Copy of diary kept by L C Radcliffe, Senior, 19 July to 28 September 28 1888, with obituary of W H Radcliffe and 'Radcliffe of Andreas and Cleveland, Ohio' genealogy 1796-1968
Date(s): 1888
Creator(s): Radcliffe, Louis Charles
Scope & Content: Diary of a visit to the Isle of Man spanning July 31 - September 28 1888 with gaps. Louis then around 20 and William traveled from New York to Liverpool on board RMS Umbria of the Cunard Line. The first entry 31 July 'went to landing and boarded the Prince of Wales' from New Brighton to Douglas. They stayed at The Grand Hotel, Douglas, Louis writes of the hotel 'a place where you can look out on the promenade at Douglas and see all the sights in the bay. Vans going out, donkeys carrying children up and down the beach and very fine buildings and old castles here.' Louis and William explore the Island, visit friends and relatives between August 01-06 fitting in guided tours of Castle Rushen and Peel Castle, includes descriptions of Laxey Wheel, landscape, glens, an agricultural and cattle show and dancing at the Derby Castle. Whilst on an excursion to Glen Helen they visited Lambfell Farmhouse for dinner, Louis gives a detailed description of the interior. On 7 August they left the Island for Liverpool on the Mona's Isle and stayed at an Uncle's. Whilst in Liverpool met up with a relative Fred Radcliffe, an African merchant. No diary entries until 06 September when they return to the Island on board the Victoria staying at Primrose House, Peel Road visiting Mr Fielding the barber, the Templeton's near the Nunnery, measured up for suits by Collisters. The diary suggests that they were procuring goods connected to their business they visit the canvas factory at Port-y-Shee and Tromode,and visit Tom Watson and his father at their shipbuilder's yard in Peel. They sail on 7 September from Douglas to Port Soderick on a steamer named Mermaid built by Watson. Tom Watson is frequently mentioned throughout the diary accompanying Louis on nights out and excursions. Whilst in the west of the island Louis visited Foxdale Mines and gives a detailed account of how the ore was processed. Louis attends a play 'Harbour Lights' at the Grand Theatre on the 15 September, the circus, Kirk Braddan open air service. They leave the Island on September 18 on board the Victoria for Liverpool. Also included transcription of obituary of William H. Radcliffe 1826-1893 pasted into the original diary and family tree for Radcliffe family from 1796 to 1968 including Louis and his children.
Administration / Biographical History: Louis Charles Radcliffe Senior 1866-1946 the diarist was the youngest son of William H. Radcliffe, born Andreas c. 1826, died Cleveland Ohio1893 (Radcliffe wooden ship builders of Cleveland, Ohio) and Augusta Lamb, their other sons being William (1861-1936) Frank (1864-1915). William H. Radcliffe's parents were Alexander Radcliffe 1796-1848 and Catherine Sayle 1798-1870 of Andreas.
Language: English
Extent: 9 pages
Item name: Diary
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: FONDS
ID number: MS 08594
Retrieval number: MD 1024
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