By Sarah Christian and Priscilla Lewthwaite
Members of the Isle of Man Family History Society are sad to have lost one of their founder members. After many years of intrepid study, Nigel Crowe passed away on 2nd August but has left a legacy of written research.
From an early age Nigel had been an avid reader and had a curious mind and real intelligence and so could make sense of complex records. Nigel was passionate about the Baldwin Valley where he grew up and became an expert on the area. Aged 12, Nigel started his research in the Reading Room at The Manx Museum. He began looking at Baldwin families from age of 17 and gradually became interested in historic buildings and the landscape too.
At 18, he became excursion Secretary for the Isle of Man Antiquarian and Natural History Society and was a life member. In 1979, aged just 20, Nigel helped to form the Isle of Man Family History Society, becoming the organisation’s genealogist and later Chair. The society started in time for the great influx of Manx home-comers expected during the Millenium year.
Early influences were people like Doug Faragher, Leighton Stowell and Janet Narasimham – he was passionate about all things Manx. Music was a large part of his life too- the Manx Music Festival in particular.
Nigel went on to study Estate Management at University and was able to use his research skills, working for the UK valuation office in Shrewsbury, Manx Civil Service in the Local Government Planning Office and later with Chrystal’s valuers and auctioneers.
He continued to research all his life producing publications like “The Quarterland and Cottage rents of Douglas c 1705”. He contributed to various journals, edited the Family History Bible, and much of his research is lodged in the Library and Archives at The Manx Museum and The Isle of Man Family History Society Research Centre. Nigel was encouraged in his work by his late wife Christine and supported by daughters Amy and Alice who he leaves behind.
One of the most striking things about Nigel was that he was very happy to share his time and knowledge with anyone who asked. He hated being misquoted and happily Culture Vannin carried out an oral history interview with him so you can hear him talk about his life in his own words on their website. The interview was prompted by Nigel being awarded the prestigious Reih Bleeaney Vanannan award in 2022. We will miss him.