Douglas Tower

Douglas Tower is an unfinished stone structure with a circular design located on St Mary's Isle in Douglas Bay. The sandstone walls stand at approximately 50 feet (15 meters) high and display the typical construction style of maritime buildings from that era.

Construction began in 1832 under architect John Welch's direction, initiated after a maritime disaster involving the ship St George. The project grew from a pressing need to provide better safety and shelter for people in distress at sea.

The tower stands as a testament to maritime safety, commissioned after Sir William Hillary's involvement in rescuing 22 people from the St George wreck.

The tower sits on an island and becomes difficult to reach during high tide, so check tidal conditions before visiting. Management by the lifeboat service means access may be restricted depending on operational needs.

The structure still contains supplies like dried bread and fresh water intended for stranded sailors. This emergency provision reveals how practical the original purpose of the building was designed to be.

Location: Isle of Man

Inception: October 24, 1890

GPS coordinates: 54.14764,-4.47635

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:49