Tower of Refuge, Stone refuge structure in Douglas Bay, Isle of Man
The stone tower stands on St Mary's Isle, a partially submerged reef in Douglas Bay, featuring architectural elements similar to medieval castles.
Sir William Hillary initiated the construction in 1832, contributing £78 of his own money along with public subscriptions to create a shelter for shipwrecked sailors.
The structure received its name from an 1833 William Wordsworth poem that referenced it as a tower of refuge for the otherwise abandoned.
During low tide, people can walk to the tower, but visitors must monitor tide times carefully and avoid entering the closed structure.
The tower contained a bell and stored provisions such as bread and fresh water to sustain shipwrecked individuals until rescue arrived.
Location: Douglas
Inception: 1832
GPS coordinates: 54.15153,-4.47800
Latest update: May 23, 2025 17:08
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