Derbyhaven (Camys y Ree) ("King's Harbour" or "King's Cove") is a shallow water bay sheltered by an island breakwater, Derbyhaven's south eastern position makes it ideal for leisure craft, but not suitable for commercial vessels. The bay is a favourite on the Island for windsurfers and birdwatchers.
It is located on the isthmus connecting Langness Peninsula to the rest of the island. In the 17th century it was a significant port. The then Lord of Mann, James, 7th Earl of Derby, had the fort on nearby St Michael's Isle (Fort Island) rebuilt in 1645 (Henry VIII built the original fort in 1540) to protect Derbyhaven from the parliamentarians in the English Civil War. Later, in the 18th century, the fort served as a lighthouse.
Derbyhaven also has a plaque commemorating the Battle of Ronaldsway, which took place in 1275 between a Scottish army and the Manx. The battle crushed the final attempt by the Manx to re-establish the Norse Sudreyar dynasty. As the battle resulted in the death of the last Norse King of Mann, Guðrøðr Magnússon, and the emigration to Norway of the remaining members of the Manx royal family it also led to the firm establishment of Scottish rule on the Isle of Man.
This is a favourite dog walking area so some stealth will be required.
Bring your own pen.