Douglas Borough Council HOME NEWS SERVICES LIBRARY HOUSING EVENTS JOBS LEISURE THE COUNCIL OUR PARTNERS You are here:Home > Info > About Douglas About Douglas font size Print Email Douglas is the capital of the Isle of Man. The town is the business, leisure and entertainment centre of the Island and the seat of the Manx parliament, Tynwald which, at more than 1000 years old, is the oldest continuous parliament in the world. The Isle of Man Government, headed by the chief minister, is also headquartered in Douglas, in Government Office. Douglas originated as an insignificant medieval settlement at the estuary of the rivers Dhoo and Glass and grew slowly at first but with increasing speed when the advantages of its sheltered location, harbour and defensive capabilities were recognised. By the 18th century it was beginning to thrive as a market town and port and eventually, in the mid-19th century, superseded Castletown as the Island’s capital and seat of government. Today Douglas is acknowledged as the centre of the Island’s diverse economy, notably finance, e-gaming, world-class aircraft and shipping registries and a flourishing space industry. Last modified on Saturday, 17 November 2012 15:26 1 Published in Info Tagged under Beach boat Capital Douglas Douglas Bay Douglas Beach Douglas Head Horse Tram Horse Trams Lifeboat Related items Signs of the times: Council's new signs serve to remind dog owners of their obligations Douglas in Bloom 2017 hailed 'one of the best' Mayor welcomes Beach Buddies to the parlour Tramway Terrace site for sale Future of horse trams: Joint statement from Council and Department of Infrastructure back to top Useful Links Isle of Man Government Tynwald A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Leisure Douglas golf course Noble's Park Glens Playgrounds Horse Trams Skate Park BMX Track Promenade Planning and Environment Building Control Byelaws Recycle Parking and Streets Car Parks Civic Amenity Site Recycle Borough Wardens Pay Parking Charges Online The Council Know your Councillor Council Meetings Jobs with the Council Apply to be a Supplier of goods or services Housing Tenant Services Apply for a house Moving House Sheltered Accommodation Library HBN Library e-Books Service Search, renew and reserve online News and Events Council News Library News Events Rates and Money The Budget Make a payment Local Government Pension Pay Your Rates General Enquiries: Town Hall Ridgeway Street Douglas Isle of Man IM99 1AD Tel: 01624 696300 Fax: 01624 696400 Email:enquiries@douglas.gov.im Town hall opening hours: Mon to Fri 8:45am to 5:15pm. Out of hours emergency number: 01624 671100 For additional contact details, please click here Find us on: Privacy Statement Disclaimer Contact Us A-Z Index