Episodes
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...
On 6th December 1878, there was a great concourse of more than 700 people who assembled in the new premises of the Philip Christian Endowed School in Peel, funded by the Clothworkers' Guild of the City of London, of which Philip Christian had been a Warden, and had left London property in his will to the Guild's trust to use the rental to pay for education in his native Peel, where he'd been born in 1593.
Our short story in Manx was written by Japanese writer, Matsuo Basho. It's about an old woman whose ingenuity leads to the reversal of a tyrannical law which would otherwise have led to h...
In a short programme this time because of a Covid briefing, we hear how a case of mistaken identity brought a second celebration of St Maughold, with Shenn Laa'l Maghal Geuree, the old style St Maughold's winter feast day, on 26th November - the day when people elsewhere, particularly in Brittany, celebrate the feast day of St Malo.
And only time for part of a story in Manx this time, from one by Matsuo Basho.
As nyn giaull -
MACGREGOR, BRECHIN, O hEADHRA - A chailin alainn
ARFON GWILYM & SIONED WEBB - Nid wyf yn llon
MORWENN LE NORMAND & ARZ NEVEZ - Yr yarig
CAARJYN COOIDJAGH - Yn maarl...
Belle Vue was a very popular resort presenting circuses, model villages, a replica of HMS Victory and much more at a site about a mile from the centre of Douglas, beween the Rivers Doo and Glass just before they converge to become the Douglas River. We get a glimpse of what was there as we hear of the destruction of quite large parts of it in a fire on 23rd November 1895.
It's not so much a story as a study or sketch by Cornish writer, Arthur Quiller-Couch, that we hear in a Manx translation of an unusual family living in Yorkshire.
As nyn giaull -
SHAE APLAND & SHARON WISHART - The end o...
The Douglas and Isle of Man Bank was opened on the South Quay in Douglas in 1815. It was run by the Holmes family, a Liverpool-Manx family. The death of John Holmes in Liverpool was followed very shortly by the death of the last surviving brother, James Holmes, in Douglas. Their bank had been greatly trusted, but its affairs were found to be in disarray. This was uncovered on the death of James Holmes on 7th November 1853.
Our story in Manx is a translation of a modern version of a faux-mythological tale by Indian-American author, Neel Rana.
As y kiaull ain, dy yannoo ard eailley jeh'n Ch...
We're just about half way through November by now. Or are we? And are we at the start of a new year? For many years, the Hop tu Naa tradition was celebrated on 11th November and on the northside, leases took effect from 12th November. These are the dates as they appear on the modern calendar, but by the unreformed calendar, these would be 31st October and 1st November.
Our story in Manx is another written originally by Neel Rana in English, but that's not his native tongue, so the story has been edited in translation - a strange tale of a mad scientist and his wife.
As nyn giaull -
CARREF...
Colonel Robert Duckenfield led a large force against the Isle of Man, but their arrival was dogged by bad weather. By the time they arrived, Illiam Dhone had led a rising against Charlotte, the Countess of Derby, and was able to conclude terms with the Parliamentarians on behalf of the people of the Island, rather than allowing the Countess to use them as pawns in trying to save her husband, not knowing that he had already been executed. The Countess surrendered Castle Rushen in return for safe passage of her household and retainers on 31st October 1651.
Our short story in Manx is a transl...
It's a lucky dip of news as we look through the pages of the Manx Sun newspaper, in the edition for Saturday October 21, 1871. We've looked at pieces of history in and around that year, but we get a glimpse of what was exercising the minds of people in general, with the launch of Isle of Man Railways two years before its first line opened, an unflattering view of the harbour works which gave us the Victoria and Battery Piers in Douglas, and the perhaps surprising shopping hours in Castletown.
Our story in Manx is by David Barber, taking a wry look at the work of a jobbing author engaged in...
We recap on our short story, written in English by American author Joe Giordano and translated into Manx for Claare ny Gael, and then follow it to its sad conclusion.
Meanwhile, we trace the circumstances that led to 800 armed Manx militia men assembling at the house of Illiam Dhone, William Christian, to take an oath of allegiance to him to make a stand against Charlotte, the Countess of Derby, and negotiate directly with the Parliamentarians to protect the rights and privileges - and the lives - of the Manx people. That took place on 18th October 1651.
As nyn giaull -
PADDY MOLONEY & TH...
Our short story in Manx takes us to New York, where Craig is besotted with Brede but loses her close affection, though they remain friends. When Brede becomes the victim of violence, Craig steps in to help.
Laa'l Vial, the Feast Day of St Michael the Archangel - Michaelmas - (which falls on 29th September, but continued to be celebrated by the old style, on or around 10th October) was an important time in the Island, not just in Kirk Michael, as you might expect, but also in Castletown, Ballasalla and Douglas.
As y kiaull ain 'sy chlaare y cheayrt shoh -
DENIS ALLEN - Limerick, you're ...
The Bank of Mona had its head office in Douglas and branches in Castletown, Peel and Ramsey. However, it was a subsidiary of the Bank of Glasgow. However well-run the Bank of Mona was, the Bank of Glasgow crashed, and so the Bank of Mona also shut down, on Wednesday 2nd October 1878. Its former Douglas head office today forms the 'Wedding Cake' of the Island's Legislative Buildings.
And in our story in Manx, whilst y Kyaghan and y Roddan Ushtey do their best to sort out the wreck of the gypsy cart, Mnr Toad is infatuated with the vehicle that frightened the horse and caused the damage.
As...