THE ISLE OF MAN
=How to get there.=—Train from Euston, King's Cross, St. Pancras, or
Paddington via Liverpool, and thence by steamer.
=Nearest Station.=—Douglas, on Isle of Man.
=Distance from London.=—205 miles to Liverpool (75 miles by sea from
Liverpool to Douglas, 90 to Ramsey).
=Average Time.=—12 hours.
1st and 2nd and 3rd and 3rd and
saloon saloon saloon fore cabin
=Fares.=—Single 35s. 0d. 26s. 8d. 22s. 6d. …
Return 68s. 0d. 46s. 3d. 39s. 6d. 35s. 6d.
=Accommodation Obtainable=.—At Douglas—"Grand," "Métropole,"
"Regent," "Central," "Granville," and many others. At
Ramsey—"Mitre," "Queen's," "Prince of Wales," "Albert,"
"Albion," etc. At Castletown—"George," "Union," etc. At
Peel—"Creg Melin," "Marine," "Peel Castle," etc.
The Isle of Man is much visited because of its mild and equable climate, its scenery, and its quaint laws and customs. The island is 30 miles long, and is mountainous in the centre. From the highest point, Snaefell, one can see four countries. Picturesque wooded glens are to be found in many parts of the island, and these having become well known as attractive resorts, a small charge is made to enter each glen. At Glen Darragh there is a circle of stones, and at Laxey, famous for its gigantic wheel for pumping water from the mines, there is another small circle called the "Cloven Stones." In many cases the churchyards possess old Runic crosses.
Douglas, on the east of the island, is the chief town. It is a modern seaside resort, much frequented by Lancashire folk in August. Ramsey, further north, is quieter, and pleasantly situated on the only river of importance in Man. It is an old town, with yellow sands and a harbour crowded with herring-boats. Castletown lies to the south, a quiet old place, with narrow, crooked streets. Castle Rushen, built in the thirteenth century, shows no signs of decay. It consists of a keep and massive outer wall. Here the kings and lords of Manxland lived, though until lately it was the prison of the island. Peel, on the west, is chiefly remarkable for its rocky island near the shore, on which there are the ruins of a castle and churches surrounded by a battlemented wall. St. Patrick probably landed here, and the ruined cathedral is the oldest see in Britain.
The most famous king of "Mona" was Orry, son of a Danish king of the tenth century. The island became subject to England in 1290. The National Assembly, or House of Keys, was founded by Orry.
[Illustration: Photochrom Co., Ltd.
CASTLE RUSHEN, ISLE OF MAN.
Built in the thirteenth century, it was for a long period the residence of the kings and lords of Manxland.]