Armed yacht 'Peggy' which belonged to George Quayle
Date made: 1789
Place made: Castletown
Description: This armed yacht called the Peggy was built by George Quayle, of Bridge House in Castletown, around 1789. She was rediscovered in the 1930s, about 100 years after she had been abandoned in the boathouse which Quayle built for her.
The vessel has a clinker-built hull and two masts. She was equipped with six small cannon. The stern carries an elaborate painted decoration including the words 'George Quayle Castletown'. The name 'Peggy' is also visible but has been painted over.
The Peggy is the oldest surviving Manx-built craft. As such she offers enormous insights into 18th century shipbuilding techniques. Her association with one of the most significant families on the Isle of Man, the Quayles, means that she is also exceptionally well documented through the Quayle family papers.
George Quayle lived in Castletown between 1757 and 1835. His wider family played a key role in the administration and economy of the Isle of Man during a time of constitutional change, Revestment. Four generations held the office of Clerk of the Rolls at Castle Rushen. The family were heavily involved in high politics as well as the military, economic and social life of the island. Quayle himself was a prominent Manx businessman and politician during the Napoleonic Wars and at the height of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
National Historic Ships Register
Measurements: 810 x 234 x 120 cm (l x b x d)
Materials: iron, wood
Object name: yacht
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1967-0328
Comments
Linked Records
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