The Admiral of the Manx Fishing Fleet pennant
Date made: 1985
Description: An unused example of the pennant awarded to and flown by the Admiral of the Manx Fishing Fleet, dating from 1985.
A blue and yellow cotton pennant with a scallop shell and 3 legs emblem designed by the Manx artist, John H.Nicholson, 1985. The new design with the scallop shell reflects the changing nature of the Manx fishing industry and the increased importance of scallop fishing. The new pennant replaced an earlier design of two herring and the three legs on a red background
Traditionally, the Admiral of the Herring Fleet was responsible for discipline and in charge of the fleet at sea and their duties were laid down by an Act of 1610. The Admiral and Vice-Admiral would be chosen from the most experienced masters of boats and their distinct flags, when lowered, would be used as a signal at sunset that the fleet could shoot their nets. By the 20th century the office had fallen into disuse; it was revived in 1962 as an honorary appointment but there have been no appointments since 1993.
Measurements: 36 x 80
Materials: cotton, wool
Object name: pennant
Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection
ID Number: 2002-0202