Interview with John Edward Clarke of Derbyhaven about his life
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Date(s): 21 July 1986
Creator(s): Manx Museum
Scope & Content: John Edward Clarke, aged 80, talks to Walter Clarke about his life and memories mainly of Castletown. John was born at Derbyhaven and he talks about going to private school in Castletown; teacher Lizzie Corrin; Mr Corrin in charge of Castle Rushen and winter prisoners from Douglas; driving a BSA motorbike, sidecar and motorcar up The Howe to Cregneash; and a story about an old woman’s father who drowned near Derbyhaven. He recalls fishing fleet based at Derbyhaven and the breakwater; kipper curing in Port St Mary or Castletown; location of his school; his aunt Lizzie and cousin Queenie and their ARP warden lodger; Castletown lifeboat hauled to Port St Mary and getting stuck on Fisher’s Hill. John remembers how his mother recalled Lord Derby handing over Castle Rushen, followed by an account of the smugglers' tunnels believed to link Castle Rushen with Rushen Abbey and Ronaldsway. He ends by talking about the herring tower on Fort Island called ‘the spire’; jetty built at Ronaldsway; farm on Fort Island; and George Looney's connection with Fort Island.
Administration / Biographical History: Walter Clarke, Manx speaker, translator and Manx Museum technician (1928-2007).
Language: English
Extent: 32 min. 7 sec.
Item name: magnetic tape
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 0122
Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.
Subject tags : #UOSH