Douglas, Isle of Man

Douglas (Doolish in Manx) is the capital of the Isle of Man and its largest town. It is the Island's hub for shipping, transport, shopping and entertainment. It is the home of the Island's government and its finance centre.

History

The initial growth and development of the town owed much to its natural harbour, (now the Inner Harbour), since greatly expanded and improved. The burgeoning 'Running Trade' (smuggling) from 1670 to 1765 gave a stimulus for the town to expand. There were later phases of prosperity, the first due to the low cost of living, and favourable legal status enjoyed by English debtors and half pay officers. Later, from around 1870 onwards, the town was transformed into a leading holiday resort, and is now a home to the Offshore Financial Services Industry.

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Douglas has been capital of the Isle of Man since 1863, an honour previously held by Castletown, a smaller town in the south of the Island.

Related Topics:
1863 - Castletown

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Tynwald, the Manx Parliament, meets in Douglas (except on Tynwald Day, when it instead meets on Tynwald Hill in St John's).

Related Topics:
Tynwald - Tynwald Day

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