Facts About Douglas
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The Isle of Man’s capital and largest town is Douglas with an estimated population of about 28,000, which serves as the island’s commercial and cultural hub.
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The town of Douglas is home to numerous historic structures and landmarks that date all the way back to the Viking era.
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One of the most renowned and prestigious motorcycle racing competitions in the world, the Isle of Man TT motorcycle races, are held on a course that travels through the streets of Douglas and the surrounding countryside.
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One of the major offshore financial centres in the world, Douglas is a significant hub for finance, e-commerce, shipping, and tourism.
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The Manx Museum, the Isle of Man Steam Railway, and the Gaiety Theatre are just a few of the many sights and things to do in the town.
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The town was the birthplace of the Bee Gees’ Maurice, Robin, and Barry Gibb.
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On May 20, 2022, it was revealed that Douglas would be granted city status by Letters Patent later that year as part of the Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours.
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Douglas is twice referred to in the monastic Chronicle of the Kings of Man and the Isles: first in 1190, when the monks of St Mary’s Abbey at Rushen were transferred there for a four-year stay; then again in 1313, when Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, spent the night at the “monastery of Duglas” on his way to seize Castle Rushen.
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The town’s name, “Duboglassio,” which means “black river” in Early Celtic, is where scholars generally agree that it originated.
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The town’s harbor and primary commercial port are both a part of the River Douglas.
