House of Keys moves from Castletown to Douglas

Background. Douglas grew substantially during the 19th century, and from around 1870 onwards it was transformed into a leading holiday resort. Its rise as the island's social and economic stronghold was recognised in 1869, when it became the home of the island's parliament, Tynwald, and therefore the capital, an honour previously held by Castletown, a smaller town in the south of the island. During the 1860s, amid further population growth, a staged transfer of the High Courts, the Lieutenant Governor's residence, and finally the seat of the legislature to Douglas took place.

Legislative Context. Tynwald consists of two chambers: the directly elected House of Keys and the indirectly chosen Legislative Council. The House of Keys meets monthly in joint sessions called Tynwald Court. While Tynwald Day ceremonies occur at St John's, regular legislative business takes place in the Legislative Buildings in Douglas, reflecting the city's role as the administrative center.

Commemoration. The relocation of the House of Keys from Castletown to Douglas occurred in 1874. In 2017, the House of Keys met in the Old House of Keys in Castletown for the first time since that year to commemorate the sesquicentenary of the first elected House of Keys, highlighting the historical significance of the original location.