Modern harbour breakwater.


The outer breakwater at Castletown was begun in 1844 and completed in 1845, by the Island's Harbour Commissioners. The cost was £2,700, and its construction created the New Basin, sometimes known as the 'dry harbour'.


Its creation was criticised in an offical report published in 1845 as 'unnecessary', and was stated not to have been built in line with the recommendations of engineers or local fishermen and pilots.


The breakwater was extended by 30 yards in 1849, and marked with a masonry beacon. Its total length is 185m.