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History
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.
Location
A top Conister Rock (A reef also known as St Mary's Isle.) at the far
end of Douglas Bay.
By Vehicle:
Travel to Douglas and then along the sea front. The Tower of Refuge sits in
Douglas Bay.
By Bus:
Douglas can be reached using most main bus routes: 1's, 2's, 3's, 4's,5's,
and 6's, as well as many other minor routes. On the island most routes leads
to/from Douglas.
By Railway:
By Electric Railway, take the trams heading to Douglas. Then walk along
the Promenade till you reach the Sea Terminal. From there are the best views,
unless the tide is very low where the beach is better.
By Steam Railway, take the train to Douglas and then walk down the Douglas
Harbour to the Sea Terminal or beach.
Visiting the Tower of Refuge
Owned by the RNLI.
| Publications |
For Those in Peril: The Life and Times of Sir William Hillary, Founder of the R.N.L.I.
Robert Kelly
Shearwater Press Ltd, Hardcover, 01 September, 1979
ISBN: 0904980278
List Price: £4.75
Used Price: £19.38
Buy Now
More Info
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| DOUGLAS ATTRACTIONS |
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Tower of Refuge |
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