Douglas

Douglas, municipal borough and capital, since 1869, of the Isle of Man, one of the British Isles. It lies on the island’s east coast, 80 miles (130 km) northwest of Liverpool (across the Irish Sea). Low hills encircle the town, penetrated by the valley of the combined Dhoo (Manx, “dark”) and Glass (Manx, “light”) rivers, from which it takes its name.

Douglas grew rapidly in the 18th century as a result of the smuggling trade and by 1850 was a popular watering place. The Tynwald, or Manx Parliament, and the House of Keys, one of its legislative branches, are situated in the Legislative Buildings, built (1894) on Prospect Hill. The Tynwald Court is composed of the two legislative branches—the House of Keys and the Legislative Council—sitting in joint session, but voting separately. The town’s primary occupations are tourism, light precision engineering, brewing, and mineral water works. At the mouth of the rivers is the harbour, which can be viewed from a two-mile promenade circling it; 7 miles (11 km) southwest is a civil airport.

Of interest are the Tower of Refuge, built in 1832 on the dangerous Conister, or St. Mary’s Rock, in Douglas Bay; Castle Mona (1804); and the Manx Museum. The Tourist Trophy motorcycle races and international cycle races are held each June; the Manx Grand Prix race is in September. The Manx Electric Railway connects Douglas with Ramsey and the summit of Snaefell (2,034 ft [620 m]). The Isle of Man Steam Railway connects Douglas with Port Erin. Pop. (2006) 26,218.