T. E. Brown is the Manx National poet and the ‘Fo’c’s’le Yarns’ is his greatest work.

At the very foundation of this series of long, narrative poems in Manx dialect is ‘Betsy Lee,’ widely considered to be one of the most perfect ever attempts to portray 'Manxness.'

T. E. Brown loved life, he loved language, he loved humanity. The intense kindness and humanity of the man is revealed in all his work, but perhaps nowhere more so than when he would write of the Manx people and their Island.

The complete recitation of Betsy Lee was recorded in 1992, following a performance given entirely by memory by Dollin Kelly at the Manannan International Festival – the first public performance of the complete poem for more than 60 years.

This recording was first produced in 1992 by Charles Guard in association with the Manx Heritage Foundation.
Music by Steven Dallimore. Original cover design by Catherine James.
It is released now with thanks to the family of Dollin Kelly by Culture Vannin (today’s trading name of the Manx Heritage Foundation).

Released by Culture Vannin, 2024.
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.
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Betsy Lee Suite

Betsy Lee: Milking cows & confrontation (T. E. Brown recited by Dollin Kelly)

Betsy Lee: The lie takes hold (T. E. Brown recited by Dollin Kelly)

Betsy Lee: Pazon Gale (T. E. Brown recited by Dollin Kelly)

Betsy Lee: Losing hope (T. E. Brown recited by Dollin Kelly)

Betsy Lee: Departure (T. E. Brown recited by Dollin Kelly)

Betsy Lee: Return & bad news (T. E. Brown recited by Dollin Kelly)

Betsy Lee: A second departure (T. E. Brown recited by Dollin Kelly)

Betsy Lee: Jinny Magee (T. E. Brown recited by Dollin Kelly)

Betsy Lee: Return (T. E. Brown recited by Dollin Kelly)

Betsy Lee: resolution (T. E. Brown recited by Dollin Kelly)

Promoting and supporting all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man.

Culture Vannin awards grants and initiates schemes whilst supporting the work of development officers for music and language. The work of Culture Vannin has been fundamental to the revival of interest and support for Manx language and culture over the last twenty years.

Culture Vannin is the trading name for the Manx Heritage Foundation, registered charity 333 in the Isle of Man.

New tracks tagged #Manx dialect