The annual commemoration of Illiam Dhone, a Manx patriot executed in 1663, will take place on Sunday.

This event honours William Christian (Illiam Dhone in Gaelic) who supposedly died in defence of the island’s independence and the rights of its people.

He was ’a hero’ who symbolised Manx resistance to English oppression, although some historians disagree with that assessment.

Organised by Mec Vannin, the Manx nationalist party, and the Manx branch of the Celtic League, the commemoration takes place every year at Hango Hill in Castletown on January 2.

It has become the focal point of the Manx nationalist calendar and one where pro-Manx views can be put forward and discussed. It hears speeches in both English and Manx Gaelic.

Due to the current circumstances with Covid-19, organisers have decided to hold a shorter ceremony than usual which will include an introduction, wreath laying and the singing of the national anthem.

There is no post-event gathering organised.

Organisers have also requested all those attending observe social distancing and/or wear a face mask.

Mr Christian was a member of the island’s landed establishment and a senior local official working for the Lord of Man, James the 7th Earl of Derby.

During the English Civil War James and his wife, the Countess Charlotte, were Royalists. As the Parliamentarians gained the upper hand, the Isle of Man became one of the last outposts of support for the King.

In 1651, James went to fight in Lancashire where he was then beheaded.

He left Charlotte in charge at Castle Rushen, and the island awaited the arrival of a Parliamentarian invasion fleet.

With rumours that the countess was about to do a deal with the invaders and sell out the island for tuppence, Mr Christian hosted a mass meeting of Manx people at his home in Ronaldsway.

It was agreed the local militia would rise up against the Derbys, and they offered no opposition when the Parliamentarians landed.

Charlotte was forced to surrender and allowed to leave the Isle of Man.

The reason for surrender was to avoid the bloodshed that had happened elsewhere when places held out against the Parliamentarian forces.

Witnesses alleged Mr Christian had made a prior arrangement with those forces to deliver the Isle of Man into their hands.

He was a key local contact and went on to become governor as well as receiver general under the new rulers.

When accounting irregularities were discovered, Mr Christian left for England, where he spent time in prison for debt.

Following the restoration of the monarchy, he returned to the island believing that the royal pardon for civil war transgressions also applied to the Isle of Man. Charles, the son of the late Earl of Derby, convicted him and ordered the execution of Illiam Dhone for treason.

The event will take place at 2pm on January 2, 2022 at Hango Hill.