Audio files recorded made by one of Britain’s strangest figures have been released through a joint project between Culture Vannin and a local magician.

Six hours’ worth of recordings made by the 20th century occultist and magician Dr Alexander Cannon, produced during his time living in the Isle of Man in the post-war years, were released this week.

Dr Cannon was a controversial figure throughout the 1930s, through to the early 1960s, for his beliefs in eastern and ancient alternative practices and his claims that he had mastered the power of levitation.

He moved to the Isle of Man in 1939, living at Laureston Avenue until his death in 1963.

He made these recordings of his thoughts and lectures, described by Culture Vannin as ’some of the strangest Manx historical recordings you are likely to find’, as well as some of the magic shows he hosted.

He gained notoriety in pre-war England, working as a psychiatrist before working as a private practitioner, using highly unusual psychic methods to treat his clients, including King Edward VIII.

On moving to the island, Dr Cannon’s strange beliefs and practices earned him the attentions of MI5 and the suspicion that he was an enemy spy.

In the post-war years, he became an active member of the island’s magic community and held shows with visiting magicians, entertaining audiences and guests in his ’Enchanted Hall’, built in the grounds of his house in Douglas.

Local magician and historian Mike Clague helped with the archiving and publishing of the recordings which he believes are of international interest.

’Dr Cannon was certainly a "character", and a superb self-publicist,’ said Mike.

’His importance to magic is largely due to his ability, even as an amateur magician, to attract internationally-recognised magicians to lecture and perform at his Enchanted Hall.

’He loved technology, and used his nine tape recorders, which at the time were very expensive items, to record the shows. Cannan would have adored the iPhone.

’The recordings he made will be a valuable resource for current and future magic historians.’

l The recordings can be heard at culturevannin.im