Papers of Dr Brian Stowell

Date(s): 1950s-2010s

Creator(s): various

Scope & Content: Contents include but are not limited to biographical and career-related documentation, Stowell's appointment as the Isle of Man Government's Manx Language Officer in 1991 and matters regarding that position including appointment of support staff, teaching in Manx schools, production of a 1995 report into the future development of the Manx language (including original letters received from concerned individuals and groups) and assorted teaching resources.

Coonseil ny Gaelgey (Manx Gaelic Advisory Council) files of Brian Stowell, 1997-2009 (3 boxes),

Manx Radio programming filing includes text for recorded lessons Lessoonyn (1999-2004), 34 files regarding his programme Moghrey Jedoonee (2000-2017, 9 boxes) and 26 files regarding Naight-Eggey news items for the internet, 2001-2017, 5 boxes). For a memorandum by Brian Stowell regarding current affairs and news programming dated 24 February 2000 see Moghrey Jedooonee file 1.

For accompanying photographs see PG/15822.
For accompanying sound cassettes see SA 2021-0006

Administration / Biographical History: Thomas Brian Stowell was born in Douglas, Isle of Man on 6 September 1936. He was educated at Murray's Road School, Douglas then Douglas High School for Boys (1948-1955) where he obtained 9 O levels and A levels in Mathematics, Physics (with Distinction) and Chemistry. He studied for his Physics (Maths) BSc (Hons) at Liverpool University (1955-1958), then taught Physics at Waterloo Grammar School, Lancs (1958-1960) before working as a development physicist for the UK Atomic Energy Authority at Capenhurst Works, Chester (September 1960-August 1964). From September 1964 until 1991 he carried out teaching, research and administration at Liverpool Polytechic's School of Information Science & Technology, Byrom Street, latterly as Head of Physics there. His doctoral research (1966-1973) resulted in his PhD thesis, 'Pneumatic Hammer in a Gas-Lubricated Externally-Pressurized Annular Thrust Bearing' (submitted October 1972).

Whilst a Lecturer at the Polytechnic, Dr Stowell taught Celtic Studies and Irish for Liverpool Education Committee, St Thomas St, Liverpool from September 1972. With an aptitude for languages, he had sought to learn Russian, whilst working in nuclear physics at Capenhurst but he learnt Irish first, then developed a deep interest in Manx whilst a teenager, influenced in1953 by Doug Faragher's passionate campaign for the language at a timie when there was little interest in it. While working in Liverpool he maintained close links with the Island, writing Manx courses, recording Manx folk songs and taking part in films in Manx and Irish.

On 20 December 1958 Brian married Dorothy Patricia Stowell at the parish church of Penn, Staffs. The couple had two children, Kerry (Susan Catriona) and Sean. After the marriage was dissolved (4 March 1982) he married again to Julia Burney (17 September 1982) and had two more children, daughters Caroline and Brigid. Whilst teaching at Liverpool Polytechnic Stowell lived in New Brighton then Bebington, Merseyside. On returning to the Island to take up the newly created post of Manx Language Officer (appointed in 1991), the family lived first at Strang, Braddan and then Lancaster Road, Douglas before moving to and settling in Hilary Road, Douglas.

Brian was invited to join Coonseil ny Gaelgey (Manx Gaelic Advisory Council) in February 1986 by Charles Guard, the Administrator of the Manx Heritage Foundation. The council was set up in Heritage Year (1986) by the Foundation to offer a Gaelic translation service for the public and to offer advice on the correct use of Gaelic, providing translations for businesses and Government departments and occasionally suggesting names for new housing developments or new roads. At the time of joining there were two other members, Dr Robert Thomson and Adrian Pilgrim.

In 1991 he was appointed as the Isle of Man Government's Manx Language Officer and with his family he relocated to the Isle of Man.

Language: English

Extent: multiple boxes

Item name: correspondence, manuscripts

Collection: Manuscript Archive

Level: FONDS

ID number: MS 14991

Record class: Private

Access conditions: xx

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