'Iron Man' net winch from a Manx fishing vessel
Date made: 19th century
Place made: Douglas
Description: This is the net winch from a Manx fishing vessel, the 'True Lover' of Peel. She was a herring boat, owned by the McMeiken family, and the winch was used for hauling in the catch.
The winch is called an 'Iron Man' and was made by the Douglas firm, Gellings Foundry on South Quay.
In the 1880s the herring fishery was one of the Island's biggest industries. It supported thousands of families, both those directly involved in the fishing, and also those involved in secondary trades such as net making and sailmaking. Gellings Foundry made iron castings for use in the building, mining and fishing industries as well as agricultural items.
Measurements: overall: 124 x 67 x 39 cm
Materials: iron, paint/oil
Object name: winch
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 2003-0109
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