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Telescope of Captain John Quilliam RN

Date made: late 18th-early 19th century

Maker: unknown

Description: This telescope belonged to Captain John Quilliam, the most famous Manx seafarer of the Napoleonic Wars.

It is housed within its original and now somewhat battered card tube, which testifies to a hard life of use.

John Quilliam was born at Marown in 1771. He joined the Royal Navy voluntarily, his first ship being HMS Lion. He showed great merit, rising through the ranks and coming to the attention of Lord Nelson, who requested that he serve aboard his flagship HMS Victory. At the Battle of Trafalgar when the Victory’s steering gear was shot away, Quilliam devised a temporary method of steering the ship. Later, with the prize money which he was awarded following the battle, he returned to the Isle of Man and purchased property. For a number of years he served as a member of the House of Keys. It is highly likely that this telescope was with him aboard the Victory.

Measurements: overall: 27 x 6 cm

Materials: glass, wood

Object name: telescope

Collection: Social History Collection

ID Number: 1954-3591

Subject tags : SHIC 1.82 - Warfare and defence, Navy

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