- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 1250 · 13th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- Isle of Man, Isle of Man
- Visiting
- probably – Wikidata lists it as a museum or gives tickets, opening hours or visitor numbers; check before you go
- Coordinates
- 54.0736°, -4.6528°
History
The castle was probably begun around 1200 by the Norse kings of Man, and in 1265 the last of them, Magnus Olafsson, died here. The island then came under Scottish rule, and in 1313 Robert the Bruce took the castle after a siege. In the 14th century it was enlarged to its present massive form, with a tall keep and a towered curtain wall. From 1405 it was the seat of the Stanley Lords of Man, and in 1651, during the Civil War, it was surrendered to Parliamentarian forces. It later housed a prison, a court and the island's offices, and in the 20th century it became a museum.
What to see
Limestone walls and towers dominate the harbour and market square of Castletown. The interiors are furnished to evoke the life of the Lords of Man's household – kitchen, great hall and chambers – alongside the old prison cells. The walls look out over the town, the bay and the quayside, and the tower still carries its old clock.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q2967821
Popularity: articles about this site in 13 Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia language editions and others).