Douglas: Past and Present Volume 2 by Ray Stanfield

Douglas: Past and Present Volume 2

From a town of winding streets and hidden smuggling activity to a bustling Victorian resort and, eventually, the modern capital of the Isle of Man, Douglas has undergone remarkable changes.

Douglas: Past & Present, Volume II by Ray Stanfield takes you on another fascinating journey through the history of the island’s capital, using historic photographs and images to explore the places, buildings and character of Douglas through the years.

Once a haven for smugglers seeking to evade the revenue men, Douglas grew into a thriving seaside resort, welcoming thousands of holidaymakers looking for entertainment and a taste of life by the Irish Sea. Its harbour and waterfront became gateways to the island, while the town developed a reputation as a centre for leisure, entertainment and commerce.

But Douglas has never stood still.

As the traditional holiday trade changed, the town reinvented itself once again – developing into an important financial centre, a destination for cruise ships and the island’s principal centre for shopping, business and entertainment.

This beautifully illustrated volume captures those changing chapters of Douglas’s story, offering a glimpse of the town as it was and an opportunity to appreciate how much it has evolved.

For anyone who remembers Douglas from years gone by, has family connections to the town, or simply enjoys discovering the history behind familiar streets and landmarks, Douglas: Past & Present, Volume II is a fascinating addition to any Isle of Man bookshelf.

A celebration of Douglas – its past, its people, its changing fortunes and the character that continues to make it the heart of the island.