Isle of Man
Fire Insurance Company

This was a short lived attempt to build a local based Fire Insurance Company

" To insure Houses, Buildings, Goods and Merchandize in this Island only, against losses from Fire, for two thirds of the usual expence attending such Insurances"

The names behind the scheme were

• George Quayle & Co Bankers,
• John F Crellin,
• William Scott,
• Robert Stuart,
• Thomas Stowell,
• Norris Moore,
• William Callow & Co,
• Edward Gawne,
• John C Gelling.
• Lewis Geneste & Son

Each member (which could be a company rather than an individual, had a single share + vote and were required to deliver security for £750 to be deposited with George Quayle & Co (this security would be called upon if the £750 was not provided on demand) - there was to be an office in Castletown - presumeably at George Quayle & Co at Bridge House - the annual rates were to be

• Common Insurance 3s @ £100 insured
• Hazardous 3s 8d @ £100
• Doubly Hazardous 5s @£100
• Mills were excluded

The original articles of copartnership is to be found as Castletown Deed Trinity 1811 #1 - the various conditional Bond + Securities from the partners are also included in that term's Castletown Deeds - attached to these is a general discharge of all such commitments dated 8 May 1813 signed by all partners.

A poster was produced (printed by T Whittam of Douglas) dated 1 March 1811 but it would appear takeup was insufficient to cover costs of running partnership - the only receipt in the Manx Museum Bridge House Collection is for 3 policies (total £6 19s 3d) received via Lewis Geneste