Interview with Ned Maddrell about the brig 'Lily', fishing and Manx Gaelic
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Date(s): 1970
Creator(s): Wood, Eric
Scope & Content: Ned Maddrell talks about the loss of the brig 'Lily' on Kitterland during a storm in 1852. His great-grandfather was one of the victims. He then talks about the 'Clan MacMaster' 1923 wreck; lighthouses on Kitterland and The Calf. Ned talks about fishing and his merchant service around the British coast; fishermen having winter work as rope-makers, weavers, cable joiners, masons, sailmakers, carpenters and blacksmiths; learning Manx Gaelic as a child; Deemster Moore reading the laws in Manx on Tynwald Day; and he recites the Lord’s Prayer in Manx.
Ned talks about the number of men and boys on fishing boats and the size of the fleet; netmaking; herring exported to England and Holland; function of funnels on fishing vessels; how fishing was a dangerous occupation. He describes going to the mackerel fishing in Ireland from the age of 14 and sailing to the Shetland Isles for herring; how he started as cook and finished as skipper; mackerel exported from Ireland in small fast steamers to England; how fishing lasted six months and winter work included building stone walls; the pay; men going to sea from Cregneash; how men progressed from fishing to schooners and wind jammers or working for big companies based in Liverpool.
He recalls his school days in Port Erin and Port St Mary; learning Manx Gaelic from a great-aunt; pronunciation of the Manx language and modern changes. He explains why there is no graveyard in Cregneash and how only two families living in Cregneash today were born there.
Administration / Biographical History: Edward Maddrell (1877-1974) known as Ned Maddrell, was the last native speaker of Manx Gaelic.
Language: English
Extent: 39 min. 58 sec.
Item name: cassette tape
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 0325
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
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