Ramsey
In the ancient Chronicles of Mann, circa 1250, the monks of Rushen Abbey have faithfully recorded the name of the most northerly town as Ramsa. Seemingly drawn from the old Scandinavian language it is translated as Wild Garlic River.
Ramsey has a distinct lack of old buildings having suffered much destruction across the centuries. Olaf, King of Mann was murdered by his nephew Reginald near the harbour in 1154 and a couple of centuries later Robert the Bruce (of spider in the cave fame) passed through on the way to besiege Castle Rushen. Ramsey has been the gateway for invasions peaceful and not peaceful for aeons and with the building of the imposing Ramsey Pier in Victorian times, landing became much easier. Now a thriving market town, new industries are ensuring that Ramsey is enjoying a leading position in the commerce of the Isle of Man.
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Author of this Article: Isleofman Dot Com Ltd