This memorial tablet to William Farrant can be found in St. Patrick’s church in Jurby. He was born in 1873 into the influential Farrant Family, his father also William, ‘was Captain of the Parish of Jurby, a Justice of the Peace, a member of the House of Keys a supporter of the Church of England, a philanthropist and a Landlord. (‘Dear Sir’ by Peter Farrant and Kit Gawne ISBN:978-0-9571825-8-5)
The brass memorial tablet has the follow text:
‘IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
WILLIAM FARRANT
JUNE 2 1873 – JULY 9 1961
BURIED AT ENGCOBO SOUTH AFRICA.’
The Farrant family’s main residence in the Parish of Jurby was at Ballamoar and it was here that William spent his early years
William Farrant junior did not follow his father into public service but rather became a Civil Engineer. The proposal form dated 12 April 1899 to become an Associate of The Institution of Civil Engineers gives the following information:
‘…he was educated at King Williams College, Isle of Man; Served an apprenticeship (January 1890-91) to Messrs. Galloway Ltd. (Managing Director Mr. C Galloway M. Inst. C. E.) Knott Mill Iron Works, Manchester; afterward (1891 – 92) to Messrs. Higginbottom and Mannock, Crown Iron Works, Manchester; then for five and a half years (1892 – 97) was an Assistant on the Staff of Messrs. Kincard, Walker and Manville (Mr. Kincaid, M. Inst. C. E. Mr. Waller, M. Inst. C. E.) Westminster, engaged on construction works of the South Yorkshire Junction Railway (1893 – 95); the reconstruction of the London United Tramways; various Surveys, etc.; for Private Bills, and for other purposes; and in the office on general Engineering design.
From July to September 1897 he was engaged under Mr. W. J Clive M. Inst. C. E. in Cape Town C. G. H. in making surveys, and in design of engineering work.
Since September 1897 he has been engaged as Assistant under Mr. J. W. Cairncross Assoc. M. Inst. C. E., then City Engineer of Cape Town; and under Mr. R. O. Wayne Roberts Assoc. M. Inst. C. E., at Present City Engineer of Cape Town; in whose office important Municipal Works are now being carried out.’ (
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