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Island resident believes he has Archibald Knox's pet cat

Friday, 6 February 2026 06:20

By Chanelle Sukhoo

Picture credit: Manx Radio

Albert Mills took it about 20 years ago 

An Onchan resident believes he may be in possession of the remains of Archibald Knox’s pet cat.

Around twenty years ago, Albert Mills was walking in the Noble’s Park area when he noticed construction work taking place at a nearby house; he was told the property was being renovated and had once belonged to the Manx artist.

He says he was told he could take any of the discarded material from the site, including the cat.

Believing the animal may have been a companion of Archibald Knox, Albert took it with him and has kept it preserved in a metal box ever since:

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Manx Radio has contacted the Archibald Knox Forum with the information.

In response, it says below is what we know about Archibald Knox:

  • Born in 1864 in Cronkbourne Village.
  • By 1871 census, he and his family moved to two properties on South Quay in Douglas
  • By 1893 he lived with his family at 70 Athol Street, Douglas.
  • In 1897 he moved to London and returned to 70 Athol Street until his death in 1933.
  • 1900/1901 and lived at 70 Athol Street.
  • 1902 to 1905 he lived in Sulby Village.
  • 1905 to 1912/13 stayed in Philadelphia USA for six months.

"We have proof of all the above.

"All we can suggest is for somebody to find out the number of the house and look through the title deeds, which will show who lived in the house in the past.

"If such research shows that Knox did live there, it will be a totally new angle on his life which has never been known before."

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