Ink stand from the wreck of the barque 'Wilhelmina'
Date made: late 18th century
Description: Sailor's inkstand made from cork.
Belonged to Barque Wilhelmina wrecked at the Sloc. Wrecked 26th January 1845.
The Wilhelmina was from Glasgow and was bound for Leghorn. She carried eight crew and three passengers. Two of the crew plus the captain and the mate were still missing a week after the wreck. Six of the bodies which were recovered had been buried in a local churchyard, but a week later the captain's brother and the brother of one of the passengers arrived on the Island. At their request the six were disinterred, and a body was identified as the brother of one, a passenger named Wilkie. His body was returned to Scotland for burial. The others were re-interred in Rushen Churchyard.
Some weeks later rumours were circulating in the Glasgow newspapers that the crew had been robbed by Manx people, allegations apparently made by one of the men who came over after the wreck. The rumours were vehemently denied by the Manx press. A request was made to the Lieutenant Governor for an investigation, a report of which was subsequently sent to the Home Secretary.
Measurements: overall: 4 x 8 x 8 cm
Materials: wood: cork
Object name: Inkstand
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1954-1302