Performances of works by one of the earliest and most important Manx poets have appeared online for the first time.

Recorded at the recent Manx Bard event at Moorhouse Farm, the first ever performances online of the important Manx poet, Esther Nelson, have now been released by Culture Vannin.

Dying tragically early at the age of only 33 at Bride in 1843, Nelson released just one book of poetry, ‘Island Minstrelsy.’ But she was regarded as ‘that true woman of genius’ by the Manx National Poet, T. E. Brown. She is today still seen as one of the most important of all Manx poets.

“There was no question of whether Nelson was to be included amongst the Manx poets to be performed,” said Annie Kissack, one of the organisers of the Manx Bard event. “She is one of our greatest poets and her poems deserve to be much better known by people on the Isle of Man.”

Two of Nelson’s poems, ‘Isadore’s Song’ and ‘The Carrasdoo Men’, were performed as a part of a walk through the history of Manx poetry. T. E. Brown, Cushag (Josephine Kermode), Mona Douglas and Paul Lebiedzinski also featured, alongside the living Manx Bards.

“It is a rare opportunity to hear the history of the Island’s poetry presented in this way,” said James Franklin, Online & Educational Resources Officer at Culture Vannin. “We were delighted to be able to film some of it so that everyone will be able to enjoy poems from poets who we should all be very proud of.”

Culture Vannin recorded a selection of these performances and the 19 videos are now available to be viewed on the Culture Vannin website: www.culturevannin.im.

Photo - Esther Nelson's gravesite at Bride church.