Castletown, with a population of 3,109 (census 2006) takes its name from the medieval fortress of Castle Rushen and was once the administrative centre and capital of the Island. The splendid keep of local limestone was begun between 1150 and 1200 by the Viking rulers and was used as an alternative retreat to Peel Castle. Much of the glory of the castle today belongs to the fourteenth century when appointees of Edward III of England enlarged the keep and added the octagonal curtain wall with towers at the corner. Later the Seventh Earl of Derby, as Lord of Mann, built a residence in 1644 within the surrounding wall.
On the south wall of the keep is a one-fingered clock said to have been donated by Queen Elizabeth I. It overlooks the Parade where soldiers of the garrison used to drill. In recent years Castle Rushen has undergone a complete scheme of renovation using traditional techniques. The once empty rooms within the keep are now alive again with colourful and vibrant displays which tell the story of the Castle from medieval times to the seventeenth century.
Acknowledgement: "Isle of Man Scenic Guide" by The Manx Experience
You can view a clickable map of Castletown at MultiMap.com