What a surprise for most of the audience to discover that Peter Cannell really was talking about civil war on the Isle of Man and not England.

I am struggling to make sense of events, even the term ’war’ as accounts centre on just one day in 1098 called the Battle of Santwat between men of the south and men of the north of the island.

There seems to be doubt as to what is meant by Northmen. They were inhabitants of the northern part of the island or Noorthmen, descendants of Norwegian invaders.

Earl Other, leader of the north, and Earl Macmaras, leader of the south, were both slain.

There seems to be great uncertainty as to where the battle took place. The balance of argument seems to support Peel, although St Patrick’s Isle is referred to in historical writings.

However, a site at Jurby is claimed to be St Patrick’s Isle, although only a promontory. St Patrick’s Isle, Peel, is an unlikely site as it is too small.

However, the general view summarised by CH Cowley, of the Peel chemists, was that the battle took place on what is now Peel golf course on the Congary brooghs.

There are several conflicting accounts. One thing they do seem to agree about is the part played by the wives of the southerners.

It seems that they were so alarmed at the tide of battle turning against their husbands that they ’entered upon the scene, wild-eyed and weary with running, and tired with the weight of stones, but yet eager to help the men who were giving their lives for them.

’Evidently their weight told and the northerners were beaten.’

The hail of missiles seems to have been decisive. This is from the account in AW Moore’s, History 1900.

Given the loss of so many men in battle, the wives had to run the land as well as the homes and they were granted the right to own land and to pass it on.

This was a first, not just for the island but for all of Britain. This was gradually extended to include voting rights, again a ’first’.

Peter’s talk included detail about the island’s history, including its importance as a trading nation.

A whole panoply of figures passed before us How many knew of Aufrica de Connaught, last queen of Mann?

Suddenly, William, the Sixth Earl of Derby turned up.

We were told that he was a great friend of Marlow and Shakespeare.

Apparently, some believe that the earl was Shakespeare as his travels and experiences match those recorded in the works of Shakespeare.

By this time, I was well beyond the stun barrier.

I suppose that several hundred years history in less than an hour was a challenge but what fun! I do hope, Peter, that you enjoyed your visit as much as we did.

We’re directed to [email protected]  which is Frances Coakley’s invaluable history site.

John Slater