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.
Official USCIS publication containing the full text of the Declaration of Independence (4 July 1776) and U.S. Constitution with amendments, plus editorial quotes from Hamilton, Washington, Jefferson, Mason, Marshall, and Madison. Includes index and reference to National Constitution Center. Relevant to Revestment project as comparative constitutional/parliamentary context for understanding 1765 Isle of Man debates on sovereignty, representation, and taxation.
A table of contents page for Woods' historical account of the Isle of Man, published in 1811. This appears to be a web-based transcription hosted by Manx Notebook, providing access to a 19th-century published account that may contain contemporary or retrospective commentary on Manx history, geography, and society in the early 19th century.
A comprehensive academic study by J. R. Dickinson examining Manx maritime commerce across nearly two centuries, with particular emphasis on the evolution from legitimate primary product exports (cattle, hides, fish) to the illicit running trade in the 17th–18th centuries. Uses waterbailiff customs accounts and comparative English/Irish port records to trace trade patterns, duty structures, and the commercial context leading to the 1765 Revestment.
A comprehensive historical narrative of the 1765 revestment of the Isle of Man to the British Crown, covering negotiations between George Grenville's Ministry and James, 2nd Duke of Atholl; the legislative process; the subsequent claims by the 4th Duke for additional compensation; and the political and economic consequences for the Manx people. Central to understanding the constitutional, financial, and social dimensions of the Revestment.
A comprehensive historical narrative of the 1765 Revestment of the Isle of Man from the Dukes of Athole to the British Crown. Covers the death of Duke James in 1764, negotiations under George Grenville, the Duke's initial resistance and eventual acceptance of £70,000 compensation, Parliamentary legislation, and subsequent disputes over inadequate compensation by the fourth Duke until 1805. Includes detailed analysis of revenue figures, the Mischief Act, and the constitutional implications for Manx independence.
Benjamin Franklin's influential pamphlet arguing for British retention of Canada rather than Guadeloupe in the forthcoming Treaty of Paris, addressing mercantile theory, colonial markets, and imperial economic interests. Originally published April 1760, this is a transcription from Founders Online (National Archives). The document engages with contemporary debates on colonial value and prefigures later tensions between mother country and colonies.
Benjamin Franklin's influential pamphlet arguing for British retention of Canada over Guadeloupe in peace negotiations following the Seven Years' War. Addresses mercantilist economic theory, colonial population growth, trade expansion with North America, and the strategic importance of continental colonies as markets for British manufactures. Includes statistical evidence on exports and population growth in the colonies.
This is Chapter 1 of a comprehensive historical work analysing constitutional and administrative changes in the Isle of Man following the 1765 Revestment (transfer of sovereignty from the Duke of Atholl to the British Crown). It traces the evolution of the governor's role, the Tynwald Court's powers, judicial reforms, and the gradual expansion of Manx political autonomy from 1765 to approximately 1890. The chapter provides detailed examination of the 1866 constitutional reforms and financial negotiations between Westminster and the Manx Legislature.
A comprehensive historical monograph examining the 1765 Act of Revestment through comparative economic analysis, focusing on the smuggling trade, Parliamentary protectionism, and the Island's unique constitutional position. Covers causes, smuggling operations, immediate aftermath, and draws parallels with the American Revolution and Edmund Burke's critique.
Thomas Grindle's historical essay on the 1765 Revestment, reprinted from The Isle of Man Times. Argues the Revestment resulted from deliberate English imperial policy rather than smuggling concerns, and traces Manx trade negotiations 1709-1714 with detailed analysis of Acts of Tynwald. Contends the English Government refused reasonable trade concessions, forcing the Manx to resume smuggling and ultimately lose independence.
Administrative letter from E. Smith to John Robinson (Secretary to Lords Commissioners of the Treasury) concerning difficulties in procuring cash to pay the Corps of Fencibles raised in the Isle of Man. Smith proposes using regimental draughts on the London Agent as a solution, and requests assistance with warrant for new establishment and salary payment directions to Lutwidge.
Administrative letter from E. Smith to John Robinson (Secretary to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury) regarding difficulties in procuring cash to pay the Isle of Man Fencibles Corps, and proposing use of regimental draughts on the London agent as a solution. Also requests warrant for new establishment and directions regarding Smith's salary payment. Provides insight into post-Revestment financial and military administration of the Island.
Correspondence from Charles Lutwidge (Receiver-General) to the Treasury regarding the wreck of the ship London near Port le Marie Bay, Isle of Man (January 1781). Includes detailed accounts from Senhouse Wilson (Customs) and affidavits from William Clague (Deputy Collector) and Robert Marrow (owners' agent) concerning salvage operations, possession of cargo, and jurisdictional conflict between Crown revenue officers and the Duke of Atholl's feudal claims. Illustrates post-Revestment tensions over manorial rights and revenue authority.
Correspondence between Charles Lutwidge (Receiver-General) and the Treasury regarding the wreck of the ship London near Port le Marie Bay in January 1781. Documents the dispute between the Duke of Atholl's claimed feudal manorial right to wrecks and the Crown's revenue interests under Revestment. Includes detailed accounts from revenue officer William Clague, affidavits, and a Court of Chancery decree transferring possession to the cargo owners' agent.
Treasury document surveying Crown lands in the Isle of Man formerly belonging to Bangor and Sabal Abbey, with lease history from 1666–1770, and status of Royal Mines grant to the Earl of Derby (1666–1735). Demonstrates Crown revenue administration and property management in the post-Revestment period, relevant to understanding the financial structure and assets acquired in 1765.
Treasury document reporting on Crown lands in the Isle of Man derived from the former Bangor and Sabal Abbey (Ireland), including messuages and a water mill at Dalby. Also documents the 1666 grant of all Mines Royal (gold and silver) to the Earl of Derby and its expiration in 1735. Includes historical leasing records from 1666 onwards and notes arrears and abandonment of the property.
Letter from Governor Edward Smith to Sir Grey Cooper at the Treasury (9 January 1779) requesting urgent consideration of copper coinage for the Isle of Man. Smith reports that a new cambric manufactory, established at government expense, is suffering from lack of small change, and warns that the settlement and its investors will be lost without immediate relief. This document illustrates post-Revestment administrative concerns and the Treasury's role in Manx economic development.
Letter from Governor Edward Smith to Sir Grey Cooper, Baronet (Treasury official) requesting urgent action on copper coinage for the Isle of Man. Smith reports that a new cambric manufactory recently established at government expense is suffering from lack of copper currency, threatening to discourage new settlers and waste public investment. The letter references prior Treasury papers on Manx coinage and requests immediate relief.
