The Nautical Museum
Situated on the harbourside in Castletown this fascinating building originates from the discovery in 1935 of the 18th century armed yacht, the ‘Peggy’, walled up in her contemporary boat cellar. Built for George Quayle in 1791, she had remained undisturbed for a century after the death of her owner. The ‘Peggy’, in her original home, was generously given to the Manx Museum by a family descendant and is now seen as being of 'extraordinary' maritime importance on the National Historic Ships Register.
The boathouse over the cellar reveals the personality and interests of its designer, Mr Quayle. Here are trap doors, secret panels, and architectural jokes, plus a replica stern cabin from a naval warship of the ‘Nelson’ period. The loft houses the reconstruction of a sail-maker’s workshop and the fishing gallery includes boat models, equipment and photographs reflecting the importance of the fishing industry.
