Thomas Shimmin

Thomas Shimmin (1800 – c. 1876–1879^[1]) was a rag gatherer and poet nicknamed "Tom the Dipper" who lived in the Isle of Man.^[1]

Commemorative plaque for Tom the Dipper

He sang and wrote poetry in the Manx language and in English. His poems include, Yn Coayl jeh'n Lillee (The Loss of the Lily),^[2] Happy Marriage of the Prince of Wales, and The Royal Manx Railway, or £5 of wit for a penny.^[1]

He was twice sentenced for robbery, first in 1843 and second in 1851. In 1843, he was sentenced to transportation to Australia, but was pardoned and released in July 1847.^[1] He also preached. He may have died in 1876 or 1879.^[1]

Happy Marriage of the Prince of Wales

But the despised metropolis,
I call it Castletown,
Although the Governor were amiss,
In honour did abound;
'Twas not alone the poor were fed,
But tradesmen and there spouse,
To the Town Hall were freely led,
And quickly filled the house.