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Talk by John Quilliam about 'The Name of the Isle’

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Date(s): after 1967 and before 1979

Scope & Content: John Quilliam introduces the recording as ‘Know Your Parish’. He talks about uncertainty as to whether ‘Man’ or ‘Mann’ is correct; various names for the Isle of Man; Mannanagh, a Celtic tribe that first peopled the island; 1968 discussion by government in the Isle of Man as to whether it should be known as Man or Mann; three legs of Man symbol and motto; importance for tourists and historians; history of symbol coming into being around end of 13th century with Scottish conquest of the island; theory it was the victory symbol of Scottish invasion force, adapted from a similar Sicilian emblem; importance of the symbols of a Norse ship, the three legs and the tail-less cat; speculation as to the origins of the Manx cat; typical Manx cat; idea of Manx cat as a ‘true Manxman’.

He ends with rhetorical questions about the future symbols and identity of the Isle of Man: would it be better to have a Manx rather than a Latin motto on the Manx Arms; should the Isle of Man be known as Ellan Vannin; is the tail-less cat going to lose its peculiarity if it is bred in other countries.

Administration / Biographical History: Part of series broadcast on Manx Radio.

Language: English

Extent: 11 min. 42 sec.

Collection: Sound Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: SA 2019-0053/18

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

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