Trevor Ashe facts for kids

Trevor Ashe (1770–1836), also known as Thomas Ashe, was a fascinating person who worked as a writer, newspaper editor, publisher, and even a museum director. He is most famous on the Isle of Man for two big reasons: he opened the first "Manx Museum" in 1825, and he wrote the very first novel set on the Isle of Man. He also published one of the Island's earliest poetry books. Ashe led a life full of ups and downs, always trying new things.

Early Life and First Manx Novel

Trevor Ashe was born on July 15, 1770, in Glasnevin, Ireland. His father was a naval officer. Ashe later became known for his writing, especially a book called The Manks Monastery.

The Manks Monastery: A Manx First

Published in 1792, The Manks Monastery is special because it's the first known novel that takes place on the Isle of Man. This book is incredibly rare today. The only known copy is kept safe at the Manx National Heritage Library and Archives, making it "the rarest book of Manx fiction."

Ashe's Work in Journalism

After spending some time abroad, Ashe returned to the UK and started working in journalism. He was a reporter for the Morning Herald newspaper until 1811. Later, from 1820 to 1823, he lived in York and used the name Philip Frances Sidney. During this time, he edited two newspapers, the Yorkshire Gazette and the Yorkshire Observer. He also published essays from these papers in a collection called The Hermit of York: A Series of Essays on a Variety of Subjects in 1823.

Publishing on the Isle of Man

In late 1824, Ashe moved to the Isle of Man to become the editor of the Manx Sun newspaper. This job didn't last long, but he continued to write many articles for the paper, including reviews of plays.

Ashe's Publishing Ventures

Soon after arriving on the Island, Ashe began publishing his own books and journals. He proposed a book called Views of the Ocean from the Isle of Man, but it might not have been fully printed. He was also likely involved with the Isle of Man Literary Journal, which only had one issue in March 1825. Other ideas for journals and newspapers, like The Isle of Man Magazine and The Manx Lynx, were advertised but never seemed to be published. Ashe also helped with the first publication by another local writer, Eliza Craven Green, called A Legend of Mona.

Notable Books by Ashe

In August 1825, Ashe published two important books: The Manx Sketch Book, or Beauties of the Isle of Man and The Pier and Bay of Douglas; or, Forget Me Not from the Isle of Man, in a Series of Marine Poems.

The Sketch Book featured beautiful lithographic prints. William Cubbon, a historian, called it "one of the most charming publications of the early part of the nineteenth century." Ashe claimed to have sold 2,000 copies in just two months and printed many more for tourists.

The Pier and Bay of Douglas was a collection of 26 poems. It is now recognized as one of the earliest poetry books from the Isle of Man. However, at least one poem in the book was found to be very similar to a poem by Lord Byron, which made people wonder about the rest of his work. By 1939, only four copies of this book were known to exist.

The Manx Museum

Trevor Ashe is perhaps best remembered on the Isle of Man for starting a "Manx Museum." This was almost 100 years before the official Manx National Heritage Manx Museum was founded.

Opening the Museum

On July 16, 1825, Ashe announced that his Museum was open on the North Quay in Douglas. He promised visitors would see "Natural and Artificial Curiosities, Remains of Antiquity, scarce Subjects in the Manx Mineral, Vegetable, and Animal Kingdoms." By July 23, the Museum had a keeper, and Ashe was its Director, keeping it open daily for long hours. The collections included interesting objects, rare books and prints, and original paintings.

Museum's Growth and Challenges

The Museum was very popular in its first week. This success encouraged Ashe to expand the collections and move to a larger location on Duke Street by August 3, 1825. The expanded Museum included a Library and Literary Lounge, which Ashe described as a "Temple of Fancy" offering "public accommodation to ladies of taste and reading."

However, Ashe might have expected too much continued success. He had to organize a public lottery on October 17 to raise money and pay off his debts. He initially said this was to focus more on the Museum, but later admitted it was to pay his bills. Despite his efforts, Ashe declared that he couldn't pay his debts at the end of December 1825. He was then held in Castle Rushen because of his debts.

Legacy of the First Manx Museum

People at the time, upset by Ashe's financial troubles, sometimes made fun of his Museum. They called it a "medley" of old prints, books, and stuffed animals. However, today, experts see Ashe's Museum as an important step for its time. It showed an early interest in science, Manx history, and nature, earning it respect as a valuable institution.

Later Life and Struggles

After being released from Castle Rushen, Ashe stayed on the Isle of Man and continued working in journalism and publishing. He edited a journal for the Duke of Atholl and another popular journal. He also tried to earn extra money by writing articles about people.

Leaving the Isle of Man

In 1827, Ashe tried to start a business as an estate agent with offices in Douglas and Liverpool. However, these plans didn't work out, and he left the Isle of Man for good by May 27, 1828.

Life in London and Final Years

By 1830, Ashe was 60 years old and living in Kensington, London, with his family. He faced financial difficulties. He tried to get money from the Duke of Cumberland by threatening to publish a critical book he had written. When the Duke refused, Ashe was arrested for suspicious behavior near the Duke's home. He spent six months in Coldbath Fields Prison but was later found not guilty because there wasn't enough proof linking him to the letters.

In May 1831, Ashe claimed to have changed his life and become a follower of Wesleyanism. However, many people, including the local press, were doubtful, thinking it might be another one of his schemes to get money.

Trevor Ashe lived for another four and a half years, passing away in Bath in January 1836. The Manx Sun newspaper summed up his life by saying: "His whole life was one continual series of struggles with misfortune, and he ended his days in utter destitution and want."