We decided to take a trip to Douglas today. It is only 10 miles across the island so we took the bus. It is nice seeing another part of the island.
There is also a marina at Douglas but to sail round to there is about 30 miles. We looked at the marina and the setting and were very pleased to be in Peel.
We saw the tower of refuge
Sir William Hillary moved to the Isle of Man in 1808 and began to know the dangerous waters of the Irish Sea which surrounded Douglas Bay. In around 1824 he conceived the concept of a life boat service manned by a trained crew. The idea was new, but soon prompted the creation of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
It was not till Hillary took part in a rescue for a Steam Packet vessel and was washed overboard that he realised the coast was too far to swim to, yet a place was needed for sailors to wait for rescue. Soon after an idea Sir William Hillary had became a reality. Designed by John Welch the Tower of Refuge, as it came to be called, was completed in 1832. Situated upon Conister Rock in Douglas Bay a granite haven in the form of a small castle took its place as a lifesaver for sailors. Built at a cost of £254 of which almost half was paid by Hillary himself and the other by subscription. The tower was kept well stocked with fresh water and bread, ready to offered shelter from the weather and sea.
On our wanders we met Norman Widsom
and George Formby
"Leaning on a lamp post on the corner of the street" whilst making his film "No Limit"
We also saw a grass bike - Cavandish?
and a lovely memorial to Sir William Hillary
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