Diaries of Ernest Henry Stenning
Date(s): 1914-1936
Creator(s): Stenning, Ernest Henry
Scope & Content: The Archdeacon's varied interests and enthusiasm are amply reflected during the course of his meticulously kept diaries which commence regularly on 30 August 1914 and continue until 20 November 1963, just three months before his death. Spanning both World Wars, Stenning's record of the Great War years on the Isle of Man include regular reports of OTC (Officer Training Corps) training and parades, mention of the German internees on the Island and descriptions of the Armistice celebrations in Douglas. The diaries also provide detailed accounts of his daily school routine and contain references to KWC timetables and examination programmes. His leisure interests are similarly amplified in the diaries with his love of sport and musical entertainment coming across strongly with accounts of his participation in cricket and rugby matches.
The overall style of the diaries is typical of the time - narrative and not generally reflective, terse yet detailed. They also contain very regular reports of the weather in the Island and descriptions of key Manx events especially the progress of the TT Races and the annual Tynwald Day celebrations.
For complementary descriptions of many facets of life on the Island during the Second World War see his copy letters spanning 1941-1945 (MS 09677/2/1-214) and his journal at MS 096777/17 for the years 1958-1963.
Language: English
Extent: 50 volumes
Item name: diaries
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: SERIES
ID number: MS 09677/1
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