Douglas

Douglas, the modern capital and principal seaport of the Isle of Man, is so called from its being situated near the junction of two streams—the Dhoo (black) and Glass (gray). Douglas lies on the margin of a highly picturesque bay, on the east side of the island, 75 miles NW. of Liverpool, 46 W. of Barrow, and 94 NE. of Dublin. From the excellence of the sea-bathing, and its central position, it has become highly popular as a watering-place. The old town, standing on the south-western edge of the bay, consists of narrow tortuous streets, and presents a vivid contrast to the handsome modern terraces and villas which occupy the rising ground beyond, and the ground facing the north of the bay. It possesses an excellent landing pier; another pier and breakwater, constructed of concrete cement blocks, was opened in 1879; the new street and charming promenade following the line of the bay is one of its most agreeable features. Conspicuous in the centre of the crescent of the bay stands Castle Mona, built by the fourth Duke of Athole, but now converted into a first-class hotel and winter gardens. The Tower of Refuge, a picturesque object, occupies a dangerous rock in the southern area of the bay, called Conister, and was erected in 1833 for the safety of shipwrecked mariners, by the late Sir William Hillary, Bart., who, during his residence at Douglas, founded the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Douglas is the principal packet station of the island, with a daily service of steamers during the summer months, and possesses telegraphic communication with England. Pop. (1851) 9880; (1881) 15,719; (1891) 19,200.