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Dhone Memorial to be Held
Illiam Dhone was executed on January 2 1663
This afternoon will see the annual celebration of one of the most important figures in Manx history.
Illiam Dhone was executed on January 2 1663 after a charge of treason brought by Charles, 8th Earl of Derby.
When the 7th Earl of Derby, ‘The Great Stanley’ went to fight for King Charles 1 in the English Civil War, Dhone, fearing his fellow islanders would be butchered, led the Manx Rebellion and surrendered forts to the parliamentary forces.
When King Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660 and the 8th Earl of Stanley returned to the island, the Earl accused Dhone of treason for the surrendering the island and had him executed by firing squad at Hango Hill, despite the issue of a general pardon granted by Charles II.
The usual celebration held by Men Vannin has not been organised after the party and the Mannin Branch of the Celtic League said no-one was available to arrange it, but Tomas Callister has stepped in to ensure the event is marked in the usual fashion.
The memorial will be held at 2pm at Hango Hill. A session will be held afterwards at The Sidings in Castletown.
