Episodes
We move on northwards from Ballaugh, and the area is notable for being wooded - something rare in the Island in 1832 when the Rev Thomas Stephen published 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann'. We find out about Sulby and Milntown before arriving in Ramsey.
In our translation into Manx of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula', we hear of the aftermath of the surprising arrival into Whitby Harbour of a Russian schooner - and it's equally, if not more, surprising, according to the correspondent of a newspaper called The Dailygraph.
This week we hear from Paul Quayle about his exhibition of haiku, wood carvings and single-stroke artwork at the Hodgson-Loom Gallery at Laxey Glen Mills, '36 Views of Snaefell', which also feature in his new book of the same title. Music for the exhibition - which includes the work of several friends - is by Sid Gilbert. We hear from both Paul and Sid.
The cutting from The Dailygraph stuck into Mina Murray's Journal tells us of the strange arrival of a full-rigged schooner in Whitby - and the event only becomes stranger still. This is another extract of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' in a transl...
We look at Glen Helen, although it was developed after the time of our 1832 poem, before resuming the road as it climbs round Creg Willy Syl and we quickly make our way northwards to Kirk Michael, Bishopscourt and Ballaugh, where we look at St Mary's, completed in 1832.
In Bram Stoker's 'Dracula', in our Manx translation, a violent storm has suddenly erupted at Whitby after a fine day, and a foreign schooner with all sails set is running at full tilt towards the coast.
As nyn giaull -
MARGARET STEWART - An Domhnallagh urramach
FERNHILL - March glas
DE DANANN - The arrival of the Queen of ...
From Crosby, Rev Thomas Stephen's 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Man' of 1832 takes us over the parish boundary from Marown into German and we spend quite a bit of time progressing slowly to Ballacraine, before we turn northwards towards Glen Helen - bearing in mind that we're bound ultimately for Ramsey.
Mina Murray's Journal is the focus of our attention in our Manx translation of 'Dracula', and we hear of old Mr Swales's premonition of death, before we move on to a newspaper account of the apocalyptic weather over Whitby.
As y kiaull ain -
PILOCHA - A Fiandeira
HARRY PLUNKET GREENE -...
We find out about the unfortunate history of Anthony Dunlop, a Scot who was a leading agriculturalist in the Island and was chosen as a Member of the House of Keys. However, events went against him and he died leaving debts here in the Island, but a farm in Marown renamed from Ballakilley to Ellerslie.
In our translation into Manx of Bram Stoker's Dracula, we hear of Dr John Seward's thoughts about his patient, R M Renfield. Meanwhile, Mina Murray is worried about her friend, Lucy Westenra, who continues in apparent good health, but has started sleepwalking again. Even more worrying, she s...
There is a brief but intriguing reference in 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Man', the 1832 work of Rev Thomas Stephen, to 'Dunlop's Ellerslie left in the lurch'. Ellerslie is in Marown, but we find out about Anthony Dunlop through an article which was reprinted in the Peel City Guardian in 1899.
In our extract from the Manx translation of Dracula, the first of the three men who proposed to Lucy Westenra on the same day was Dr John Seward. Refused by Lucy, he immerses himself in work, and particularly concentrates on a patient, R M Renfield.
As y kiaull ain (jeeaghyn gys Yn Chruinnaght 2...
Rev Thomas Stephen's 1832 publication, 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Mann', has brought us to what he calls 'Dunlop's Ellerslie left in the lurch'. We start to find out about one-time owner of the farm, Anthony Dunlop, and we two personal glimpses of him, one as an older agriculturalist by Hannah Bullock in 1816, and the other by Scottish poet, Robert Burns, in a letter to Anthony's mother in 1790, when Anthony was 16.
Bram Stoker's ancient mariner, Mr Swales, is continuing with his explanation as to why the gravestones in the churchyard at Whitby are full of lies. Mina Murray and Lucy ...
We return from Dalby to Douglas before setting out again on another excursion, led by Rev Thomas Stephen's 'A Poetical Guide to the Isle of Man' published in 1832. We find out something of the history behind the houses and farms he points out on the road, going west as far as St Runius and Ellerslie.
In our Manx translation of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula', Mina Murray is writing in her journal. She describes the sceptical musings of an old fisherman who dismisses much of what is carved on the gravestones in the parish church of Whitby, where Mina is staying with her friend, Lucy Westenra.
As y...
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...