England page 4-13 The Isle of Man Situated midway between England and Ireland, the Isle of Man is a sleepy haven of peace and tranquillity. 600 miles of uncluttered breathtaking scenery. The island's history dates back more than 10,000 year. It conntains various sites ranging from Celtic monuments to the best preserved medieval fortress in Britain Castle Rushen. Also, in 1997 a new £6 million heritage centre, the House of Manannan,opened in Peel, on the Island's west coast. Though part of the British Isles but jealously guarding its independence from the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man retains its own language (Manx Gaelic), traditions and government. Manx people have the oldest continuous parliament in the world, the Tynwald, which celebrates the ancient freedoms granted to the Manx people in a ceremony held at Tynwald Hill, St John's every summer on or about July 5. Celebrated for more than 1,000 years, Measuring up to 13 miles across and 33 miles long, the Isle of Man has more than 600 miles of uncluttered roads The main centre of population is the eastern port of Douglas, the island's capital. Nearly half of the Island's 72,000 population reside in Douglas and the adjoining parish of Onchan. Other major towns are 'Royal' Ramsey in the North and Castletown, the island's ancient capital in the south. Meanwhile, on the western coast, Peel with a population of just 3,800, lays claim to being the sunset city of the isle. In the south there are picturesque fishing villages Port Erin and Port St Mary have broad golden family beaches while the southernmost tip is home to Cregneash Village Folk Museum, a working crofting community maintained by Manx National Heritage. Historic Features The Isle of Man is well known for its vintage transport systems. The world's first electrically powered tram was the Manx Electric Railway, running north along the coast from Douglas to Ramsey, which started operation in 1893 and the IoM Steam Railway. The council-operated horse tram service which still runs along Douglas promenade throughout the summer months, which dates from 1870.