Episodes
The author of our 1832 publication, 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann', Rev Thomas Stephen, seems to have a particular interest in Sir George Moore, but we also find out about other notables that he refers to as he takes us out to Glen Maye - or Glen Moij as it was in his day.
In this week's episode of a translation into Manx of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula', Dr John Seward deals with the refusal of his marriage proposal by Lucy Westenra by studying an asylum patient who particularly interests him. Meanwhile, Mina Murray writes up about Whitby in her journal as she visits Lucy and her famil...
We set off on the second day of our excursions, and Rev Thomas Stephen leads us from Castletown up and over the slopes of Barrule to Foxdale, down to St John's and on to Peel.
In our Manx translation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Lucy Westenra has written to her friend, Mina Murray, about receiving three marriage proposals in a day. She's turned one down from Dr John Seward, and now she's receiving the attentions of an American, Quincy P Morris. However, her heart is already set on Arthur Holmwood.
As nyn giaull -
SKEEAL - Manannan
PLETHYN - Bonheddwr mawr o'r Bala
THE SKYMASTERS DANCE ORCHES...
We're visiting the Chasms with the Rev Thomas Stephen, following 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann' which he published in 1832. We'll return to Castletown by a circuitous route for our evening meal and accommodation - but not before the Rev Stephen leads us on yet another sight-seeing stroll before we sit down to eat.
Not knowing of the perils facing her fiance, Jonathan Harker, in Castle Dracula, Mina Murray is exchanging letters with her old school friend, Lucy Westenra. Lucy reveals she, too, is engaged - and there's more!
As nyn giaull -
ALVAN & AHEZ - Fulenn
EMMA CHRISTIAN - Arra...
We're on an excursion, the first of several following Rev Thomas Stephen's 1832 'A Poetic Guide to the Isle of Mann'. We left Douglas via the Nunnery, Kewaigue, Richmond Hill and Newtown, and had reached Ballasalla. Onwards, then, to the Island's former capital, Castletown, where Mrs Kneen is to provide an evening meal.
Despite his hopes of slipping out when the Szganee and the Slovakee leave, Jonathan Harker is still stuck in Castle Dracula. Meanwhile, the young woman to whom he is betrothed, Mina Murray, corresponds with her school friend, Lucy Westenra.
As y kiaull ain - gyn oyr erbee,...
Rev Thomas Stephen is recommending that we go on excursions to see more of the Island as he describes it in rhyme in 1832, following our ramble through Douglas and surrounding area. He's critical of tourists trying to cram too much into a visit and recommends taking time to look around as he leads us off for our first excursion.
Jonathan Harker knows that Count Dracula intends to hand him over to the three dreadful women to suck out his blood, unless he can find some way to escape from the castle. Desperate situations call for desperate remedies!
As nyn giaull -
CEOL BHO THUATH - O thoir ...
We find out about the Fort Anne as a house and later as a hotel, before the Rev Thomas Stephen takes us down to the edge of a storm-tossed sea. Then we head inland to the Nunnery - still associated here with the Heywoods, though they had sold it many years before to the Goldie-Taubmans.
Jonathan Harker makes a bid to leave Castle Dracula immediately when the Count seems to be so disposed - only to be met with another of the Count's cruel tricks. However, if he can't get out, he knows only too well what his fate will be. But morning has come again, and with it, hope . . .
Shoh yn kiaull a...
There is a good variety of meat and fish to be had in Douglas market, according to Rev Thomas Stephen's poem of 1832, before he takes us out onto the Red Pier, designed by George Steuart and clad in Annan sandstone. George Steuart also was the architect of the Castle Mona for the Duke of Atholl.
Jonathan Harker was being lulled - hypnotised - by dancing lights, but when they started to take the shape of the three dreadful women he'd been threatened by previously, he ran screaming to his room. After an anxious night, he's very pleased to see the new day - and with it, a new and daring plan....
Rev Thomas Stephen takes us for a stroll round parts of Douglas and out to old Kirk Braddan, and we look at the background to some of the things he mentions in his 1832 poem, 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann'.
Jonathan Harker has been disappointed by the Szgany, who turned his letters over to Count Dracula. His renewed hope of getting information out through a part of Slovaks is soon dashed, and then finds that the Count is up to fresh mischief. However, that's not his greatest terror.
As nyn giaull - son Oie Voaldyn as Laa Boaldyn rere yn chenn eaillere -
THE QUARTET - Home
FLOR ENV...
We continue to follow Rev Thomas Stephen's 1832 work, 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann', in which we hear of the work of the hobblers, the harbour boatmen, and one lady's misfortune on being helped ashore at Douglas.
Jonathan Harker's hopes are raised by the appearance of a group of gypsies in the courtyard of Castle Dracula - perhaps he can send letters clandestinely through them, unknown to the Count. His letter to Mina is written in shorthand.
As nyn giaull -
JIMMY CROWLEY - Nil na la
PEOPLE OF HELSTON - Hal an tow
HELSTON TOWN BAND - Helston furry
MOOT - Graih my chree
ANTON VA...
Writing in 1832, Rev Thomas Stephen is giving us 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann'. He includes the Island's government, including the role of the Legislative Council - though without mentioning that he, as Vicar-General, was an ex officio member of it.
Jonathan Harker realises that he was not dreaming when he was faced with three beautiful women for whom he felt lust, which turned to horror when it became obvious they wanted to feast on his blood. Count Dracula has him prepare a series of letters - by the dates of which Jonathan Harker sees how long he can expect to stay alive before...
We continue with Rev Thomas Stephen's 1832 publication, 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann', but we step aside every now and then to find out more about things he mentions in his text.
In our translation into Manx of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula', Jonathan Harker is exploring part of Castle Dracula where it appears the ladies of the household used to live. Feeling tired, he decides to ignore Count Dracula's warning about not sleeping anywhere but in the suite of rooms he has been using so far and to sleep here.
As y kiaull ain -
PARTI CUT LLOI - Tre Porthmadog
DOLORES KEANE - Thuas ag Gort a...
We dip once again into 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann' by Rev Thomas Stephen, published in 1832. It mixes proud bombast and hyperbole with tongue in cheek cheesiness and a sense of humour and awareness of its own mix of purple prose and bathos.
Jonathan Harker can hardly believe his eyes as he witnesses Count Dracula's way of leaving his room to exit the castle. With the Count out of the way, he decides to explore further than he's hitherto dared.
As y kiaull ain -
SONIA JONES, SUE JONES-DAVIES & GERAINT GRIFFITHS - Teilwng yw'r oen
PEADAR O CEANNABHAIN - Sadhbh Ni Bhruinneala
MIKE...
We turn to 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann', written by Rev Thomas Stephen and published in 1832. He wrote in the Manx language as well, but we hear from his work in English this time. Thomas Stephen was Vicar of Kirk Patrick for 15 years and was also Vicar-General - though some parts of his work perhaps belie his day job!
In our story in Manx, Count Dracula is pressing Jonathan Harker to write to his employer, Peter Hawkins, and to anyone else he wishes - but with a clear threat not to write too much. There's also a dire warning not to fall asleep anywhere else in Castle Dracula but...
In 1975 Kathleen Killip published a collection of fourteen short stories under the title 'Saint Bridget's Night'. In 2017 Ian Cottier recorded ten of them, and we hear him reading 'The White Horse of the Curraghs'.
Jonathan Harker listens to some of the history of Transylvania and of the family Dracula from the Count, before looking to the Count's business affairs. It seems that Count Dracula has a sharp mind for such things, despite not having been involved much in them.
As y kiaull ain -
RUSHEN SILVER BAND - Gwendolen/The washing song (Arrane ny niee)
GWENNYN - En tu all
GAN AINM - Gill...
By the Gregorian Calendar Act, the day after 2nd September 1752 was deemed to have been 14th September. Those 11 days are the reason why high days and holy days are often associated with dates a little later than might be expected. Two days in point are Shenn Laa'l Abban, the Old Style Feast Day of St Abban, and Shenn Laa'l Pharick, the Feast Day of St Patrick by the Old Style.
Jonathan Harker has discovered himself to be trapped inside Castle Dracula. After some frantic running to and fro, he settles down to think it through. His first course of action is to get Count Dracula talking, to ...
We heard recently of the controversy when the IOMSPCo Ltd named a vessel the Viking, launched on the Tyne in 1905. We hear this time of the next vessel launched for the company, this time at Vickers, Son and Maxim Ltd in Barrow. No quibbles about the name when the Ben-my-Chree (III) was launched on 23rd March 1908.
Having a shave leads to a surprise for Jonathan Harker, which causes him to nick his chin slightly. The result only compounds the strange situation in which he now finds himself, alone and encompassed within the walls of Castle Dracula.
As y kiaull ain - son Laa Fheile Padraig...
William Forster was consecrated as Bishop of Sodor and Man on 9th March 1634, having been appointed to the episcopacy in December 1633. His term of office was cut short when he died in February 1635. He held a court in Douglas in 1634, and his questionnaire, known as Bishop Forster's Visitation, to the churchwardens and sidemen gives a glimpse of life in the Island at that time.
Jonathan Harker explains to Count Dracula how he came upon the property called Carfax which has been bought for the Count at Purfleet, to the east of London. It's evidently quite to the Count's taste.
As yn kiau...
On 6th March 1905 the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Ltd had a new vessel, its first turbine steamer, launched on the Tyne. We hear of the war of words about a suitable name for it.
Jonathan Harker has found a library with a lot of books, newspapers and magazines in the English language. It seems that Count Dracula has been studying the language, customs and manners of the English, prior to a move to London. Whilst the Count has the grammar and vocabulary, he wants Jonathan Harker to stay and teach him the blass.
As y kiaull ain, dy yannoo ard eailley jeh Gool Peran, noo patroonagh y Ch...
In late February 1903 a storm - described as a cyclone and a hurricane in the newspapers - caused a lot of structural damage throughout the Island. In Douglas, the tin tab of All Saints' church was damaged, as was St George's, but in the early hours of Friday 27th February 1903 St German's Church in Peel - now the Island's cathedral - was severely damaged. We look at contemporary accounts.
Jonathan Harker has entered Castle Dracula and has met the Count. He enjoys a good supper whilst talking with Count Dracula, and afterwards has an opportunity to observe him.
As nyn giaull - jeeaghyn gy...
The early eighteenth century was a time of friction between church and state. One flash point came in 1718, when an appeal against the ecclesiastical courts went to the Earl of Derby. Bishop Thomas Wilson pointed out it ought to go to the Archbishop of York and refused to attend a court called by James Stanley, the 10th Earl of Derby. Wilson was fined £10 for contempt of court on 19th February 1718.
Jonathan Harker is standing doubtful and afraid in the dark forecourt of Castle Dracula. Things, however, appear to improve once he is admitted, to find rooms brightly-lit and warm and a good s...
Some time ago in 'Claare ny Gael' we were going through A Book of Manx Poetry, chosen and edited by William Cubbon. When he was about 85 years of age in 1950, his grand-daughter, Thelma, published a collection of poetry called These Things I Would Remember, dedicated to her grandfather. We dip into that.
Jonathan Harker is having a troubled ride in a carriage to Castle Dracula, surrounded by a moving circle of howling wolves. The coachman has already displayed his great strength. But he also exhibits other startling abilities. Arriving at Castle Dracula gives little respite from worries.
...
After frosts and general cold weather, Wednesday 6th February 1895 saw a fall of snow which began at 7.30am and didn't let up, and with a strong wind created blizzard conditions which piled the snow up to 14 ft deep and smothered the Island and its normal activities. We hear how the Isle of Man Examiner described the conditions.
Jonathan Harker has now transferred to the personal carriage of Count Dracula, though he begins to suffer some nervous qualms about it as the carriage sets off, amidst a cacophony of howling from farm dogs and from the mountain wolves.
As y kiaull ain -
NORMA WATE...
The Isle of Man Times and General Advertiser hailed the passing by a sitting of Tynwald on 2nd February 1872 of the Public Elementary Education Act. The Act required the Bible to be read and explained as part of the curriculum. The editorial was concerned that that this might lead to "denominationalism", as churches and chapels sought to influence what was taught.
Jonathan Harker is on a coach as the evening comes and darkness falls, with the driver urgently driving on his horses and the other passengers in a state of nervous excitement. Where is the personal carriage of Count Dracula, whi...
Edward Christian was a significant figure in Manx history from about 1630 until his death in 1661, with radical ideas that were well ahead of his time. These were turbulent times, as was his relationship with Yn Stanlagh Mooar, James, the Lord Strange and then VII Earl of Derby. Edward Christian died on 19th January and was buried in the chancel of Maughold Church on 22nd January, 1661.
And Jonathan Harker gets a lot of pitying looks, signs of the cross and gestures to ward off the evil eye as he sets off for Castle Dracula. However, he quite enjoys the sights on the road, despite the driv...
We heard recently about a trial held over the Christmas time of 1843 in the Halfway House just above Crosby. Was it for trespass on Ballaharry, or was it so that the owner, John Quine, could accuse his sister-in-law of causing the death of some of his animals by witchcraft? After the Mona's Herald reported on it, there was a lively debate in its pages about it during January of 1844.
Jonathan Harker intends to set out for Castle Dracula, at the invitation of the Count. But there are those who think he should not accept the invitation - particularly if it means being there on a certain day....
Although there had been books of poetry by Cushag - Letitia Margaret Josephine Kermode - since 1907, a collection called 'Manx Melodies' was published one hundred years ago in 1922. We hear some of the poetry from that volume.
In 1897, a Dubliner living and working in London, Bram Stoker published a book dedicated 'To my dear friend Hommy Veg' - Hommy Veg being Thomas Hall Caine, and Bram Stoker's book being 'Dracula'. We're starting on a translation of Jonathan Harker's Journal which constitutes the first chapter.
As nyn giaull -
LON DHOO & LON VANE CHOIRS - Mannin veen
KAN HA BISKOUL - ...
Our translation of a short story by Anthony Dezenzio into Manx turns out to be a bit shorter than expected, so we also hear translations of flash fiction by Justin Rulton, John M Carlson and Bianca Sanchez.
We dip into the first newspaper of the new year 150 years ago in 1872, and we hear of children in squalid rags, of poverty and destitution. We also hear criticism of what is supposed to be a hospital, but led by clergymen with no medical staff involved, and of the dangers of Douglas Harbour. Roadworks were also an issue in early 1872.
As y kiaull ain y cheayrt shoh -
THE MOLLAG BAND ...
We look to the newspapers to get a feel for what was happening in the Island one hundred years ago, round about the Christmastime of 1921. Mail delivery was obviously important, and the postal service got little respite. Prohibition in the USA had started in 1920, and there were those in favour of it in the Island, and those opposed to it, as the Island discussed a new licensing bill. And moves were afoot regarding secondary education - but, inevitably, there were arguments and complaints.
In keeping with a seasonal tradition, our short story in Manx is a translation of a mysterious tale b...
In 1843, the reporter in the Mona's Herald was incredulous that, in that modern and enlightened age, people in Marown believed in witchcraft. However, a trial for trespass on Ballaharry somehow became a hunt for the person who was bewitching the farmer, John Quine, who was also a preacher, and apparently supported in his endeavours by two other preachers on the jury.
Richmal Crompton is well-known as the writer of the Just William stories, but we hear a Manx translation of her story which, from the dialogue, she set in the rural United States of America.
As y kiaull ain y cheayrt shoh -
...
We hear how HMS Racehorse came to grief on Langness on 14th December 1822, which unfortunately resulted in the loss of six crewmen and three of the crew of a boat from Castletown that had made four trips, rescuing the rest of those on board, before being swamped as it returned from its fifth mission.
Our short story in Manx is the first part of one written by well-known author, Richmal Crompton, about a Christmas Present, translated into Manx for the programme.
As nyn giaull -
ISLA CALLISTER - Arrane ny Killey
IEUAN AP SION - Gwn Dafydd Iwan
MARY BERGIN - The floggin reel/The ivy leaf/Tr...