[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]

(4) The Isle of Man Friendly Society, 1790-1844?

Description

The first Friendly Society recorded on the Island was instituted at the house of Lewis Morrison in Douglas on 6 September 1790, the earliest Manx example of a pattern of association in which a group of workers pool their mutual resources in order to provide funds for its members in times of sickness and other adversities. A financial strategy recognised in England since the time of Defoe's Essays in 1697, it was adopted throughout the Island in varying forms in the course of the 19th century and widely regarded as effective in the reduction of poverty.

The Manx authorities, conditioned to relying on the self-regulating mechanism of a small, closely-linked community made no requirements for any registration procedures, and information on the structure and activities of the societies is largely derived from their articles of association, surviving records of their operation and regular newspaper reports of their public activities.

Membership of the Isle of Man Society was limited to the tradesmen resident within two miles of Douglas between the ages of 21 and 35. Reported first in the Cumberland Pacquet, in the absence of a Manx newspaper, its new and well publicised activities - anniversary processions and celebrations, public funerals of members, and the business from its fund-raising activities, the making of loans and leasing of properties, fill the later Manx newspapers. After the account of their 44th anniversary celebrations on 23 May 1844 there are no further reports.[fpc - I cannot find this report - the 44th aniversity would be in 1836 when Whit Monday fell on 23 May - I cannot find any such report in the digitised Manx Sun or Mona's Herald for the week following that Monday - there would appear to be financial problems from this period - see later research]

Records

M.N.H.L., Articles to be observed by the Isle of Man Friendly Society, instituted 6th September 1790 -(1806),
Cumberland Pacquet, and Isle of Man newspapers, ut supra et passim.

Publications

...

Later research

The first extant record in the Manx Press is in the Manx Mercury of 26 Feb 1793 reporting on a special meeting on the 23rd 'convened for the purpose of taking the sense of the club on the necessity of arming themselves for the defence of the town .. until fencibles may be established'; the final consideration being postponed until the next meeting. A fortnight later the paper was reporting the death of Robert Beard, baker of Douglas a member of the IoM Friendly Society and 'agreeable to the rules of the club his remains will be attended to the place of interment by every memeber of the society.' The following issue saw a notice inserted by the Society Secretary H. Brown in the name of C. Cannell, President and T. Kewn and W. Quirk Stewards thanking the Rev. Mr Christian for preaching the excellent sermon at the funeral. It would appear that they purchased a 'new and elegant velvet pall' for the funeral and by a notice in the Manx Mercury of the 9th April advertised that they would let it out for the accomodation of the Public - applications via C. Cannell [presumeably Coultry Cannell who kept a public house, noted as a cooper in 1789 when he applied for a public house licence, Feltham writing in 1797/8 includes his establishment as one of the five principal inns in Douglas - Cannell died 15 May 1801].

The first reported anniversary meeting of the Society was on Whit Monday 20th May 1793 after which a note was inserted in the Manx Mercury thanking Mr Christian for another excellent sermon, this time preached at St George's. It was at these meetings that the officers were elected for the following year - those for 1793/4 were C. Cannell as president and J Lewn and E Callow as stewards. Mr H. Brown remained as secretary - he was probably the Clerk at the 'Old Chapell' [St Matthew's] of Douglas noted in a deed dated 18th Aug 1800 as occupying a house near Muckles Gate.

In February 1794 the Society advertised [Manx Mercury 8th Feb 1794 and repeated frequently thereafter] that it had £80 to lend on real security [ie land] - applications to be sent via Thomas Stowell, attorney at law, Douglas; the legal registration of such loans involving land used as security, was by Bond and Security [B + S] - legally a conditional mortgage thus noted via the courts either as a Mortgage in the Sheading Court or a 'B + S' through the Courts at Castletown [deeds passing through these courts were referred to as Castletown Deeds]. Such deeds generally name the stewards as the legal representatives of the society both for the loan and also at any discharge or transfer to another party - thus a list can be built up not only of money invested in loans but also of the officers of the specific friendly society. Some 450 such deeds can be found from 1797 (the first issued by the IoM Friendly society) until late 1847 when the registration of deeds was altered to a single system There are over 500 such later 'registered deeds' also held by the Manx Museum.

The Whit Monday meeting of 1794 was given a longer entry in the Manx Mercury of 14th June 1794

Monday last, agreeably to annual custom, the Members of the Isle of Man Friendly Society walked in procession to St. George's Chapel, where an excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Nicholas Christian, from 13 Chap. John, 34 and 35th ver. .During the service several pieces of select Music were performed by the band, which added greatly to the solemnity of the occasion. After service they proceeded in the same regular order to the Assembly Room, where an elegant dinner was provided. Several Gentlemen of the town were invited to a participation of the cheer and the greatest order and harmony prevailed during the evening. Several loyal toasts were given, and indeed, the company appeared emulous to outvie each other in loyalty, sociality, and innocent mirth.

The above account would appear to have been the last mention of any Friendly Society in the surviving Manx Press for a decade - the next mention being in September 1804 in an advertisement for an auction sale of household furniture to be held in the Friendly Society Room in Douglas.

This meeting room, near the factory of Edward Moore, had been acquired in August 1800 at a cost of £250 - SSS May 1804 30:

[Douglas] dated 16 Aug 1800;Edward Moore(merchant, Douglas) + wife Elizabeth als Beck sell for £250(British) to John Thompson(President) + Robert Corlet and William Corkill (Stewards of IoM Friendly Society) a house in Douglas late occupied by sd Edward Moore as a Linen Factory which is erected on a plot formerly property of Revd Philip Moore known as Parson Moore's garden in front facing the street westward 42ft and 24ft in breadth with a passage way at south end of 5.5ft + at an angle on northend extending 13ft in a straight line with east wall; Witt Robt Whiteside, Richard Symonds

however the original deed was 'lost' and Edward Moore gave a replacement noting sale for £200 with a further £50 to 'quit claim' any title - the deed [CTD Tri 1802 #12]:

[Douglas]dated 21 May 1802;Edward Moore(merchant, Douglas) + wife Elizabeth recites that by deed dated 16 Aug 1800 sold for £200 to John Thompson(then president of IoM Friendly Sociecty) + Robert Corlett + William Corkill(stewards of sd Soc) a house in Douglas known as Friendly Society new meeting house - however said deed lost and a new sale agreed of £200 + £50 to quit claim to William Lewin(president) and John Harstonge + John Christian(stewards) - sd premises adj Thomas Corlett on north, sd Edward Moore on east, Thomas Looney on south + street on west; Witt John Dury?, Wm Harrison

It's not clear as to how the original deed was 'lost' - it was attested before the High Bailiff on 30th Aug 1800 and would then be expected that the purchaser would take it through the next Sheading court in Oct 1800 or May 1801; nor is it clear as to why in the second copy, which went through the Castletown court, Edward Moore altered to sale price to £200 but added a £50 quit claim and who presented the 'lost' deed to the sheading court in May 1804.

The narrow street running north from King street, originally to give access to the Wesleyan Chapel and Moore's factory, became known as Society Lane because of this meeting room - the lane was later bisected by the construction of Victoria Street in 1875, the northern section was built upon, the site of the meeting room being partly overlaid by Victoria Street but a short southern portion of the lane still remains as a 'cut- through' from Victoria Street to King Street. The Society rooms were sold in 1841 to George Redfern - [SSS May 1844 53]

[Douglas]dated 11 May 1841;James Kewley (President), John Christian + John Bell (Stewards) of the IoM Friendly Society sell for £202 (Brit) to George Redfern(butcher, Douglas) a certain building in Society Lane Douglas known as the Club Rooms being the whole of the premises purchased in 1800 from Edward Moore and wife; noted that part are leased to John Cubbon until 12 May 1843 - mentions a decree of Court of Chancery dated 2 Jul 1840 authorizing sale; witt Robt Corteen, Edw Mcbeegh;

It is probable that prior to the acquistion of the club rooms the Society had met in Coultry Cannell's inn - he was involved with the society borrowing in 1799 £65 of the £80 mentioned as available in 1794 - CTD Eas 1799 8:

[cancelled][Douglas]dated 29 Apr 1799;Coultry Cannell(Douglas) having borrowed £65(British) at 5% from Henry Moore(President of IoM Friendly Soc) and William Cain + John Quayle (stewards) gives as security that dwelling house in Douglas now in occupation of Wm Hughes adj Wm Tennison on south, my own rent on east + north and street on west; Witt John Tear, David Quilleaish; Discharged 1 Jun 1803: John Atkinson(present President) + Philip Quayle + John Clague (present stewards) ack cancelled - full payment by Mr Robert Cannell;

It may have been the death of Coultry Cannell in May 1801 that led to the loss of the original purchase deed - the 1801 interest payment on the loan was delayed before being paid by his son who also repaid the loan shortly afterwards; John Atkinson, was probably a watchmaker and also later a mason.

Apart from mentions of the premises in Society Lane as a reference point for nearby property sales, there would appear to be no mention of the Annual Meeting etc until in 1811 the Manks Advertiser of 15th June 1811 stated:

Having uniformly expressed our strongest approbation of the Lancasterian School, we see pleasure in stating the growing encouragement which it receives, and are particularly gratified to hear of the liberality of the Isle of Man Friendly Society towards the Institution. We understand that they have presented a donation of Five Guineas to the building - an example of generosity which we earnestly hope similar Societies throughout the Island may be induced to imitate.

Regular annual reports of the Whit Monday procession to St George's chapel for a service and special sermon followed by a procession back to the Assembly room for a dinner started to appear from 1813. That of 1815 ran as follows:

The Isle of Man: Friendly Society held their anniversary meeting on Monday last. The members assembled in the morning to hear divine service at St. George's Church, where an appropriate discourse was delivered by the Rev. J. Christian, from the 1st Epistle of Peter and part of the 8th verse - Love as Brethren ; be pitiful, be courteous.- After which they paraded through the streets, accompanied by the band of the Douglas Volunteers: having reached the market-place, the members formed a circle, and the band played the much admired airs of God save the King, Rule Britannia, &c. At three o'clock they sat down to an excellent dinner, provided by Mr. Cubbon, consisting of the choicest viands and dainties.- Mr. Bonnyman in the chair. After the cloth was removed the following toasts were given :

The King - Queen and Royal Family - The Prince Regent - Duke of York and the Army - The Wooden Walls of Old England - The Duke of Atholl - The Lieutenant-Governor - The Lord Bishop and Clergy - Colonel Steward and the Manks Volunteers - The Manks Herring Fishery - The Isle of Man Friendly Society - The Land we live in..

The day was spent with ihe greatest harmony and conviviality.

It would appear that the Club Room in Society Lane was rented out - Manks Advertiser, 1st May 1817 under title "TO BE LET"

And entered upon the 12th of May next, A Commodious ROOM, situate in Society Lane, commonly called the BIG CLUB ROOM , and now occupied by the Rev. SAMUEL HAINING as a School-Room - Also the ROOM underneath the same, now occupied by Mr.EDWARD MOORE , as a Weavers' Shop. Possession to be given on the 1st of September next. For Particulars, apply to the President or Stewards of The Isle of Man Friendly Society; or to Mr. EDW. CALLOW, their Secretary. Douglas, 24th April, 1817.

The report of the 29th anniversary meeting in the Manks Advertiser, 25th May, 1820; gives more information:

On Monday last, being Whit-Monday, the Isle of Man Friendly Society held their 29th anniversary. This Society amounts to the number of about 200 members - hale, well-looking, respectable men; a credit to any town or country. Their funds amount to nearly £2000, after liquidating every current demand on them.- This original society, which may be denominated the mother of all the rest, being the first of the kind instituted in this island, met at the old assembly room, at about eleven, whence the procession moved, attended by an excellent band of music, with colours , to St. George's chapel, where an excellent sermon was delivered by the Rev. J. Christian, on the nature of the institution, and the happy effects of brotherly love and unanimity. After divine service, the procession returned down Athol-street, along the quay, and having formed a circle at the cross, the band played a few loyal airs; the company then continued their route along the quay, down the parade, and thence to the assembly room, wherein an elegant and most plentiful dinner was provided by Mrs. Hall, of which the company partook with much festivity, hilarity, and kind brotherhood - The band of music playing was interrupted occasionally, with loyal and appropriate toasts; and love and harmony seemed to crown and to conclude the feast.

We understand that the Isle of Man Friendly Society, had the kind consideration of contributing their mite towards that very useful institution, established by the ladies, for the poor of this town. The contribution is entered upon their books, as one of the numerous mementos of public regard and approbation which have been shewn this institution.[they gave £1 1s]

It is not clear how this sum of £2000 is arrived at - the loans as noted would not come close to this sum. However they still had money to spend as four years later the report in the Rising Sun of 20th May 1823 on the 33rd[sic ?32nd] Anniversary noted new silk colours:

On Whit-monday the Isle of Man Friendly Society held their 33d anniversary. After hearing an excellent sermon at St. George's Church from the Rev. Mr. Hutchins, they proceeded through the principal streets with a band of music, two beautiful new silk colours, and other emblems of their club. Mrs. Dixon had a dinner prepared for them in her usual capital style of cookery, to which ample justice was done, succeeded by much hilarity, interspersed with loyal and local toasts from the chair, which was ably filled by the worthy President, Mr. Daniel Kneale.

Twelve years later the 1835 or 44th Anniversary was briefly noted by the Mona's Herald, of 13th June 1835;

The Isle of Man Friendly Society (the oldest in the Island) after hearing an appropriate and instructive sermon at St. George's Church, paraded the principal streets attended by a band of music from Kirk Santon, and afterwards dined at Mrs. Dixon's Hotel, where they passed the evening in friendly conviviality and good humour.

As metnioned in the 'Description' I could not find a report of any 1836 Anniversary - it would seem not all was secure as later in 1836 some problems became apparent when the Mona's Herald, of 25th October 25, 1836 reported:

At the Deemster's Court, yesterday, Mrs. Broadfoot, a widow, brought a suit against the officers of the "Isle of Man Friendly Society," for the recovery of the sum of £15, being the funeral money allowed by the rules of the society to the widows, &c of deceased members. It was contended that the sum had been reduced for some time past, by a special committee, to £10. This objection was overruled by the Deemster, who denied the authority of a committee to alter the rules, without the consent of the body.- Judgment in favour of the plaintiff.

The Society was still active in 1838 as the Island towns celebrated in some style the Coronation of the young Queen Victoria - that in Douglas had planned a procession "of the Constituted Authorities, Benefit Societies, and National and Sunday School Children, on the Coronation-day of her Majesty Victoria the First, Thursday. June 28th, 1838". in which the Isle of Man Friendly Society was to lead the section of Benefit Societies.

This would appear to be the last reported activity of the Society - in 1840 the Club Rooms were put up for sale - initially by Private Treaty but very shortly afterwards by Public Auction

Manx Liberal, 18th July, 1840

PROPERTY IN SOCIETY LANE.

TO BE SOLD, by PRIVATE CONTRACT,- That large and extensive BUILDING in Society Lane, the Property of the Isle of Man Friendly Society. For Terms, and other Particulars, application must be made to the President and Stewards of the said Society. Douglas,

followed three weeks later Manx Liberal, 8th August, 1840

TO BE SOLD, by PUBLIC AUCTION, on THURSDAY next, the 13th of August, Instant ...

neither would appear to have been successful and, as mentioned above, it was sold to George Redfern in May 1841. The very short interval between the sale adverts would indicate a forced sale - Court records remain to be researched in the hope of clarification but search through the newspapers has not found any explanation. Certainly after 1835 there had been recognition by London that some regulation of Benefit Societies was necessary and this was to be extended to the the Channel Islands and Man - also there was now considerable competition from Societies some 20 years junior with their younger members.

There are some 37 dated legal records that name the Stewards(who were legally liable for the deed) and usually the President, though in some societies this post was held by an Honorary member - it is possible that this was the case here in the early years:

Thus some member's names can be determined - however the dates and changes of names are not always consistent with a Whit Monday election and others are not consistent with a 1st January;

Coultry Cannel was a cooper turn successful inn/hotel keeper;
William Leece was probably the Liverpool merchant, though of Manx descent, died February 1804 "He was well intitled to and possessed of the character of an honest man " Manks Advertiser 3rd Mar 1804 italics in original; and who had recently in 1797 bought for £100 a dwelling house near Cattle Market Place, which was sold, for £105 to Thomas Stowell(advocate) in 1805.
Henry Moore may be a brewer;
John Thompson probably a seedsman of Douglas d. Nov1813

Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The Editor HTML Transcription © F.Coakley , 2026