Newsletter
George Leslie Quilliam
2004
In 2004, George Leslie (Les) Quilliam was recognised for his contribution and dedication to Manx history and culture by receiving the accolade of the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan.
Les grew up in St. Johns and Peel; most of his childhood years were spent at Stanley road. His father William was a local coal merchant and his mother Edith was a nurse at Ballamona. Les was educated at Peel Clothworkers and was subsequently offered a scholarship to attend King Williams College (he was the first Peel boy to be given this opportunity). He turned down this offer and chose to study at Douglas High School.
Following two years of National Service in the RAF he attended Worcester teacher training college. He taught in London and Dorset before moving back to Peel, where he made his permanent home at Peveril Road with his wife Val.
His first teaching post on the Island was at Onchan School where he taught Manx to the children at dinner- time; an unusual practice Manx schools at this time. Lewis Crellin and Jack Irving were instrumental in developing Les’ mastery of the Manx language, and he in turn imparted his ever-increasing knowledge at informal gatherings and at the Isle of Man College. He became Headmaster of St Johns School in the early 1970s and on his retirement he took up writing and published several significant books including A Gazetteer of the Isle of Man and Surnames of the Manx. Les was also active in Yn Cheshaght Gaelgach in his early years as a teacher. Later, he became the first port of call for much Manx Gaelic translation work, including naming some of the new roads in Peel.
As an academic, Les’ knowledge of all things Manx was admired and respected. He researched the history of the island through study of literature, active involvement in excavations and by scouring the countryside for historical evidence. Indeed, he discovered Mesolithic flint tools on Peel Hill. Les was a founding member of Peel Heritage Trust and its first chairman. He wrote leaflets entitled ‘Peel on Foot’ and a leaflet that documented the history of Peel. Latterly, he was a Blue Badge Guide, providing anecdotal and historical information to groups of tourists.
He had an extensive knowledge of Manx natural history and was a member of the MSPB and the IoM Natural History and Antiquarian Society.
Leslie passed away in his hometown of Peel in 2010 at the age of 77.
