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© F.Coakley , 2026
[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]
This first branch of an English trade association to be founded on the Island appears, from its only records, to be a convivial networking society rather than a union fighting serious employment issues. While some important English printers, William Shirreffs, for example are working on the Island, it is before the controversial and contentious period of the free press from the early 1840's to 1848.
The Manx Sun of 15 September 1837 published this report. 'The Isle of Man Typographical Union held their first anniversary meeting at the King's Arms in this town where they partook of an excellent repast, after which several, appropriate toasts and speeches were given, and the members separated highly pleased with their good fortune and the unanimity which had prevailed'. This mood was still prevailing at the Club's sixth anniversary, reported in the Manx Sun of 17 September 1842.
'The members of the Isle of Man Typographical Society celebrated their sixth anniversary by supping together on Saturday evening last, at the King's Arms Hotel. Justice having been done to supper,which was served up in Mrs. Crelly's good style, the cloth was removed, when the loyal toasts were given, and the national anthem sung with effect by the whole company. Many other excellent songs, toasts, sentiments, recitations, &c., were afterwards given, and at 12 o'clock, the party broke up, when each expressed their gratification at the good feeling which prevailed during the evening'.
The national anthem is, presumably 'God save the Queen', not the ceremonial Manx air Mylecharane. It is interesting in this context that the reporter signs with the pseudonym 'Manxman'.
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