Steve Babb is a writer, teacher, and professional photographer based on the Isle of Man, where his family has lived for generations. He holds BA degrees in Business and Marketing, and is a former member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Chartered Management Institute, and Association of Project Managers. He served for a number of years as official documentarian for Tynwald, the world's oldest continuously sitting parliament, giving him first-hand familiarity with the constitutional system this book describes - not as historical text, but as a working institution. Prior to working in media and education Steve's professional career spanned twenty years in business consultancy across government, utilities and financial services. For the past ten years, working in education, he has designed and delivered bespoke educational resources in partnership with schools, colleges and UK universities, and has taught and lectured from key stage 2 to degree level. A comprehensive companion digital archive, built on the Omeka S scholarly platform, is in development at revestment1765.com, and will host primary sources, endnotes, media and teaching resources. Steve runs his own media company and has worked for several years as a photojournalist with close ties to local newspapers, radio stations, BBC and ITV. He is a former deputy chair of the Isle of Man branch of the Royal Television Society, a former local politician, and served as transition manager of Kensington Arts for the IoM Arts Council. He produces, directs, and edits audio and video resources. He is regularly invited to judge photography and media contests by various Manx and UK societies. He maintains close ties with Manx LitFest, Manx National Heritage, Culture Vannin, and the Office of Tynwald. Steve is also currently pursuing a PhD in History with specific regard to British Constitutional history in the long eighteenth century.
King of England and Scotland (James VI of Scotland). His reign saw the consolidation of Crown interest in the Isle of Man and the formal assertion of overlordship.
American statesman, diplomat, and polymath. Referenced in documents relating to colonial trade, customs enforcement, and the broader context of the Stamp Act crisis that coincided with the Revestment.
Governor of the Isle of Man. Authored the 'rudely putt off' letter describing London's refusal to hear Manx concerns until the Duke's claims were settled.
Agent and representative of the Duke of Atholl. Involved in correspondence regarding the Duke's Isle of Man interests. Distinct from John Murray, 4th Duke of Atholl.
Prime Minister 1754–1756 and 1757–1762. Central figure in the parliamentary politics that led to the Revestment. His administration first pursued the acquisition of the Isle of Man.
Surveyor General of the Ordnance. Involved in the financial architecture of the Revestment — appears in bond and conveyance documents relating to the Atholl transaction.
British diplomat and politician. Nephew of Lord Mansfield. Involved in correspondence relating to Isle of Man affairs as Secretary of State for the Northern Department.
Member of the Christian family, one of the most prominent Manx families. Signatory on Keys documents. Multiple individuals of this name appear across the archive.
