Journal, or diary, of James Burman

Date(s): 1846-1864

Creator(s): Burman, James; Burman, Eliza Yeates

Scope & Content: A Journal with two authors in one; the earlier section from September 1846 to 1 May 1849 is in the hand of James Burman, the second section (1864-1867) is in a different hand. There are also six loose pages of journal written by Eliza Yeates Burman. James writes about his work as an advocate, activities, the weather, social gatherings and eye witness accounts of events. On 16 August 1847, 'Information has been received that the Queen would pass the Island on her way to Scotland. Everyone was on the look out. Between ten and eleven a.m. The squadron hove into sight. I was on the top of the castle. The vessels were the Victoria and Albert. Fairy & Garland accompanied by insular steamers Tynwald, Ben-My-Chree and Fenella, who went out to meet them'. Many references to James' involvement with the church musically. He mentions attending an 'Eeil Voirrey' (Oie'll Verree) 24 December 1848 and gives details of two 'private carols sung' by a Clucas from Castletown and by an elderly couple Mr and Mrs Quilliam. Detailed descriptions of church services mainly at Malew such as 29 April 1848, 'Manx Sunday Wm. G. read the communion service in Manx and gave great satisfaction'. From November 1848 James was living at Mrs Stowell's lodgings Malew Street, Castletown. The second part comprises some religious quotes and reflections with references to James's death. The six page loose pages are in the hand of Eliza Yeates Burman, James's wife. Eliza writes of her illness, the loss of their son William in June 1863, the death of her 'earthly treasure', James in March 1864 and the birth of a daughter.

Administration / Biographical History: James Burman FRAS (5 August 1827-22 March 1864) was the son of Dr J Burman of Norfolk Lodge, sometimes known as Norfolk Place, Greeba. He attended King William's College until 1844, was accepted to the Manx Bar in 1849 and became Governor's Secretary, Clerk of the Council and Registar General of births, marriages, deaths and deeds 1851-1864. A founder member of the Manx Society, he was considered to be the first Manx photographer. Examples of his photography are in the MNH collections. Burman married Annie Gill. After her death in 1850, he married Eliza Yeates of Liverpool, Lancashire, in 1856. During both marriages he lived in North Abbey Cottage, Ballasalla.

Language: English

Extent: 1 volume

Item name: diary and 6 loose pages

Collection: Manuscript Archive

Level: FONDS

ID number: MS 05057

Retrieval number: MS 05057 B

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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