Name

The Revestment Trial

Description

In 1765, the British Parliament bought the Isle of Man from the Duke and Duchess of Atholl for £70,000. The Manx people were not consulted. They had no representation at Westminster. Tynwald was not asked.

Lord Chief Justice Ellenborough described it as “one of the most corrupt jobs ever witnessed in Parliament.” Was it?

The prosecution argues: taxation without representation, seizure of sovereignty without consent. The defence argues: fiscal necessity, the running trade costing Britain £200,000 a year.

Witnesses: George Moore (merchant), Charlotte Murray (Duchess, whose consent was legally required), Charles Lutwidge (intelligence), George Grenville (Prime Minister).

Research briefs for each witness included. The jury is your family.

Key Stage / Type

Home Educator

Ages 11+

Research / Role-play

Period

1765

Topic

Constitutional History