Castle Rushen - Photograph by Island Photographics Limited.
Tradition speaks of a castle having been here for many centuries, and the core of the present building was the residence of the last Norse King of Man who died in 1266. This building dated from before 1200 but the precise date of its erection is not known. The castle was partly destroyed by Robert the Bruce when he captured it after a siege lasting 6 weeks in 1313 and the remains of it were incorporated in the present building which was erected by Sir William de Montacute in around 1344.
The Outer Wall which encircles the Keep is 25ft high and 7ft thick, and is flanked by five small towers irregularly placed, which at one time served as offices for the Receiver General, the Clerk of the Rolls and other officials. Beyond this wall is the ditch which was converted into an outer ward when a glacis was erected around it during the reign of Henry VIII.
Entering the fortress on the north eastern side by a narrow winding roadway between high walls, we reach the massive Gatehouse with its portcullis, and passing through this find ourselves facing the great doorway of the Keep across the intervening space of the Inner Bailey. In the space between the two gateways the principle courts of the Island were held. On the left is the Derby House, while a flight of steps on the right leads to the ramparts and to the Court House and Council Chamber. In the inner Bailey are three wells from which the garrison obtained their water supply. Crossing the Inner Bailey we enter the Keep through the gateway with its drawbridge and double portcullis. On the left is the Guard Room in which Bishop Wilson was confined. Opposite is the cell occupied by the Vicars General.
Under the Bishops cell is a miserable dungeon into which prisoners were lowered by ropes, and which scarcely a ray of light can penetrate. Other cells of similar character have bee found beneath the north west tower.
The walls of the Keep are 12ft thick at the base, 7ft at the top. The northern or flag tower is 80ft above the ground, the other three are 70ft.
There are spiral stone staircases to be climbed to the Keep and numerous rooms to be seen. One of the later is known as the Clock Room and was formally the chapel of the castle. Queen Elizabeths Clock is said to have been presented by Queen Elizabeth I in 1597, when she held the Island in trust pending settlement of a dispute between the heirs of Ferdinand and William, the fifth and sixth Earls of Derby. Is is of simple construction, having only one hand (which was a feature of early clocks) and it still keeps excellent time.
The state Apartments are interesting. The Banqueting Hall measures 36ft by 21ft and is the largest room in the castle. It also has an enormous fireplace.
Castle Rushen is one of the best examples of a medieval castle anywhere in the British Isles. It is in the care of the Manx National Heritage, and is open to the public each year between April and September.