We've just had a most unusual enquirer in our reading room. We explained to the gentleman that gloves are not advised when handling paper records, but he angrily insisted on wearing them. Very strange... #Archives #ArchivalPractice #Halloween #HopTuNaa

Our congratulations to #IsleOfMan historian & author John Manley on the publication of his latest book, 'Ballamona Hospital: The Complete History'. The PRO holds extensive records relating to the former facility, and it was a pleasure to assist John in his research. #ManxArchives

For #WorldFoodDay, this photograph shows a rather elegant Douglas Corporation staff dinner in January 1914. The menu is from a civic dinner which took place at the Rutland Hotel in April 1989. The occasion was the restructuring of the Corporation. Bon appétit! #ManxArchives

In honour of #WorldOctopusDay, our mascot Orry is perusing historical Isle of Man Fisheries minutes to discover what local marine life was like in the past. #ManxArchives #ExploreYourArchives #IrishSea #ManxWildlife #Cephalopods

NOTICE: Our reading room will be closed Friday 3rd and Friday 10th October for our Heritage Open Days events: https://t.co/viMU4hbVrU. We'll still be responding to calls and emails on these days, and Thursdays are unaffected. Best wishes from the PRO Team. #HOD2025 #Archives

It's our favourite time of year! Yes, Heritage Open Days are here again, and we're offering free guided tours of our archives. Book a place to begin your journey of discovery! #ManxArchives #ManxHeritage #ExploreYourArchive

#OnThisDay in 1905, West Baldwin Reservoir was officially opened. Construction by Douglas Corporation Water Works began in 1900 and involved the building of a railway from Abbeylands to the dam site at Injebreck for transporting materials. #ManxArchives #IsleOfMan

As it's #ManxGrandPrix race week, this week's #TithePlanTuesday comes to you from a notorious section of the TT course! In 1835, Ballagarey Farm was owned by Scottish lawyer, Norman Lockhart. This plan shows the usage of each field - crops, clover, pasture, meadow. #ManxArchives.

#DidYouKnow there was an effort to revive the Isle of Man's mining industry in the mid-20th Century? Under Government licence, The Island Exploration Company carried out mapping, surveying, drilling and prospecting work until 1968. Find out more: https://t.co/vh5Joz10Zh #Archives

Maps and plans help us to visualise places when physical traces no longer remain. This Asylum Plan shows us Cooper's Mill in Peel in 1864. The buildings shown here date from 1859, when the mill was rebuilt after a fire. #TithePlanTuesday

A new catalogue has landed! Created by our colleague Robyn, 'Records of the UK Board of Trade: Marine Maps and Plans of the Isle of Man 1858-1982' comprises 267 records relating to works around the Island's coastline. Explore the catalogue: https://t.co/VcSMtKXIKz #ManxArchives

#OnThisDay in 1907, the opening of Ramsey Cottage Hospital took place in, the Ramsey Courier noted, "delightful weather, in the presence of a numerous... and influential assemblage". Our collection of RCH records includes the earliest House Committee minutes. #ManxArchives #IOM

While the #IsleOfMan is experiencing a moderate version of the current heatwave, we're still looking longingly at this 1957 photograph of the fountain on Loch Promenade. Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend in the sun or shade! #ManxArchives #SummerVibes #SeasideArchitecture

Happy Tynwald Day, everyone! This photograph from our collections shows King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on Tynwald Day in 1945. This was the first time that a reigning British sovereign had presided over the ancient ceremony. #IsleOfMan #ManxArchives #LaaTinvaal 🇮🇲

This week's #TithePlanTuesday comes to you from the parish of Michael. Isn't this 1839 plan of Ballacarnane Moar wonderful? Surveyor Patrick Kelly typically embellished his work when the land-holding was sizeable and the landowner of some standing. #ManxArchives #IsleOfMan

NOTICE: The PRO will be closed Friday 6th June due to the #IOMTT bank holiday. Our reading room will be open as usual on Thursday and Friday the following week. https://t.co/B5RcwkLlT5 #ManxArchives

The Douglas War Memorial was unveiled #OnThisDay in 1924. It was funded by public subscription, designed by Ewart Crellin, and constructed by Thomas Quayle. This photograph, a tourism competition entry, dates from 1958. #ManxArchives #IsleOfMan #MilitaryHistory

For this week's #TithePlanTuesday, we're in St Mark's. The village fair is still held on the site below the church cottages. In May 1880, a reporter at the fair commented that "rival manure merchants and the sellers of 'jough' (ale)" saw the liveliest trade. #ManxArchives #IOM

On 10th May 1897, the Snaefell Mine Disaster - the worst such event in the Isle of Man's history - claimed the lives of twenty men. In the wake of the tragedy, a disaster fund was established; this committee record lists the victims' widows, children and parents. #ManxArchives

The Isle of Man Railway Company laid on special trains for such occasions as school and church outings. During World War Two, these volumes also record trains deployed for the movement of 'alien' internees, as shown in this notice from 5th May 1942. #OnThisDay #ManxArchives