New Book Launched on the life of William Farrant

New Book Launched on the life of William Farrant

Mon, 16 Dec 2013

Authors Kit Gawne and Peter Farrant present their new book to the President of Tynwald

WILLIAM FARRANT (1826-91) was a complex, forward-looking and caring man who came from a background of privilege which had been founded on the hard work and ambition of his ancestors. The revelation of his and his family’s history, along with information on what was happening in the Isle of Man at the time has just been drawn together in a new book entitled Dear Sir - the Life and Letters of a Manxman and will be of interest to anyone who enjoys a good story with a mix of social and political content.

The Manx Heritage Foundation is pleased to launch this new and fascinating book, written by Kit Gawne and William Farrant's grandson, Peter.

William’s early life was one of great opportunity which enabled him to view and experience history in the making. He was in Europe on the Grand Tour when a series of revolutions were taking place in an attempt to overthrow traditional authority. He witnessed the Crimean War, often with bullets and shells flying around his head or sedately observing the action whilst picnicking and drinking porter on a reasonably safe hill.

In his middle and later years he served the Isle of Man in many respects. He was Captain of the Parish of Jurby, a Justice of the Peace, a Member of the House of Keys, a supporter of the Church of England, a philanthropist and a landlord. During his time in Tynwald Court he was involved in making many social and democratic changes. Whilst his background was conservative and his ideals for the betterment of the Isle of Man had been influenced by his upbringing, later on he became more liberal in his thinking.

William used his expertise to promote the scientific development of horticulture, arboriculture and agriculture. He greatly improved his home, gardens, estate and land at Ballamoar in Jurby and encouraged the same good husbandry throughout the Island.

By the latter part of the nineteenth century, with a fall in the financial return from the family estates and the decreasing profitability of farming in general, the members of the Farrant family who relied on a lifestyle funded by a finite income suffered a change in their circumstances.

The book Dear Sir, The Life and Letters of a Manxman, is available for £15 throughout the Island.