James Brown, Manx political reformer (1815-1881)
James Brown (1815-1881) was central to the creation of a democratic House of Keys, and eventually democracy on the Isle of Man.
The historian A. W. Moore wrote in 1901 that “The reform of the House of Keys is now usually associated with the name of James Brown of the Isle of Man Times newspaper. He was not a Manxman.” In fact Brown, a mixed-race Liverpudlian by origin, was the grandson of an American slave.
He was imprisoned in Castle Rushen in 1864 for attacking the House of Keys in his newspaper. This was a central event in the struggle for reform of the Manx political system, and the eventual establishment of democracy on the Isle of Man.
Relatively little has been written about this influential figure in Manx history until a recent publication by Dr Fyson: "The Struggle for Manx democracy"
www.culturevannin.im/publication_453857.html
A lecture on James Brown by Dr Robert Fyson is available online:
This picture is uploaded by Culture Vannin, which exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
"http://www.facebook.com/culturevannin
James Brown, Manx political reformer (1815-1881)
James Brown (1815-1881) was central to the creation of a democratic House of Keys, and eventually democracy on the Isle of Man.
The historian A. W. Moore wrote in 1901 that “The reform of the House of Keys is now usually associated with the name of James Brown of the Isle of Man Times newspaper. He was not a Manxman.” In fact Brown, a mixed-race Liverpudlian by origin, was the grandson of an American slave.
He was imprisoned in Castle Rushen in 1864 for attacking the House of Keys in his newspaper. This was a central event in the struggle for reform of the Manx political system, and the eventual establishment of democracy on the Isle of Man.
Relatively little has been written about this influential figure in Manx history until a recent publication by Dr Fyson: "The Struggle for Manx democracy"
www.culturevannin.im/publication_453857.html
A lecture on James Brown by Dr Robert Fyson is available online:
This picture is uploaded by Culture Vannin, which exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
"http://www.facebook.com/culturevannin