Isle of Man Public Record Office

The National Record Office of the Isle of Man, preserving the historic archives of Isle of Man Government and public bodies.

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

For today's #TithePlanTuesday, we bring you the Whitehouse in Kirk Michael, a historic estate which at this time of year is a backdrop to some rather famous road races. Landowner Evan Gell also acquired Ellerslie farm in Marown before his death in 1887. #ManxArchives #IOMTT

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

Before downing tools for the weekend, we tip our hats to these chaps who carried out the widening of the main road bridge in Ballasalla in May 1957. These images are part of a collection of photographs showing mid-20th Century Highways Division works. #ManxArchives #IsleOfMan

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

Here are two wonderful plans for St George's church hall & Sunday school on Hill Street. The hall opened in March 1935, two years after the foundation stone was laid. The vicar of St George's, Reverend Stockwell, called it "the dream of long, long years". #ManxArchives #IsleOfMan

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

We can't let #TheatreDay go by without training a spotlight on one of the brightest jewels in the Isle of Man's heritage crown: the Frank Matcham-designed Gaiety Theatre in Douglas. Here is a plan from 1942 for a proposed projector and winding room. #ManxArchives

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

#OnThisDay in 1888, Architect James Cowle signed off his plan for a purpose-built prison. In 1890, an Act of Tynwald made provision for a new institution, and the following April prisoners were transferred from Castle Rushen Gaol to the new facility in Douglas. #ManxArchives

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

Our early inquests relate not only to deaths but to cases such as trespass, property damage, and libel. In 1822, Peter Bold, editor of The Rising Sun newspaper, and advocate William Roper went to court over mutual besmirching of reputations. Most ungentlemanly! #ManxArchives

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

We're hiring! Would you like to join our team and play a vital role in helping to preserve and promote the historical records of Isle of Man public bodies? Find out more: https://t.co/dqG9SrlRev #ManxArchives #LoveArchives #Heritage #History

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

In honour of #StPatricksDay, here is none other than St Patrick's Isle in Peel, one of many historical sites in the Isle of Man linked to the saint. This 1881 plan shows 'Ye Giant's Grave', the resting place of one of St Patrick's vanquished pagan foes! #ManxArchives ☘️🇨🇮🇮🇲

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

Yesterday we welcomed Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer on his third visit to the Isle Of Man Public Record Office. His Excellency and Lady Lorimer viewed an array of historical records relating to Government House, and caught up with the recent work of the team. #ManxArchives

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

Our Annual Report 2024-2025 is now available online: https://t.co/uR5vwi8iJv. The report includes a full list of all records transferred to our archives in the period, as well as other team achievements. Make a drink, take a break, and dive in! #ManxArchives

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

We love these images of brewery delivery trucks on Finch Road, Douglas. Our vehicle registration records tell us that the Ford (left) was first registered in the Isle of Man in 1963 to Okell & Son, while the Austin (right) was registered to Heron & Brearley in 1966. #ManxArchives

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

This week's edition of #TithePlanTuesday takes us to Laxey Village in 1862. Shown here are the lands belonging to Captain Richard Rowe, Manager of the Great Laxey Mining Company. #ManxArchives #IsleOfMan #LaxeyWheel

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

Well, our closed week is a wrap! Records transferred; collections reboxed; stores cleaned; and catalogues updated. It's amazing what can be accomplished with truly great teamwork. #ManxArchives #LoveArchives

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

A public service notice from our friends at the Manx Museum Library & Archives.

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

In honour of National Hat Day, here is a fine gathering of gentlemen in... hats. We believe that the photograph (circa 1900-1905), part of a collection transferred to us from Manx Utilities, is connected to the construction of West Baldwin Reservoir. #ManxArchives #IsleOfMan

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

We'd like to wish everyone near and far a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The PRO will be closed Thursday 25th-Friday 26th December, and Thursday 1st-Friday 2nd January.
Advance notice: Our annual Closed Week will be Monday 19th-Friday 23rd January 2026.
Slaynt Vie!

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

Today, we're enjoying two of our favourite pastimes: examining old photograph albums in our archives, and getting hashtags wrong. #ArchiveElves #ArchiveAdventCalendar #IsleOfMan

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

We're late to the #ArchiveAdventCalendartheme of #Shoppingbut we must share today's Very Long Plan discovery! Drawn up in 1903, it shows the names of all the business owners along Strand Street, the main shopping area in Douglas, #IsleOfMan. #ManxArchives #ExploreYourArchive

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

On today's theme of #ChristmasCards, here's a lovely one from William and Dazine Hoggatt to unknown recipients. The photograph within the card shows the artist and his wife in their home at The Darragh, Port Erin. #ManxArchives #ArchiveAdventCalendar #IsleOfMan #Christmas

[Isle of Man Public Record Office @IsleOfManPRO]

@DCLAReadingRoom It's never too early for biscuits, especially in the winter months!