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] 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.

In 1843, he was sentenced to transportation to Australia, but was pardoned and released in July 1847.

[1] 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.