Introduction to Illiam Dhône: Manx political martyr

Illiam Dhône (14 April 1608 - 02 January 1663) was a Manx nationalist and politician, who was executed by firing squad at Hango Hill in the Isle of Man on 2nd January 1663. The name Illiam Dhône means "Brown William" in English, a name that was given to him because of his hair colour. His name in English was William Christian. Illiam Dhône was appointed Receiver General of the Isle of Man in 1648.

At the time of the Civil War James Stanley 7th Earl of Derby was a loyalist supporter of King Charles I. In 1651 he left the Island to fight for the English King against the Parliamentary forces. He was captured and his wife Countess Charlotte de la Tremouille hoped to try and negotiate her husband’s release by holding out against the surrender of the Island’s garrisons. However, Illiam Dhône in an act known as the Manx Rebellion gave up her remaining forces to those of Parliament who at the time had besieged the Island. James Stanley had by this time been executed.

On the restoration of King Charles II in 1660 the 8th Earl of Derby and only son of James Stanley and Countess Charlotte de la Tremouille returned to the Isle of Man. He accused Illiam Dhône of treason despite the issue of a general pardon granted by Charles II. At his trial many members of the House of Keys who refused to condemn him were replaced by those that would. His execution was carried out on 2 January 1663.

Interview with historian John Callow on Illiam Dhône

Recommended further reading

'Illiam Dhone, Patriot or Traitor?' by Dr Jennifer Kewley Draskau. Get your copy from Amazon.com (US$) or Amazon.co.uk (GB£):

Other articles of interest

• Biography of John Callow
• Hango Hill