Remembering Sophia Morrison a Champion of Manx Culture

Sophia Morrison (24 May 1859 – 14 January 1917) was a Manx cultural activist, folklore collector and author. She was a founder member of Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh (The Manx Language Society) and played an important role in the Celtic revival in her Manx homeland and throughout the Celtic world.  She was an enthusiastic collector and recorder of all things related to Manx culture, including the island's ancient Gaelic language, its folklore, tales and music. In doing so this great patriot did not view her work as just a means to preserve the past. Sophia Morrison also sought to help inspire and promote a vibrant future for Manx culture.

Sophia Morrison, who was born in Peel, Isle of Man  (Manx: Purt ny h-Inshey, Mannin) and is probably best known as the author of Manx Fairy Tales, the most comprehensive collection of folklore tales from the Isle of Man. This work was later illustrated by Manx designer Archibald Knox (9 April 1864 - 22 February 1933). Her legacy lives on and Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh continues to flourish. The Manx language is now taught in all of the island’s schools and a generation of children have been taught through the medium of Manx at the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh in St John’s (Manx: Balley Keeill Eoin).