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Little Switzerland

Archaeology

The site of a conjectured prehistoric promontory fort. Dr Gerhard Bersu (1949) speculated that the cliffs overlooking Douglas Bay lent themselves as possible locations of promontory forts of the type occuring elsewhere on the coastline of the Isle of Man, which have been dated to the late prehistoric or Iron Age period.  These may readily be identified through reference to the Ordnance Survey 1:2500 First Edition mapping published in 1870. 


Although no trace of defences or artefacts of this period have been observed, he would appear to have been referring to the area towards the north end of the bay between Falcon Cliff and Summerhill, known as Little Switzerland, where the irregular line of cliffs affords at least two opportunities for such defences. The area is now occupied by lawns and gardens and there is no evidence that such a promontory fort existed.

Little Switzerland, Douglas

Connections

Book Chapters

  • Parish: Douglas
  • Sheading: Middle
  • Grid Ref: SC3905677330

Sources

  • Isle of Man Heritage Environment Record
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