Isle of Man
Laxey Wheel © Brian Young
The Isle of Man, located in the middle of the northern Irish Sea, between Ireland and Great Britain, has been inhabited for over 8000 years. The island is self governing and not part of the United Kingdom, but is dependent on the UK Government for foreign relations and defence.
The island is 32 miles (52 km) long and 14 miles (22 km) wide and has a temperate climate, with cool summers and mild winters. One of the Island's famous landmarks is the Laxey Wheel, built in 1854 to pump water from the local mines.
The earliest recorded occupation of the island was by the Vikings in the 9th-c. and in 1266 its ownership passed from Norway to Scotland. In the 14th-c. it was given to the Earls of Salisbury and Derby. The British Government purchased the island in 1765 and it now remains a dependency of the British crown.
Capital Town: | Douglas - distance from London: 294 miles (473 km) |
Nearest Airport: | Isle of Man Airport |
Major Roads: | A3, A18 |
Highest point: | Snaefell, 2037 feet (621 m) |
Rivers: | Dhoo, Glass, Neb, Silverburn, Sulby |
Local Delicacies: | Manx Fruit Bonnag - dried fruit cake, served plain or with butter Manx kippers - traditional smoked herrings |
The Meaning of the Isle of Man
The meaning of the name 'Isle of Man' is uncertain, the main theory is that it is named after 'Manannan' a Celtic sea god, who according to local legend, would draw cloak of mist around the island to protect it from invaders.
Isle of Man Map
North West England
