Name

George Quayle

Biography

Son of John Quayle (Clerk of the Rolls) and Margaret 'Peggy' Moore (George Moore's daughter). Banker, politician, innovator, and officer in the local militia. He sat in the Keys, became Speaker. Ran Quayle's Bank from Bridge House in Castletown. In 1789, twenty-four years after the Revestment, he built himself an armed yacht — the Peggy — with six small cannon and two stern chasers. He housed her in a purpose-built dock beneath Bridge House with sea gates opening onto the harbour, concealed cupboards, secret doorways, and mechanical alarm bells. After his death in 1835 the sea gates were walled up. The Peggy was found in 1935 — the oldest surviving yacht in the world, entombed, still armed, still rigged, still ready.

Active Period

c.1757–1835

Place

Bridge House, Castletown

Castletown

Family / Group

The Quayle Family

The Moore Family

Period

Crown Administration

Related To

John Quayle

George Moore

Role / Office

Banker

Speaker of the Keys

Militia Officer

Book Chapter

Chapter 6