Reform of the calendar in 1753 - deemed to have been backdated to 1752 - means that the Great Midsummer Fair is held in St John's on 5th July by the modern calendar, but 24th June (formerly reckoned to be midsummer) by the old style. Midsummer was a fire festival associated with Manninan, but the church made it St John the Baptist's Day. However, the Tynwald ceremony includes links with the old god.

We hear more about Neddy Beg's time as a youth at sea with his father as skipper and a crew much given to drink.

As y kiaull ain y cheayrt shoh -