Thomas Shimmin Explained
Thomas Shimmin (1800 – c. 1876–1879[1]) was a rag gatherer and poet nicknamed "Tom the Dipper" who lived in the Isle of Man.[1]
He sang and wrote poetry in the Manx language and in English. His poems include, Yn Coayl jeh'n Lillee (The Loss of the Lily),[2] Happy Marriage of the Prince of Wales, and The Royal Manx Railway, or £5 of wit for a penny.[1]
He was twice sentenced for robbery, first in 1843 and second in 1851. In 1843, he was sentenced to transportation to Australia, but was pardoned and released in July 1847.[1] He also preached. He may have died in 1876 or 1879.[1]
Happy Marriage of the Prince of Wales
But the despised metropolis,I call it Castletown,Although the Governor were amiss,In honour did abound;'Twas not alone the poor were fed,But tradesmen and there spouse,To the Town Hall were freely led,And quickly filled the house.
Further reading
- Wright, John The Manx MacGonigal: The poems, the life and world of Thomas Shimmin, Manx poet, known as Tom the Dipper. Onchan, 1997
Notes and References
- A. W. Moore, Manx Worthies, S. K. Broadbent & Company (Douglas, Isle of Man) 1901. accessed 1 January 2008
- Gilchrist, A. G., and Lucy E. Broadwood. "Last Gleanings." Journal of the Folk-Song Society 7, no. 30 (1926): 299-317.
