'Diary of Reverend James Wilks, Vicar of Kirk Michael for the year 1755'

Date(s): 1755-1756

Creator(s): Wilks, James

Scope & Content: The diary is full of references to people, events and cases on the Isle of Man and elsewhere and includes details of Wilks's journey to London, with his social and business engagements. The diary begins 'March 12. This day I took leave of my wife and family and set out as far as Castletown in my way to London in order to have affidavits of the value of the Improp: Tyths closed'. By 17 March he had reached Douglas, 'engaged with one Capt. Williams a Welshman bound to Beaumorris & set sail late in the evening, but wind coming contrary, returned to Douglas on the evening of the 18th, after being upwards of 24 hours at sea, miserably accommodated, having neither bed, nor scarely bedclothes'. Willks eventually reached England via another ship, landing south of Lancaster. He describes his journey to Preston, writing on 31 March, ' I was asked to dine with his Grace the Duke of Atholl, and accordingly dined with his Grace, the Duchess, Mr Murray and Lady Charlotte and some gentlemen, when his Grace and the Duchess particularly asked very kindly for all the Manks people in general and particularly for the Govr. Comptroller, attorney and Mr G. Moore and his family'. By 1 April he had reached Battersea and 'dined at Mr. Maddrell's, accomanyed by Major Harrison, his lady and sister'. James describes his visit to London, where he went (House of Lords and Commons), who he met (including King George and family) and his business whilst there. 'April 9. The Balladoole cause came on again to be heard, before the same judges'. The journal contains a London shopping list 'to buy for Vicar Gen. Curghey' and Mrs Curghey, Dr.Wilson, Mr Hughes, Mr. John Quayle, Mrs Moore 'newest fashion cotton bonnet for little Jenny-blue'. May 6 'This day I went in the company of the Bishop of Man to Mr Pollet clark or secretary to the Clothworkers Company to enquire into the nature of the sallary payable to the school Mr. of Peeltown', a Mr William Tear of Peel was the master at the that time. Later entries refer to his audiences with the Duke of Atholl in April 1755 seeking preferment to the next available church office. He also relates approaching Governor Cochrane in the same cause, and whilst the Governor explained he had already given assurances to Deemster Mylrea that he would support his son's preferment to the Archdeaconery when it became vacant, he intended no obstacle to the author.

Administration / Biographical History: James Wilks was baptised in Santon, 1719, the son of John Wilks. He was orrdained by Bishop Wilson in 1742 and served as Curate of German 1742-1744, Vicar of German 1744-1752, Vicar of Kirk Michael 1752-1771, then Rector of Ballaugh until his death on 21 June 1777 aged 58. Married to Margaret Woods, their children were Thomas (baptised 1747), Deborah 1750 and 1752, Elizabeth 1753, and James 1755. Margaret was buried 13 June 1755 in Kirk Michael. James then married Elizabeth Christian in September 1756, their children being Ann (baptised 1758), Mark 1759, William 1761, and Thomas 1763. Wilks had a close relationship with Bishop Wilson, serving as Vicar General and being a witness and surviving curator of the Bishop's will, carrying out the wishes for the Bishop's funeral. He was also involved in the translation of the Bible into Manx, specifically the books Joshua and the Epistles. Wilks was buried in Old Ballaugh Churchyard.

Language: English

Extent: 1 volume

Item name: diary

Collection: Manuscript Archive

Level: ITEM

ID number: MS 00297

Retrieval number: MS 00297 A

Record class: Private

Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.gov.im

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