Tower of Refuge
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| 54°09′01″N 4°28′07″W / 54.1504°N 4.4687°W | |
| Location | St Mary's Isle, Douglas Bay, Isle of Man |
|---|---|
| Designer | John Welch |
| Type | Historic landmark |
| Material | Granite |
| Width | 52 m (171 ft) |
| Height | 12.5 m (41 ft) |
| Beginning date | 23 April 1832 |
| Completion date | 1832 |
| Dedicated to | Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
The Tower of Refuge from Shipwreck,
Origins
The treacherous
The cost of the construction of the tower amounted to £254 12 shillings.[4] There were 63 subscribers whose total donations amounted to £181 6 shillings, which left a balance of £73 6 shillings due to the builder and architect.[4] This sum was therefore met by Sir William, despite him and his family having already contributed £8.[4] Among the subscribers to the building of the tower were the Commissioners of the Isle of Man Harbours (£75), the
Design and construction
Designed by renowned local architect John Welch,
The structure is castellated in the style of the 13th century, having hanging parapets and corbels similar to those at Peel Castle and Castle Rushen.[2][3]
The tower originally housed a bell for the summoning of help and in addition the tower was stocked with provisions such as bread and fresh water for any shipwrecked persons. A further idea was to have a small boat accommodated within the structure, but this was not continued with.[2][3]
Despite the construction of the tower the waters of Douglas Bay remained perilous, particularly during periods of easterly storms. Ironically in the latter weeks of 1832 two vessels foundered in Douglas Bay (although not on the Conister Rock), and were lost with all hands.[2][3]
Other landmark buildings in the Isle of Man designed by Welch include King William's College and the Smelt Monument.
Centenary celebrations
A celebration of the construction of the Tower of Refuge was held on 9 May 1932.
Additional historical information
It has been suggested that the name Tower of Refuge comes from an 1833 poem by William Wordsworth. Whilst Wordsworth did write a poem concerning the structure during a visit to Douglas in 1833, the name Tower of Refuge had been synonymous with the structure since its conception.[6][7][8]
For many years rowing boats would be available for hire on Douglas Promenade during the summer tourist season for the pleasure of visitors, and the tower was (providing the tide was not ebbing) the main destination, with refreshments available on the tower during the summer.
Despite the construction of the tower, the Conister Rock has continued to be a potential hazard to shipping using the Port of Douglas. In 1867 the
The Conister Rock has always been accessible from Douglas shore during periods of low water on
Today the Tower of Refuge and St Mary's Isle remains in the custodianship of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
References
- ^ Manks Advertiser, Tuesday 10 April 1832; Page: 11
- ^ a b c d e f g Manx Sun, Saturday 21 October 1893; Page: 8
- ^ a b c d e f Isle of Man Times, Saturday 13 February 1932; Page: 4
- ^ a b c d e Journal of The Manx Museum, Monday 1 June 1942; Page: 18
- ^ Mona's Herald, Saturday 17 August 1833; Page: 3
- ^ Manks Advertiser, Tuesday 10 April 1832; Page: 3
- ^ Manks Advertiser, Tuesday 24 April 1832; Page: 7
- ^ Manks Advertiser Tuesday 25 September 1832; Page: 3
- ^ "Douglas Borough Council - Date set for 2018 Tower of Refuge walk".
- ^ "Date set for 2018 Tower of Refuge walk". www.douglas.gov.im. 23 May 2018.
External links
Media related to St. Mary’s Isle at Wikimedia Commons
