Harbour town on the west coast of the Isle of Man, at the mouth of the River Neb opposite St Patrick's Isle and Peel Castle.

Peel grew around one of the principal western landing places on the Island. The castle and cathedral occupied St Patrick's Isle at the harbour entrance, while the town developed along the shore and the banks of the Neb.

Fishing was the principal industry. Peel became particularly associated with the herring fleet, and its harbour filled with fishing boats, curing activity and the stores needed to supply crews. The herring trade linked the town with Ireland, Scotland and ports on the English coast.

The limitations of the harbour were repeatedly raised by local merchants. George Moore, whose business was based in Peel, promoted a scheme to improve the harbour and sought subscriptions towards the work. The proposals were supported by Peel merchants and examined by English engineers, but other Manx ports opposed improvements which they feared would divert trade towards Peel.

St German's Cathedral stood within the walls of Peel Castle. The castle also served as a garrison and prison. Edward Christian was confined there during the Stanley period, and the site continued to be used for prisoners under the Commonwealth administration.

The town itself was closely packed around the harbour. Fishing boats were drawn up or worked from the shore, while the castle above formed the most conspicuous landmark. The Neb connected the harbour with the inland district of German and the road eastwards across the Island.

Peel also retained a strong body of local tradition connected with the castle, St Patrick's Isle, the cathedral and the surrounding coast. The better-known stories attached to the castle include the Moddey Dhoo, but the town's documentary record is dominated by fishing, harbour improvement and the activities of its merchants.