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The True Glory: Manxmen at Sea in the Age of Trafalgar 10 October 2005 Did you know that the youngest Manx sailor to fight at the battle of Trafalgar was aged only twelve? Or that Manx sailors were especially prized by the Navy’s press gangs? Fascinating information such as this will be available to the public at Manx National Heritage’s ‘Manxmen at Sea in the Age of Trafalgar’ exhibition, at the Manx Museum from 22nd October 2005 until 1st April 2006.  ‘The True Glory: Manxmen at Sea in the Age of Trafalgar’ is a new exhibition to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. It tells the story of the brave Manx seafarers who fought at Trafalgar and examines what life was like for them within the ‘wooden walls’ of the Royal Navy of King George III. The exhibition covers Napoleonic weaponry, the fearsome wounds sustained by men in battle, and the chilling realities of late 18th and early 19th century surgery. Other topics covered include food and drink, recreation and entertainment and crime and punishment within the Royal Navy. Matthew Richardson, Curator of Social History for Manx National Heritage, said: “More than 3,000 Manxmen served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, a higher percentage of population, it has been claimed, than any other area in the British Isles. The most famous of these men was John Quilliam; the lowly son of a farmer, who rose to commissioned rank, and found his place in history aboard Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory at Trafalgar”. Captain John Quilliam’s original uniform will be the centrepiece of the exhibition, whilst other highlights include a rare Naval General Service medal awarded to a Manx sailor, and artefacts recovered from HMS Racehorse; a warship of the Napoleonic era. ‘The True Glory: Manxmen at Sea in the Age of Trafalgar’ will be on display from 22nd October 2005 until 1st April 2006 at the Manx Museum, Douglas. The Manx Museum is part of the award-winning Story of Mann and is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free of charge. Image Caption: "In Benjamin West's famous painting, Quilliam and other officers look on as Lord Nelson lies dying." 10th October 2005 More stories >>>
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