Historic Castletown Isle of Man
For first time visitors to Castletown, this can be quite an experience. The most important thing to remember is that this quaint little town can trace its history back to 1090 and that many of the structures that exist there have evolved over time and are reflective of the rich and vibrant history of the Isle of Man.
Deriving its name from Castle Rushen, visitors cannot miss the well-preserved medieval castle that still towers over the centre of town. Castletown is the former capital of the Isle of Man and a walk through this town, which exhibits the narrow streets and cottages of a bygone era, will take you back several centuries. Primarily a fishing town, this century has seen mild expansion of its finance and industrial businesses.
With a tiny population of slightly more than 3000 people, a visit to Castletown will allow the opportunity for many solitary walks along the coast and hills (maps are available for free at the tourist information centre) and if you stay for a couple of days, you would probably have met everyone who lives in Castletown!
If there is the opportunity, take a drive along the Old Castletown Road that allows for stunning views on a rural route along the coast. This journey will also allow visitors to connect to Douglas, which is definitely worth a day trip at least.
Highlights and attractions
A visit to Castletown would be incomplete unless a little time is spent soaking up the historical structures that still stand. The first of these is King William’s College which was founded in 1668, and which opened as an independent school in 1833 with 46 young boys. This institution still operates as a school today with about 500 male and female students (about one-sixth of the population of Castletown).
Even older than this is the Old Grammar School, which was originally built as a chapel, in or around 1190-1230. This is located near the harbor and is a terrific site to visit to get a sense of the history of the Isle of Man. The museum that operates there now is open seasonally therefore it is useful to check whether it is open before popping by.
Another interesting place to visit is the St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Located on Bowling Green Street, this church was built in the 1820s and was the first post-reformation Catholic Church on the Isle of Man.
While on the Isle of Man and specifically in Castletown, don’t forget a visit to the Old House of Keys, which was the original location of the Isle of Man (or Manx) parliament, Tynwald. This parliament, which is the oldest functioning parliament in the world, was founded in 979 AD. Tynwald operated from the House of Keys until 1874, when it was transferred to Douglas. Today these premises are a museum and it is worth a visit, simply to stand in a building that pre-dates the first century.
For nautical enthusiasts, a visit to the Nautical Museum is a must-do. Also known as the Peggy Story, this museum was opened in 1951 and the key feature of this museum is the Peggy, which is an 18th century yacht.
This yacht was buried in the boat cellar at the bottom of the building and was accidentally discovered by workmen while excavating the building grounds. It is still possible to view the Peggy in the cellar where she was originally found.
One of the unique features about Castletown is the ability to walk through most of the town. There are countless footpaths that meander along, and armed with good walking shoes, a shawl or sweater, many long hours can be spent exploring the wonderful town and its surroundings. This is perfect for couples that want to get away from it all and spend time talking to each other, and sharing a glimpse at the past.
In these explorations, visitors will come to realize that many of the buildings have a period feel to them and are constructed using a local silver-grey limestone. The placement of the different structures also reflect a simpler time, with houses clustered around what used to be the old military parade ground, and is now the market place.
As quaint and peaceful as Castletown is, there is a busy harbor, and a variety of activities for visitors including lawn bowling and tennis, as well as golf and swimming. For the avid shopper, it is possible to visit specialist shops near the Old Grammar School.
The serenity of Castletown will leave you feeling relaxed, reflective and with a strong urge to move to this simple and fuss-free living, particularly if you have children – to appreciate the beauty of nature, the strength of history and the values of a simple life.
