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Window into Island's political past

Tynwald’s relaunched website provides a fascinating insight into the Island’s history over the last 125 years.

The new site contains Hansard reports from the House of Keys, Legislative Council and Tynwald court going back to 1887.

In total, there are 25,000 documents available to the public covering historic events the Isle of Man has been involved in.

Inside the enormous archive are reports from the outbreak of World War One – including a suggestion the Calf of Man could be used as a prisoner of war camp if a cable car could be built across the Sound.

And when it came to funding the war, Tynwald approved sending £10,000 to the Imperial government to arm itself, the equivalent of around £6 million in today’s money.

Also inside the treasure trove of documents is the original debate into whether the Island should host the TT Races and the legislation which was needed to set up the event.

You can browse the site at tynwald.org.im

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