I am very grateful to Virgina, Girl Friday and Rafflesbear for the information. I'm sorry I missed it before now. I'm afraid I've not checked on Mudcat for some time, with one thing and another.

Rafflesbear, thank you for all the particulars you've given. Gill himself would have commuted every day as he worked in the GPO Chief Secretary's Office in St Martin's in London.

From 1893 onwards, Gill was involved with collecting and making musical arrangements (and writing some lyrics) of music associated with the Isle of Man. Despite having been born in Marsala in Sicily, his forebears were all Manx, and his brother was a high court judge in the Isle of Man.

The first fruits of this labour was published as 'Manx National Songs' in 1896 (Boosey & Co, London). Strangely enough, Gill had taken extensive time off work (100+ days of sick leave) in 1895. He took early retirement on health grounds in 1898 at the age of 58.

Nevertheless, Gill published several collections of songs and hymns at his own expense, and also had 'Songs of the British Folk' published by J Curwen & Sons in 1917. He died at the age of 83 in 1923. Not bad for someone who had to retire because of his health. Did I mention that the doctor who gave his diagnosis was a personal friend of his?!?

Thanks once again to you all for all your help.

Lhiuish,

Bobby Bob