While the Isle of Man is often associated with picturesque landscapes and heritage, I am frequently amazed at just how much of both I am unaware of as I go about my daily life.
Recently, I took the opportunity to walk along the River Glass at Carr’s Lane Industrial Estate in Tromode. Not the obvious location for a nature walk, but I was rewarded with a wealth of wildflower and riverscape images (see below), including the photo of ivy leaves that inspired the ink and watercolour sketch in my previous blog post, Embracing contrast: Sketching with Ink and Focusing with Watercolours.
On returning to my studio, I investigated the history of Tromode and found accounts of bustling industry, textile manufacturing, and the birth of a unique village known as Cronkbourne.
The Birth of Industry: Early Beginnings
Tromode's industrial journey commenced in the late 18th century, when the Moore family pioneered the sailcloth manufacturing industry. In 1790, brothers James and Edward Moore, along with their father, established the first Moore sailcloth works on Duke Street and rented Ballabeg farm in Braddan to support their sailcloth production needs. After their father's passing in 1810, the brothers eventually dissolved their partnership in 1814, leading to the expansion of their businesses in separate directions.
Edward Moore relocated across the river to Tromode, setting up his operations in the old corn mill. Meanwhile, James Moore embarked on a new venture in Douglas, later acquiring his brother's business and ultimately establishing the impressive Cronkbourne House and works, which he named after the Manx word "Cronk" (hill) and the English word "bourne" (river).
From Mill to Village: The Emergence of Cronkbourne Village
The industrious spirit of the Moore family continued with James's descendants, particularly his son William Fine Moore. In the 1840s, William initiated the development of Cronkbourne Village, a community designed to house the workers of his nearby flax mill. As the village took shape, William Fine Moore resided in Cronkbourne House, overlooking the emerging community.
The creation of Cronkbourne Village was driven by the need to provide accommodation for the growing workforce at the flax mill. The Manx Sun of September 28, 1850 (see http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/gazateer/tromode.htm) vividly captured the essence of the factory's early days, showcasing the innovative machinery and processes employed. The impressive iron water-wheel, measuring 19 feet in diameter, powered the operations, with a steam engine as a backup during water scarcity. Archibald Knox, the artist and designer, was born in Cronkbourne Village in 1864 as his father had gained employment at Tromode after moving to the Island from Scotland. (For a more detailed account of the Knox family at Cronkbourne village see the Archibald Knox Forum at https://www.archibaldknoxforum.com/cronkbourne-village )
Textile Transformation: The Journey from Flax to Fabric
The heart of the early industrial activity in Tromode was the flax mill, where the journey from raw material to finished fabric unfolded. The process included various intricate stages, such as heckling, roving, spinning, and weaving (see the blog at https://eturnerlee.com/?page_id=1503 for a demonstration of the process on a small scale and http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/fulltext/mm1900/index.htm for the ‘Mercantile Manxland’, an account of local enterprises on the Isle of Man in 1900 that features a description of the processes within the Tromode site).
Sailcloth to Brushes: The Closing of the Sailcloth Works
The industrial significance of Tromode endured for decades, with the sailcloth works operating until 1905. Over time, the site underwent transformations, housing various businesses like Clucas' laundry and brush factory.
The industrial site has since been joined by a housing estate to the east and despite initial threats of destruction, Cronkbourne Village managed to retain its identity, although not without changes. Extensions and renovations to the houses have brought modernization while preserving the historical facades.
Preserving a Legacy: Tromode Today
Tromode's journey from an industrial epicentre to a charming village is a testament to the Isle of Man’s multifaceted history. As residents enjoy the comfort of their modernised homes, they are also reminded of the generations of workers and innovators who shaped the landscape they live in and I am reminded that I should stop and look just a little bit more as this island really is full of hidden gems.
I hope you found this glimpse into the history of Tromode as interesting as I did. Next week, I'll review some of the recent additions to the Isle of Man Nature Journal map and share more details of how you can take part in the project.
Until then,
Emma
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