12 and 14 Seneschal Lane, Douglas, Isle of Man, 1932-34 (b/w photo)

On the back of this photograph John James Frowde writes, "Back, for the once, in Seneschal Lane. Nos. 12 & 14. In this restricted area, this view, such as it is, was only got after several failures. The tall house on Left was old Alexander Spittal's. Henry Bloom Noble was his apprentice at one time. This house bears evidence of having been erected at a much later date than others in the vicinity. The rear shows that; with windows of the Derby Sq. variety, seen in the Spittal's Court views in Route 1. A bit of the King Orry Inn, New Bond St., in Right distance. 29.1.33. I made a note that the figures, in brass, '14' had been seen on the door of Spittal's house that day by me. Rewrite House dates before 1820 [amplow?] [On reverse] 10.6.35 When the arbitration procedures took place re the purchase by the Corporation of this house, it was stated that this property had been built at a date much later than that of the premises adjoining, & mid-last century was suggested; and a remark was made that it was erected to replace a much smaller & more ancient house on the same site. Attention was directed to the fact of the rear of the building being at least a third wider than was the front: indicating that the front occupied the narrow space on Seneschal Lane (Crown Street in those days;) + that the rear expanded when clear of the building (No.4) on the North side. This day, looking at Drinkwater's 1826 map in the Museum print-room, I glanced at the Burman view from the Head (1820-1) which is engraved aat the foot of the map, & saw, to my surprise, the founding outlines of Spittal's house, towering over all the buildings inthe vicinity. Walking over to Burman's View, it was even more easily recognisable. There anyhow in 1820, - 115 years back. The rear of this building can be clearly picked out in any photo of the area taken from the Head. [sketch marked by 'x'] x This, the part that gives the rear its extra width always identifies the house; the portion 'xox' is the width roughly of the front of the premises in Seneschal Lane." Additional note: "24.9.34 Found note on print FD 12 that I noted 14 in brass figures on Spittal's door 29.1.33. [another's handwriting] Spittal's House (Estate of Campbell, fishmonger, bought by D.H. for £700 Jan 32. OK. No 14 Seneschal Lane. House next woulld be 12 - big house No 11 across rd - no. still on door - The two houses between it & St. B Sq. would be 13 + 15? July/33 Optical case (Kewin? Miss) house next to Mrs Nowell's [at?] St B Sq - No 16. Aug 8 taking pictures in the area, verified that."