Chester Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, 1932 (b/w photo)

On the back of this photograph John James Frowde writes, "Chester St., on part of the area north of Well Rd. Hill, once styled 'The Big Garden'. Mr. G. W. Morrison, for many years a/c collector for the SPCo., who died at an advanced age in 1932, once informed me that, as a small boy, he played in a sand pit on the site of St. Thomas' Church. (17.4.32). Probably why Ewan Christian's projected spire - as shewn in the old engraving or litho- was never erected. And alas probably why the bells, formerly rung by six men, were supplanted by a mechanical apparatus rung by one. As now, in earlier days I spent periods in the belfry with Crow, he seated in front of six ropes dependent from the ceiling. He had the 'score' of the changes before him, like music, and was an expert in change ringing. That was 40 years back. There are now 8 bells - and no real change ringing at all. Crow was a workman with Nicholsons', Painters and Decorators, Well Rd. Hill."