminal work about the life, service and legacies of John Quilliam.

’We were most fortunate in having well-known historians Frank Cowin, Andrew Bond and Professor Andrew Lambert working in collaboration to produce such a book.

’Titled "Favourite of Fortune" - a description penned in Marshall’s Royal Naval Biography of 1832 - it tells the story of Quilliam’s career.

’Professor Lambert rightly notes that most naval officers careers of that time were shaped by patronage but Quilliam - like Captain Thomas Hardy, the Captain of Victory at Trafalgar - were exceptional in being examples of merit rewarded.’

He added: ’The Quilliam Group - with generous financial support by Hamish Ross and Robin Crellin - are pleased to fund the publication of this book which we are confident will bring awareness of the Isle of Man’s greatest naval hero to a far wider audience.’

The double launch was hosted in St Mary’s on the Harbour church in Castletown.

Rev Irene Cowell said: ’It is a great honour to host this event which reflects the affection, appreciation and relevance that John Quilliam still exerts today.

’His example of service in both the Royal Navy and Manx public office remains an example for us all.’

A rare look inside the historic home of Captain Quilliam was on offer as part of Manx National Heritage’s popular Heritage Open Days.

We went along to a tour to get a glimpse inside. To see our picture special read this week’s Manx Independent, which is in the shops now.