Interview with Tommy Leece of Grenaby and Paul Bridson of Ballasalla about dry stone walling, umber mills, old Castletown, fishing and mining
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Date(s): 1950-1956
Creator(s): Manx Museum
Scope & Content: Interview with Tommy Leece of Grenaby and Paul Bridson of Ballasalla about dry stone walling, umber mills, old Castletown, fishing and mining. Tommy and Paul both mention dry stone walling or dykeing, how difficult it is and how long it takes on the mountains; they talk about the umber mills in Castletown and the ochre digging on the Sloc; Ballarobin in the old days and walking to school from Ronague; leaving school at 12 to work on the farm; Tommy Kinrade the crippled schoolmaster; people's nicknames; the Sumner who worked for the church; Ballavarkish and how they would pay a penny a pint for ale when wages were a tanner or three-pence a day for harvesting; they discuss how fishermen were paid on the share and about fishermen's superstitions; Tommy talks about the different boats he served on and they both talk about boat building in Castletown; how the 'Progress' was built in Hope Street and they got a half day holiday for her launching; Tommy talks about working in the lead mines at Foxdale, how they used engines to move the lead up from the mines and how the lead was processed and sent to Douglas; he talks about the spar quarries at Foxdale; and he says as well as working in the mines he farmed with his father.
Administration / Biographical History: This recording was made for the Manx Folk Life Survey.
Tommy Leece, native Manx speaker (1859-1956).
Harry M. Rogers and Mary Quilliam were Manx Folk Life Survey recorders.
Language: English
Extent: 31 min. 40 sec.
Item name: magnetic tape
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 0062
Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.
Subject tags : #UOSH, #UOSHManxFolkLifeSurvey
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