The storm that affected the east coast of the island has unearthed a surprising and unusual piece of Manx history.

In the aftermath of Storm Emma, photographs were taken by John Maddrell of Ramsey coastline to show the damage caused.

While doing this, Mr Maddrell captured a picture of a pipe which had become visible because the shingle it was buried under moved due to the high waves.

Isle of Man Newspapers contacted Manx Utilities Authority to inquire if the pipe had suffered any damage during the storm, only to be told MUA was unaware of its existence.

Maps

After liaising with Ramsey Commissioners and Bob Stimpson of the Isle of Man Victorian Society, Alison Cottier of MUA said: ’The exposure of the pipeline was interesting to both MUA and Ramsey Commissioners as the line is not recorded on any of the past or present infrastructure maps.

’The manhole is full of sand and the construction of the manhole and earthenware pipeline indicate it is quite old, probably dating from the 1940s.

’It is believed that it was possibly associated with drainage from the wartime internment camp located further north on the Mooragh Promenade.’

One suggestion made to the MUA was that it was a salt pipe.

However, Mrs Cottier and Mr Stimpson said: ’It’s very unlikely to be associated with the salt works which was built at the turn of the last century at the shipyard end of Marsden Terrace, on the opposite side of the harbour.

’That took brine pumped from a well at the Point of Ayre in pipes which ran in the beach from there, across the Vollan and down Park Road and into North Shore Road.

’Those pipes were cast iron and many are still visible at low tide scattered by subsequent storms in the beach just a short distance north of Dog Mills.’