Diaries of Sarah Gelling of Port Grenaugh
Date(s): 1900 - 1903
Creator(s): Gelling, Sarah
Scope & Content: Sarah wrote her diaries when she was in her late twenties, relaying day to day living in a mainly rural setting. Over three years she recorded almost everything she did daily, in considerable detail. Conseequently these diaries provide a wealth of information about the Isle of Man and its people during the first three years of the 20th century. Entries record daily weather summmaries and accounts of domestic and agricultural tasks undertaken. During the summer there are holiday makers staying, and regular references to unpleasant ferry journeys. Sarah was active in the local Wesleyan Sunday School and records hearing Mark Guy Pearse lecture on Hugh Latimer, 'I felt more disappointed than anything. I didn't like his style a bit' (Monday 3 October 1902). A typed trasnscription is available for public use.
Administration / Biographical History: Sarah Eleanor Gelling (b. 18 March 1874, bapt. 12 April) was the daughter of Isabella Kinnish (Mullinaragher) and Thomas Gelling (Meary Veg). Isabella and Thomas had 13 other children including John James (great grandfather of Donald Gelling), Maggie (later Collister) and Ann (later Quinney/Dixon). The family moved later to Glentraugh/Glen Grenaugh.
In 1904 Sarah married Wilfred Bell of Wallasey at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel Santon. They moved to 68 Marlowe Road, Wallasey and had five daughters: Winnie, Norah, Gladys, Mona and Doreen. Wilfred Bell died in 1940 and a week after his death their home in Wallasey was bombed. Sarah came back to the island and rented a house in Port Erin, later moving to Port St Mary. Gladys married Jeff Miller and they lived in Douglas; the others daughters lived in Wallasey.
Sarah died in Wallasey in 1951.
Language: English
Extent: 2 volumes
Item name: Diaries
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: SERIES
ID number: MS 09229
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