Castle Rushen — Attraction in Castletown

Probably one of the most well kept medieval castle in Europe. Built around 1200 AD under Viking King Rognvaldur, guarding the Silver Burn river entrance. Evidence suggests earlier foundations (c. 947 AD), with an oak beam dated to this period uncovered onsite. Expanded between the 13th–17th centuries into a concentric fortress with limestone walls up to 12 feet thick. Key additions included gatehouses, a curtain wall, and five defensive towers. Site of King Magnús Óláfsson's death (1265) and later besieged by Robert the Bruce in 1313 during Scotland's invasion. Served as a stronghold for the Kings of Mann and the Isles. Withstood sieges during the Scottish-Norwegian wars. Headquarters for the Stanley family, Lords of Mann. James Stanley (7th Earl) used it as a Royalist court during the English Civil War. His wife, Countess Charlotte, famously defended it until 1651. Held criminals, political dissenters (e.g., democracy activists Robert Fargher), and Bishop Thomas Wilson (imprisoned in 1722 for challenging state authority). Notoriously harsh conditions led to the 1891 opening of Victoria Road Prison. It has a concentric ddesign with outer glacis, moat, zigzagging barbican, and double portcullises with "murder holes" to trap attackers. 80-foot keep with four towers offering panoramic views of Castletown Harbour. Medieval kitchen with hearth, cooking spit, and cobblestone floor (still used for demonstrations). Secured Manx law books; features a 1597 clock gifted by Elizabeth I. Renovated residence called Derby house for James Stanley, featuring tapestries depicting the Battle of Bosworth. Hosted the House of Keys (early Manx parliament) until 1710 and housed the island's mint and law courts. Featured on the Isle of Man £5 banknote and the corvette HMS Rushen Castle during WWII. UNESCO Biosphere Partner since 2021. Climb the spiral staircases to see the stunning harbor views. Explore furnished chambers, prison cells, and the working medieval kitchen. Restored by Manx National Heritage in 1991, now a museum depicting 1,000 years of Manx rule. Venue for events like the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games closing ceremony. It’s also the start of the 28-mile Millennium Way hiking path to Ramsey. ✨Children born to female prisoners lived within the castle walls during its prison era—a stark contrast to...

Astonishingly well preserved only a little bit of one of the outer walls isn't there (well technically it's been used for the wall of one of the buildings next to the castle. Beautiful views both of and from the castle. Don't miss the archer shouting who goes there as you enter the keep look right through the slit window. Putting the stages of construction on the display with contemporaneous events in world history like Ghengis Khan invading China was a nice touch.

The chambers that have been decorated do give you a good feel.

Sadly castletown is in the Ronaldsway airport exclusion zone for drones so no chance to see and photograph from airv- although they have a bit of such footage in the introductory video.

Interesting to learn that King Robert the Bruce of Scotland had taken the castle at one point, and that the clock was a gift from Elizabeth I of England l.

The reasoning for moving from the title being King of Mann to Lord of Mann was also interesting and I think the Stanleys are probably right that it is better to be a great lord than a petty king.

Well worth a visit. We got in using reciprocal English National...

No parking now it's been pedestrianised and the car park at the top only allows 2 hours and was full when we got there. There was a disabled spot by the pedestrianised area but that was already taken. I unloaded my disabled relative and wheelchair on the street, then had to find parking elsewhere while he waited for me.

Most of the good shops are now empty, so was disappointed. Didn't fancy a game of table tennis in the pedestrianised area, so left.

All a bit of a waste of time really. Shame that motorists are no longer welcome, and the shops seem to have paid the price.

3 barbers shops now though..

I wouldn't have minded so much, but no one was using the pedestrianised area as my photo shows, and one person sitting in the George pub outside seating area.

Not sure where all the people were that were...