Man was conquered, and the King of Scotland appointed a lieutenant to
rule the island. But the Manx loved the Scotch no better as masters than
as pirates, and they petitioned the English king, Edward I., to take
them under his protection. He came, and the Scotch were driven out. But
King Robert Bruce reconquered the island for the Scotch. Yet again the
island fell to English dominion. This was in the time of Henry IV. It is
a sorry story. Henry gave the island to the Earl of Salisbury. Salisbury
sold it to one Sir William le Scroop. A copy of the deed of sale exists.
It puts a Manxman's teeth on edge. "With all the right of being crowned
with a golden crown." Scroop was beheaded by Henry, who confiscated his
estate, and gave the island to the Earl of Northumberland. It is a silly
inventory, but let us get through with it. Northumberland was banished,
and finally Henry made a grant of the island to Sir John de Stanley.
This was in 1407. Thus there had been four Kings of Man--not one of whom
had, so far as I know, set foot on its soil--three grants of the island,
and one miserable sale. Where the carcase is, there will the eagles be
gathered together.