Douglas, Isle of Man
Encyclopedia
Douglas is the capital and largest town of the Isle of Man
, with a population of 26,218 people (2006). It is located at the mouth of the River Douglas, and a sweeping bay of two miles. The River Douglas forms part of the town's harbour and main commercial port.
Douglas is home to the High Courts and the Isle of Man Government
.
The town serves as the Island's main hub for business, finance, legal services, shipping, transport, shopping, and entertainment.
weapon in central Douglas, and the large Ballaquayle Viking
treasure hoard on the outskirts, both in the 1890s, hint at the early importance of the site now occupied by Douglas. Scholars agree that the name of the town derives from Early Celtic 'Duboglassio' meaning 'black river'. Douglas is twice referred to in the Monastic 'Chronicle of the Kings of Man and the Isles'; first in 1192, when the monks of St Mary's Abbey at Rushen, were transferred there for a four-year stay, then again in 1313, when Robert (Bruce), King of Scotland, spent the night at the 'monastery of Duglas' on his way to seize Castle Rushen. These may be references to the site of the later Nunnery, a little upstream from the port.
The first detailed documentation shows that in 1511 there were only thirteen resident households in the settlement clustered north of the harbour, most of the property there classifying as "chambers" (unoccupied, unheated, single-celled structures) for which rent was paid by non-residents including clergy, officials and landowners from elsewhere on the Island. This suggests that the origins of the town's nucleus were as a non-urban port. Current speculation links the store-buildings with the Irish Sea Herring fishery, and the import/export trade. In 1681 Thomas Denton described Douglas as "The place of greatest resort" on the Isle of Man, and by 1705 a clear picture of the early town emerges, with hints that its residential, market, and military defence functions were growing in importance alongside the port facility. The ensuing sixty years saw the town thrive as imposing merchants' houses, large warehouses, quays and a pier were provided to accommodate the burgeoning 'Running Trade' (smuggling
) : one of the stimuli for the town to expand. Other forms of trade also grew, and following the Revestment Act of 1765, Douglas began to reap the benefits of trans-Atlantic trade, due to the discovery of the New World
, and co-operation on a local level with Liverpool
. Legitimate merchants who rose to prominence over the period included the Murreys, the Moores, and the Bacons. The town's later prosperity was facilitated by the low cost of living, and favourable legal status enjoyed by English
debtors and half pay officers. The initial growth and development of the town owed much to its natural harbour (now the Inner Harbour), since greatly expanded and improved. Over the course of the 18th century, the town's population rose significantly, from 800 (approx.) in 1710 to nearly 2,500 in 1784.
Throughout the nineteenth century, the town's demographics began to follow the same trends as the United Kingdom, due to the Industrial Revolution
. The growing number of people wanting to holiday in the area, from the early nineteenth century, forged a new industry, and from around 1870 onwards, the town was transformed into a leading holiday resort. Juxtaposed with this prosperity were the increasingly unsanitary conditions, and poor quality housing; this, again, reflected a trend seen across the United Kingdom. The open sewage
, midden
s (domestic waste dump), and smell from the harbour at low tide all contributed to the town's uncleanliness. Oil and gas lamps first appeared in late 1820s and 1830s, the first hospital to join the Dispensary
was built in 1850, and Douglas bay became home to one of the town's most iconic pieces of scenery in 1832, when the Tower of Refuge
was built to offer shelter and provisions for sailors awaiting rescue. Douglas, in the first half of the nineteenth century though, was often characterized by the destitution of its population and the high number of epidemics, in particular, cholera
, that they suffered from.
The rise of Douglas as the social and economic stronghold of the Isle was recognized in 1869, when it became the capital, an honour previously held by Castletown, a smaller town in the south of the Island. Douglas's political landscape also changed significantly in the nineteenth century, in spite of the conservatism shown by some townsfolk: in 1844 for example, at a public meeting, the idea of a town council
was rejected in favour of retaining the system of Town High Bailiffs (when the Town Bill Act was passed at Tynwald in 1852, the people of Douglas again rejected the idea). However, an act passed later that decade, which did not include opt-out clauses, was accepted, and in 1860, Douglas elected its first town council, which was predominantly middle class
in its makeup. The Town Commissioners were able to tackle the town's problems with greater efficiency, and by 1869, the sewage problem had been largely taken care of.
The Commissioners also designed to alter the anachronistic architecture of Douglas, built during the era of fishing and trading, and no longer amenable or safe for tourists. The proportion of the Manx population living in Douglas was also expanding, with 35% living there by 1891. The Victorian
and later modernisation of the town was achieved at the expense of the original maze-like layout of the oldest streets. These were cleared away in the new street schemes and slum clearances of the 1870s to 1920s. The town's infrastructure was radically altered in order to convenience tourists, and in 1878, the Loch Promenade was constructed. In 1870, there were 60,000 visitors annually, by 1884, this had grown to 182,000. In 1887, 310,916 visited for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
In the absence of any archaeological
data, it is possible that the origins of the town may be revealed by analysis of the original street and plot pattern. It is now home to the Island's offshore financial services industry.
Tynwald
, the Manx Parliament, meets in Douglas (except on Tynwald Day
, when it instead meets on Tynwald Hill in St John's, a small village near the west coast of the island).
During World War I
and World War II
, Douglas and other parts of the Isle of Man were home to internment camps
for 'enemy aliens'. A section of the Promenade was cordoned off and many guest houses were used for this purpose.
Douglas is also the birthplace of the Gibb brothers, better known as the Bee Gees
.
In 2011 Douglas is scheduled to host the Commonwealth Youth Games
.
point of two rivers, the Dhoo
and the Glass
. At Douglas, the rivers flow through the quay and into Douglas Bay. A gently sloping valley runs inland. Hills lie to the north-west and south-east.
The town is surrounded by several other smaller towns and villages, most notably Onchan
to the north (which forms a conurbation
with Douglas) and Union Mills
to the west.
The more formal history of education in the town begins with Bishop Thomas Wilson's establishment of the Douglas Grammar School. Alderman William Dixon (a native of Douglas, but resident in Dublin since at least the 1680s agreed to hand over his parent's former home, and passed over the New Bond Street property in 1714. The Bishop raised an endowment of £500 (Irish currency), half being funded by the Barrow Trustees, most of the balance being provided by the Bishop's Douglas relatives, the Murrey family. Even after this, the mastership of Douglas Grammar School continued to be combined with the Chaplaincy, now of the new Chapel of St Matthew. Details of the building of the original Grammar School are sparse, but it seems that William Murrey was deeply involved, retaining the use of the capacious storage vault under the school in lieu of repayment of £150 costs.
Another notable Master of the Grammar School was Rev. Philip Moore (1705–1783) who was a native of the town, his father Robert Moore having been one of the "Undertakers" who organised the construction of St Matthews, and his mother Miss Katherine Kelly. Moore was appointed Master in 1735, and was reckoned to be a good classical scholar, and have "an inherent love of teaching".
Today, Douglas is home to two high schools; Ballakermeen High School
and St. Ninian's High School and numerous primary schools. Isle of Man College
and the International Business School
are also located in Douglas.
Douglas has a number of attractions and items of interest:
(NSC), a large multi-sports centre and athletics stadium is located on Pulrose Road. The NSC is owned by the Department of Tourism and Leisure
of the Isle of Man Government
and operated by the Manx Sport & Recreation. The King George V Bowl
, multi-use stadium
is located on Pulrose Road. It is owned by Douglas Borough Council.
Douglas is also the start and finish point for the Isle of Man TT
which is the biggest classic roadracing event in the world. The race has been a part of the FIM
Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship
but is not a part of the series due to the track's safety record and because the track is situated on public roads.
Douglas is home to nine of the football clubs that compete in the Isle of Man Football League
. These are
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man , otherwise known simply as Mann , is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, within the British Isles. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of Lord of Mann. The Lord of Mann is...
, with a population of 26,218 people (2006). It is located at the mouth of the River Douglas, and a sweeping bay of two miles. The River Douglas forms part of the town's harbour and main commercial port.
Douglas is home to the High Courts and the Isle of Man Government
Isle of Man Government
The Isle of Man Government is the government of the Isle of Man. The formal head of the Isle of Man Government is the Lieutenant Governor, representing HM Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann...
.
The town serves as the Island's main hub for business, finance, legal services, shipping, transport, shopping, and entertainment.
History
The discovery of a bronzeBronze
Bronze is a metal alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive. It is hard and brittle, and it was particularly significant in antiquity, so much so that the Bronze Age was named after the metal...
weapon in central Douglas, and the large Ballaquayle Viking
Viking
The term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to...
treasure hoard on the outskirts, both in the 1890s, hint at the early importance of the site now occupied by Douglas. Scholars agree that the name of the town derives from Early Celtic 'Duboglassio' meaning 'black river'. Douglas is twice referred to in the Monastic 'Chronicle of the Kings of Man and the Isles'; first in 1192, when the monks of St Mary's Abbey at Rushen, were transferred there for a four-year stay, then again in 1313, when Robert (Bruce), King of Scotland, spent the night at the 'monastery of Duglas' on his way to seize Castle Rushen. These may be references to the site of the later Nunnery, a little upstream from the port.
The first detailed documentation shows that in 1511 there were only thirteen resident households in the settlement clustered north of the harbour, most of the property there classifying as "chambers" (unoccupied, unheated, single-celled structures) for which rent was paid by non-residents including clergy, officials and landowners from elsewhere on the Island. This suggests that the origins of the town's nucleus were as a non-urban port. Current speculation links the store-buildings with the Irish Sea Herring fishery, and the import/export trade. In 1681 Thomas Denton described Douglas as "The place of greatest resort" on the Isle of Man, and by 1705 a clear picture of the early town emerges, with hints that its residential, market, and military defence functions were growing in importance alongside the port facility. The ensuing sixty years saw the town thrive as imposing merchants' houses, large warehouses, quays and a pier were provided to accommodate the burgeoning 'Running Trade' (smuggling
Smuggling
Smuggling is the clandestine transportation of goods or persons, such as out of a building, into a prison, or across an international border, in violation of applicable laws or other regulations.There are various motivations to smuggle...
) : one of the stimuli for the town to expand. Other forms of trade also grew, and following the Revestment Act of 1765, Douglas began to reap the benefits of trans-Atlantic trade, due to the discovery of the New World
New World
The New World is one of the names used for the Western Hemisphere, specifically America and sometimes Oceania . The term originated in the late 15th century, when America had been recently discovered by European explorers, expanding the geographical horizon of the people of the European middle...
, and co-operation on a local level with Liverpool
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
. Legitimate merchants who rose to prominence over the period included the Murreys, the Moores, and the Bacons. The town's later prosperity was facilitated by the low cost of living, and favourable legal status enjoyed by English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
debtors and half pay officers. The initial growth and development of the town owed much to its natural harbour (now the Inner Harbour), since greatly expanded and improved. Over the course of the 18th century, the town's population rose significantly, from 800 (approx.) in 1710 to nearly 2,500 in 1784.
Throughout the nineteenth century, the town's demographics began to follow the same trends as the United Kingdom, due to the Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology had a profound effect on the social, economic and cultural conditions of the times...
. The growing number of people wanting to holiday in the area, from the early nineteenth century, forged a new industry, and from around 1870 onwards, the town was transformed into a leading holiday resort. Juxtaposed with this prosperity were the increasingly unsanitary conditions, and poor quality housing; this, again, reflected a trend seen across the United Kingdom. The open sewage
Sewage
Sewage is water-carried waste, in solution or suspension, that is intended to be removed from a community. Also known as wastewater, it is more than 99% water and is characterized by volume or rate of flow, physical condition, chemical constituents and the bacteriological organisms that it contains...
, midden
Midden
A midden, is an old dump for domestic waste which may consist of animal bone, human excrement, botanical material, vermin, shells, sherds, lithics , and other artifacts and ecofacts associated with past human occupation...
s (domestic waste dump), and smell from the harbour at low tide all contributed to the town's uncleanliness. Oil and gas lamps first appeared in late 1820s and 1830s, the first hospital to join the Dispensary
Dispensary
A dispensary is an office in a school, hospital or other organization that dispenses medications and medical supplies. In a traditional dispensary set-up a pharmacist dispenses medication as per prescription or order form....
was built in 1850, and Douglas bay became home to one of the town's most iconic pieces of scenery in 1832, when the Tower of Refuge
St Mary's Isle (Conister Rocks or Tower of Refuge)
St Mary's Isle is a partially submerged reef within Douglas Bay on the Isle of Man....
was built to offer shelter and provisions for sailors awaiting rescue. Douglas, in the first half of the nineteenth century though, was often characterized by the destitution of its population and the high number of epidemics, in particular, cholera
Cholera
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The main symptoms are profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. Transmission occurs primarily by drinking or eating water or food that has been contaminated by the diarrhea of an infected person or the feces...
, that they suffered from.
The rise of Douglas as the social and economic stronghold of the Isle was recognized in 1869, when it became the capital, an honour previously held by Castletown, a smaller town in the south of the Island. Douglas's political landscape also changed significantly in the nineteenth century, in spite of the conservatism shown by some townsfolk: in 1844 for example, at a public meeting, the idea of a town council
Town council
A town council is a democratically elected form of government for small municipalities or civil parishes. A council may serve as both the representative and executive branch....
was rejected in favour of retaining the system of Town High Bailiffs (when the Town Bill Act was passed at Tynwald in 1852, the people of Douglas again rejected the idea). However, an act passed later that decade, which did not include opt-out clauses, was accepted, and in 1860, Douglas elected its first town council, which was predominantly middle class
Middle class
The middle class is any class of people in the middle of a societal hierarchy. In Weberian socio-economic terms, the middle class is the broad group of people in contemporary society who fall socio-economically between the working class and upper class....
in its makeup. The Town Commissioners were able to tackle the town's problems with greater efficiency, and by 1869, the sewage problem had been largely taken care of.
The Commissioners also designed to alter the anachronistic architecture of Douglas, built during the era of fishing and trading, and no longer amenable or safe for tourists. The proportion of the Manx population living in Douglas was also expanding, with 35% living there by 1891. The Victorian
Victorian era
The Victorian era of British history was the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. It was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence...
and later modernisation of the town was achieved at the expense of the original maze-like layout of the oldest streets. These were cleared away in the new street schemes and slum clearances of the 1870s to 1920s. The town's infrastructure was radically altered in order to convenience tourists, and in 1878, the Loch Promenade was constructed. In 1870, there were 60,000 visitors annually, by 1884, this had grown to 182,000. In 1887, 310,916 visited for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
In the absence of any archaeological
Archaeology
Archaeology, or archeology , is the study of human society, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes...
data, it is possible that the origins of the town may be revealed by analysis of the original street and plot pattern. It is now home to the Island's offshore financial services industry.
Tynwald
Tynwald
The Tynwald , or more formally, the High Court of Tynwald is the legislature of the Isle of Man. It is claimed to be the oldest continuous parliamentary body in the world, consisting of the directly elected House of Keys and the indirectly chosen Legislative Council.The Houses sit jointly, for...
, the Manx Parliament, meets in Douglas (except on Tynwald Day
Tynwald Day
Tynwald Day is the National Day of the Isle of Man, usually occurring on 5 July.On this day the Isle's legislature, Tynwald, meets at St John's, instead of its usual meeting place, Douglas. The session is held partly in the Royal Chapel of St John the Baptist and partly in the open air on the...
, when it instead meets on Tynwald Hill in St John's, a small village near the west coast of the island).
During World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
and World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Douglas and other parts of the Isle of Man were home to internment camps
Internment
Internment is the imprisonment or confinement of people, commonly in large groups, without trial. The Oxford English Dictionary gives the meaning as: "The action of 'interning'; confinement within the limits of a country or place." Most modern usage is about individuals, and there is a distinction...
for 'enemy aliens'. A section of the Promenade was cordoned off and many guest houses were used for this purpose.
Douglas is also the birthplace of the Gibb brothers, better known as the Bee Gees
Bee Gees
The Bee Gees are a musical group that originally comprised three brothers: Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. The trio was successful for most of their 40-plus years of recording music, but they had two distinct periods of exceptional success: as a pop act in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and as a...
.
In 2011 Douglas is scheduled to host the Commonwealth Youth Games
2011 Commonwealth Youth Games
The 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, officially known as the IV Commonwealth Youth Games is a multi-sport event which took place in the British Crown Dependency of Isle of Man from 7 to 13 September 2011. As per the original quadrennial cycle, the Games were scheduled for 2012...
.
Geography
Douglas is situated on the east of the island near the confluenceConfluence
Confluence, in geography, describes the meeting of two or more bodies of water.Confluence may also refer to:* Confluence , a property of term rewriting systems...
point of two rivers, the Dhoo
River Dhoo
The River Dhoo is a river on the Isle of Man. The river begins in Marown and flows east towards Douglas through the central valley of the island. The river passes Crosby and Union Mills before meeting with the River Glass on the outskirts of Douglas where it flows out to sea through Douglas Harbour...
and the Glass
River Glass, Isle of Man
The River Glass is a river on the Isle of Man. The river begins in the area of Injebreck about 10 km north of Douglas, the Island's capital. Flowing down through the West Baldwin Valley, the river joins the River Dhoo to form the River Douglas on the outskirts of Douglas before flowing out to sea....
. At Douglas, the rivers flow through the quay and into Douglas Bay. A gently sloping valley runs inland. Hills lie to the north-west and south-east.
The town is surrounded by several other smaller towns and villages, most notably Onchan
Onchan
Onchan , is a village in the parish of Onchan on the Isle of Man. It is at the north end of Douglas Bay. Although administratively a village, it has the second largest population on the island, after Douglas, with which it forms a conurbation....
to the north (which forms a conurbation
Conurbation
A conurbation is a region comprising a number of cities, large towns, and other urban areas that, through population growth and physical expansion, have merged to form one continuous urban and industrially developed area...
with Douglas) and Union Mills
Union Mills
Union Mills is a village in the parish of Braddan on the A1, the primary road which connects Douglas and Peel in the Isle of Man, close to the River Dhoo.-History:...
to the west.
Demography
The Isle of Man census 2006 lists the population of Douglas as 26,218, increased from a population of 25,347 in 2001. The town has 32.75% of the islands total population of 80,085.Education
References to education in Douglas begin in the late seventeenth century, with mention of the schoolmastership, usually combined with the Chaplaincy of Douglas, and reference to a "petty school" in 1675. William Walker (1679–1729) was appointed to the mastership in 1700, school being probably kept in the old Chapel, (in later Heywood Place). Later being promoted Rector of Ballaugh, and the recipient of an honorary Doctorate, Walker is now remembered in his mother's Manx Gaelic lament on her sons: "Illiam Walker as Robin Tear".The more formal history of education in the town begins with Bishop Thomas Wilson's establishment of the Douglas Grammar School. Alderman William Dixon (a native of Douglas, but resident in Dublin since at least the 1680s agreed to hand over his parent's former home, and passed over the New Bond Street property in 1714. The Bishop raised an endowment of £500 (Irish currency), half being funded by the Barrow Trustees, most of the balance being provided by the Bishop's Douglas relatives, the Murrey family. Even after this, the mastership of Douglas Grammar School continued to be combined with the Chaplaincy, now of the new Chapel of St Matthew. Details of the building of the original Grammar School are sparse, but it seems that William Murrey was deeply involved, retaining the use of the capacious storage vault under the school in lieu of repayment of £150 costs.
Another notable Master of the Grammar School was Rev. Philip Moore (1705–1783) who was a native of the town, his father Robert Moore having been one of the "Undertakers" who organised the construction of St Matthews, and his mother Miss Katherine Kelly. Moore was appointed Master in 1735, and was reckoned to be a good classical scholar, and have "an inherent love of teaching".
Today, Douglas is home to two high schools; Ballakermeen High School
Ballakermeen High School
Ballakermeen High School is a coeducational comprehensive secondary school based on a single site in Douglas, on the Isle of Man.The school curremtly has 1500+ students aged 11-18, making it the larger of the two secondary schools in Douglas in terms of student numbers and the largest on the...
and St. Ninian's High School and numerous primary schools. Isle of Man College
Isle of Man College
The Isle of Man College is the primary centre for tertiary and vocational education on the Isle of Man.-External links:*...
and the International Business School
Isle of Man International Business School
The Isle of Man International Business School is an institution of higher education on the Isle of Man.The Business School is located in the Nunnery mansion estate, close to the island's capital Douglas....
are also located in Douglas.
Landmarks
- The Tower of RefugeSt Mary's Isle (Conister Rocks or Tower of Refuge)St Mary's Isle is a partially submerged reef within Douglas Bay on the Isle of Man....
is a small castle like shelter built upon Conister Rock in Douglas Bay as a sanctuary for shipwrecked sailors. Construction was instigated by Sir William HillaryWilliam HillarySir William Hillary, 1st Baronet was an English soldier, author and philanthropist, best known as the founder of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1824....
, founder of the RNLI. - Douglas HeadDouglas HeadDouglas Head is a rocky point on the Isle of Man overlooking Douglas Bay and harbour. Views extend to include Snaefell Mountain and Laxey-General:...
is home to the Grand Union Camera ObscuraGrand Union Camera ObscuraThe Grand Union Camera Obscura is an unusual building which, via methods of light and mirrors, reflects images of the surrounding area onto large white screens within the dark confines of the building. The apparatus used is called a camera obscura...
which has recently undergone restoration and is open to the public during the summer months. Other artefacts and remnants of Victorian Tourism can still be found on walks around the area. - The horse-drawn trams that run along the promenade from the Sea TerminalDouglas HarbourDouglas Harbour is located near Douglas Head on the southern end of Douglas, the capital town of Isle of Man. It is the island's primary commercial shipping port.-Description:...
to the Manx Electric RailwayManx Electric RailwayThe Manx Electric Railway is an electric inter-urban tramway connecting Douglas, Laxey and Ramsey in the Isle of Man. It connects with the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway at its southern terminus at Derby Castle at the northern end of the promenade in Douglas, and with the Snaefell Mountain Railway at...
station from spring to early autumn. - Steam trains run 15 miles from Douglas railway stationDouglas railway stationDouglas Railway Station is the main terminus of the Isle of Man Railway and is located at the landward end of the quay in Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man...
to Port Erin in the south of the Island. - The Grandstand on Glencrutchery Road marks the start and finish of the annual TT RacesIsle of Man TTThe International Isle of Man TT Race is a motorcycle racing event held on the Isle of Man and was for many years the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world...
and various other motorsports. - Victoria Road PrisonVictoria Road PrisonThis article is about the former Isle of Man Prison located in Douglas. For the new Isle of Man Prison in Jurby, see Isle of Man PrisonVictoria Road Prison is a former prison, located on Victoria Road in Douglas, capital of the Isle of Man...
was the first purpose-built prisonPrisonA prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
in the Isle of Man. Opened in 1891, the prison closed in 2008. - The Gaiety TheatreGaiety Theatre, Isle of ManThe Gaiety Theatre is a theatre, on the Isle of Man. The theatre was built in 1899 to the designs of architect Frank Matcham, as an opera house and theatre. It was built on the site of the former Pavilion, an entertainment hall that had been constructed six years earlier.The theatre opened on 16...
and the Villa Marina are popular venues for all manner of stage acts - from rock music to comedy to drama to ballet. The Gaiety Theatre is one of the best surviving examples of the work of Frank MatchamFrank MatchamFrank Matcham was a famous English theatrical architect. He is buried in Highgate Cemetery.-Early career:...
and dates from 1900. Both venues have recently undergone extensive renovations. - The award-winning Manx Museum in Kingswood Grove is a treasure house which contains many of the most important cultural artefacts relating to the Manx nation. Some of the highlights include the Calf of Man Crucifixion Stone, the Pagan Lady's necklace from the Viking excavations at Peel Castle, and the largest collection of Archibald KnoxArchibald Knox (designer)Archibald Knox , was a Manx art nouveau designer of Scottish descent....
materials. It also houses the National Art Collection, and the National Archives. - The Jubilee clockJubilee clockJubilee Clock is a term used in reference to a number of clocks constructed and erected throughout the British Empire in commemoration of the Golden or Diamond Jubilee of various British monarchs, most commonly, Queen Victoria's.-Brighton:...
is a street clock built in 1887 in commemoration of the Golden JubileeGolden JubileeA Golden Jubilee is a celebration held to mark a 50th anniversary.- In Thailand :King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, celebrated his Golden Jubilee on 9 June 1996.- In the Commonwealth Realms :...
of Queen Victoria'sVictoria of the United KingdomVictoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
reign. It is located at the foot of Victoria Street and Loch Promenade. The location also marks one terminus of the Upper Douglas Cable TramwayUpper Douglas Cable TramwayThe Upper Douglas Cable Tramway was a tram line serving all points between the southern end of the promenade and the upper part of the town of Douglas in the Isle of Man... - Other buildings of interest include Isola restaurant, in John Street, and the Douglas Hotel, on the North Quay, both merchants' houses from the mid-eighteenth century; The Castle Mona (formerly the Quality Hotel), a magnificent seaside mansion built by John Murray, 4th Duke of AthollJohn Murray, 4th Duke of AthollJohn Murray, 4th Duke of Atholl KT, PC, FRS , styled Marquess of Tullibardine 1764 and 1774, was a Scottish peer.-Background:...
in 1804, currently awaiting refurbishment; and the Loch Promenade, a magnificent curving terrace of former boarding houses dating from the 1870s. Douglas is becoming increasingly renowned as it saw the first architectural essays of the Arts and Crafts architect Baillie ScottBaillie ScottMackay Hugh Baillie Scott was a British architect and artist He was born at Beards Hill, St Peters near Ramsgate, Kent, the second eldest of ten children....
. - The breakwater extension which was completed in 1983 was opened by Princess AlexandraPrincess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady OgilvyPrincess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy is the youngest granddaughter of King George V of the United Kingdom and Mary of Teck. She is the widow of Sir Angus Ogilvy...
and built outside the existing smaller one, which carried a rail-mounted craneBreakwater Crane RailwayThe Douglas Breakwater Crane Railway was a massive self-propelled steam crane that ran the length of the original breakwater at Douglas, for the loading and unloading of vessels. The crane was owned by the Isle of Man Harbour Board and ran on gauge track, the broadest in the British Isles. It was... - The Sunken Gardens on Loch Promenade were created as a result of the widening of the promenade at the turn of the twentieth century. A construction line was installed for this task.
Sport
The National Sports CentreNational Sports Centre (Isle of Man)
The National Sports Centre in Douglas Isle of Man is a large multi-sports centre and athletics stadium. The NSC is owned by the Department of Tourism and Leisure of the Isle of Man Government and operated by the Manx Sport & Recreation....
(NSC), a large multi-sports centre and athletics stadium is located on Pulrose Road. The NSC is owned by the Department of Tourism and Leisure
Department of Tourism and Leisure
The Department of Tourism and Leisure was a department of the Isle of Man Government.-History:The Department was created in 1986 as the Department of Tourism and Transport....
of the Isle of Man Government
Isle of Man Government
The Isle of Man Government is the government of the Isle of Man. The formal head of the Isle of Man Government is the Lieutenant Governor, representing HM Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann...
and operated by the Manx Sport & Recreation. The King George V Bowl
The Bowl (Douglas)
The King George V Bowl is a multi-use stadium in Douglas, Isle of Man. It is currently used mostly for football matches and serves as the home of the Isle of Man national football team. The stadium has a capacity of about 3,000.-History:The Bowl is owned by Douglas Borough Council...
, multi-use stadium
Stadium
A modern stadium is a place or venue for outdoor sports, concerts, or other events and consists of a field or stage either partly or completely surrounded by a structure designed to allow spectators to stand or sit and view the event.)Pausanias noted that for about half a century the only event...
is located on Pulrose Road. It is owned by Douglas Borough Council.
Douglas is also the start and finish point for the Isle of Man TT
Isle of Man TT
The International Isle of Man TT Race is a motorcycle racing event held on the Isle of Man and was for many years the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world...
which is the biggest classic roadracing event in the world. The race has been a part of the FIM
FIM
FIM may refer to:*Facing Identification Mark, bar code designed by the United States Postal Service to assist in the automated processing of mail*Federated Identity Management, information technology term...
Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship
Grand Prix motorcycle racing
Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix is the premier championship of motorcycle road racing currently divided into three distinct classes: 125cc, Moto2 and MotoGP. The 125cc class uses a two-stroke engine while Moto2 and MotoGP use four-stroke engines. In 2010 the 250cc two-stroke was replaced...
but is not a part of the series due to the track's safety record and because the track is situated on public roads.
Douglas is home to nine of the football clubs that compete in the Isle of Man Football League
Isle of Man Football League
The Isle of Man Football League, also known as Canada Life Premier League due to sponsorship purposes, is a football league for clubs on the Isle of Man run by the Isle of Man Football Association. The league does not form part of the English football league system. All clubs on the island are...
. These are
- Braddan F.C.Braddan F.C.Braddan A.F.C. is a football club in Douglas on the Isle of Man, competing in the Isle of Man Football League. The team wears royal blue strips and plays home games at Cronkbourne Football Ground, Victoria Road, Douglas.-History:...
who play their home games at Cronkbourne Football Ground, Cronkbourne, Victoria Road. - Corinthian F.C.Corinthians F.C. (Isle of Man)Corinthians A.F.C. is a football club from Douglas on the Isle of Man. They compete in the Isle of Man Football League. They wear white shirts with black shorts and socks and play their home games at Nobles Park in Douglas...
who play their home games at Nobles Park. - Douglas and District F.C.Douglas and District F.C.Douglas and District F.C. are a football club from Douglas on the Isle of Man. They compete in the Isle of Man Football League. They wear blue and red shirts, blue shorts and blue socks and play their home games at Noble's Park in Douglas....
who play their home games at Groves Road, Pulrose. - Douglas Royal F.C.Douglas Royal F.C.Douglas Royal F.C. are a football club from Douglas on the Isle of Man. They compete in the Isle of Man Football League and wear a white and navy kit. They play their home games at Ballafletcher Sports Field's in Douglas at the site of the new Nobles Hospital....
who play their home games at the National Sports CentreNational Sports Centre (Isle of Man)The National Sports Centre in Douglas Isle of Man is a large multi-sports centre and athletics stadium. The NSC is owned by the Department of Tourism and Leisure of the Isle of Man Government and operated by the Manx Sport & Recreation....
, Groves Road. - Gymnasium F.C.Gymnasium F.C.Gymnasium F.C. are a football club from Douglas on the Isle of Man. They compete in the Isle of Man Football League. They wear a navy and white shirt, black shorts, black socks and play their home games at Tromode Park in Douglas.-History:...
who play their home games at Tromode Park, Tromode Road. - Police F.C.Police F.C.Police A.F.C. are a football club from Douglas on the Isle of Man. They compete in the Isle of Man Football League and wear a navy blue kit. They play their home games at Groves Road in Douglas.-History:...
who play their home games at Groves Road, Pulrose which they share with Pulrose United. - Pulrose United F.C.Pulrose United F.C.Pulrose United A.F.C. are a football club from Douglas on the Isle of Man. They compete in the Isle of Man Football League and wear a red and black kit. They play their home games at Groves Road in Douglas.-History:...
who play their home games at Groves Road, Pulrose. - St Georges F.C. who play their home games at Glencrutchery Road.
- St Marys F.C.Saint Marys F.C.St Marys A.F.C. are a football club from Douglas on the Isle of Man. They compete in the Isle of Man Football League and they wear a yellow and green kit. They play their home games at The Bowl in Douglas.-History:...
who play their home games at The BowlThe Bowl (Douglas)The King George V Bowl is a multi-use stadium in Douglas, Isle of Man. It is currently used mostly for football matches and serves as the home of the Isle of Man national football team. The stadium has a capacity of about 3,000.-History:The Bowl is owned by Douglas Borough Council...
, Pulrose Road.
Panorama of Douglas bay