Castletown - Ancient Capital of Mann - Castle Rushen


Troops were assembled at regular intervals within the Castle throughout the weekend and marched out under command of their officers, keeping in step to the beat of a drum.


They marched around the Town thus keeping the local population under strict control, all under the eagle eye of their Commanding officer.


One of the soldiers was caught on Saturday night drinking ale in the Town and cavorting with local women. He paid the price and was made to "Run the Gauntlet" - a painful and degrading experience! While all this was going on other soldiers fired warning shots over the heads of locals to dissuade them from interfering in punishment routine.


A army lives on its stomach and soldiers' wives travelled with the occupying force to cook and provide other wifely comforts. Officers however stayed aloof but enjoyed their bread and bowl of soup.

There were two occasions when local resistance to the occupation proved too much for troops with muskets and swords so the cannons had to be wheeled out. The master gunner, his assistants, and most of the occupying force marched down to the harbour, pulling the guns, carrying gunpowder cannonballs and all the equipment necessary for offensive action.

A base was established on the harbour, cannons loaded and aimed in the direction of King William's College (well a Royalist rebellion would come from there wouldn't it?)

Two cannons were fired about about ten times each and when the Royalists were silenced the Parliamentarians retired back to the safety of the Castle.

Then - when Sunday afternoon came to an end - they packed everything away and drove off to catch the evening Steam Packet sailing to Heysham!

A great weekend - Sealed Knot - come back again soon.

The Sealed Knot have an excellent website:
http://www.sealedknot.com

For further information there are three Isle of Man contacts:
Martin Franks - 83 64 49; Martin Gershman - 61 41 35; and Ray Ledingham - 83 29 91.

Return to Castle Rushen - Introduction

Castle Rushen invaded by Roundheads!