Manx Maritime Connections to Slavery

There were Manx captains and crews on many slave ships and financial partnerships in vessels. Food for slaves such as ‘Red’ (whole) herrings were stored in Douglas warehouses (PG/1599/1). Manx merchants traded in ‘Guinea Goods’ exchanged for slaves on the West African Coast.

Our first object is from our Ceramic Collection and is this punchbowl on display at the Manx Museum. It was made in Liverpool, around 1760-70. It shows a picture of the Phoebe, thought to be a slave ship operating out of Liverpool in the 18th century.

The Phoebe punchbowl belonged to a forebear of the Gibb sisters of The Grove, Ramsey. Such bowls were often made in the late 18th century to drink a toast to the vessel and crew at the beginning of a trading voyage.  (1976-1932/13)

In the 18th century there was a demand for ceramics showing slave ships. They may have been a pro-slavery response to the abolition movement of the time. Punchbowls were the most popular items, but jugs were also made. These items were sometimes presented to captains.

Our second object, this time from the Archives, is a copy of the logbook of Captain Cannon (1766-1811). The original is held by his descendants. Born in Peel on the west coast of the Isle of Man, Cannon was the captain of a slave ship. (1959-0334/11)

In 1781, aged 14, George enrolled for two years at Peel’s Mathematical School to learn the mathematics of sailing: how to use charts and determine latitude, longitude and depth. (PG/13540/475)

The surviving logbook (MS 11518) provides a remarkable record of slaving voyages aboard Iris.  As well as nautical matters, it records supply levels, the crew’s work and references to the general health, illnesses and death of slaves on-board. 

The logbook tells us of Cannon's voyage on the slave ship Iris.  Under Cannon's command, Iris was bound for Jamaica via West Africa.

409 of the 447 slaves survived the voyage, landing in Jamaica in 1800. This was the last of Iris'  seven slaving trips under seven captains.

On 2 October 1798, 'giving the thin slaves a middle mess every day' and the following week, 'slaves in good spirits and the before mencheeoned a deal better. Giving them liquor and mid. mess every day.'


On 6 October a female slave died and her body was thrown over board. 

On 13 October 1798 the logbook records, 'five slaves complaining. One various ills, four complaining of the eyes.'

The Minerva was Cannon’s last slave command, delivering slaves to New Providence and returning to Liverpool in 1803. George died in a mutiny at sea in 1811.

This photograph shows his granddaughter visiting his house in Kirk Michael (still extant) in the early 1900s. (PG/8313)

The Phoebe punchbowl is on display in the Mann at War Gallery at the Manx Museum. You can also visit the Grove, home of the Gibbs.

To see the copy of Captain Cannon's logbook, contact our Library and Archives.