History of Douglas

Douglas, the capital city of the Isle of Man, has a rich history that spans events such as the introduction of farming in the 4th millennium BC; the Manx Iron Age from 500 BC to 500 AD; and Celtic, Christian and Viking rule in the 9th century.

Fleeting control

Until the 13th century, the Isle of Man was part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides, before being ceded to Scotland. Throughout the mid-13th to early 15th centuries, control frequently passed between Scotland and England, with sporadic incursions from Ireland. Douglas early growth and development was in large part due to its natural harbour, now the Inner Harbour, which has since been expanded and improved.

Growth and capital

The rapid increase in the running trade (smuggling) from 1670 to 1765 gave the town much incentive to expand. In 1765, the Duke of Atholl sold the independence of the isle to the British crown, and since then, the British monarch has held the title: Lord of Mann.
Subsequent phases of prosperity followed, first thanks to the low cost of living and favourable legal status which English debtors and half pay officers enjoyed. Douglas became the capital of the Isle of Man in 1863, an honour that until that time was held by Castletown, a smaller township in the south of the island.

Later, from about 1870 onwards, the town became a leading holiday resort. WWI and WWII saw Douglas and other parts of the Isle of Man become host to detention camps which were set up for enemy aliens. A piece of the Promenade was closed and numerous guesthouses were also used for this purpose.

Modern times

Douglas is where Tynwald, the Manx Parliament, convenes, except on Tynwald Day, when it assembles on Tynwald Hill in St Johns, a small rural community close to the islands west coast. The island is now a home to the Offshore Financial Services Industry and is trying to revive the almost extinct Manx Celtic language. In 2011, Douglas is scheduled to host the Commonwealth Youth Games.