Castle Rushen is the subject of the Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society’s next lecture, on Saturday, December 2, when the director of Manx National Heritage, Edmund Southworth, will tell of the history of the castle and the challenges facing those charged with looking after it.

In the wake of a conservation management plan for this most complete island monument,this talk will review the complex sequence of construction and change in its historical context.

Mr Southworth said: ’Medieval castles are by their very nature large and imposing structures made up of many different buildings within a single complex. They performed residential, military, administrative and legal functions and were usually instigated and constructed by one strong individual. Not surprisingly they fascinate the public and scholars alike.

’Many castles have a dramatic history and are the venue for armed conflict and political intrigue. Unsurprisingly much attention is placed on their defence and fortifications - particularly after the invention of cannon.’

He added: ’Castle Rushen is very clearly one of a smaller number of castles constructed to house a royal family and to project the authority of that dynasty across a wider kingdom - the Kingdom of Man and the Isles.

’However, it retained its strategic importance over the centuries and was remodelled several times to meet the threats and challenges facing the Isle of Man during the Tudor period and during the English Civil War.

’Even when the island was placed under English military control in the 1760s the castle became the home of the English garrison and the governor - fulfilling the same function as it had 500 years previously. "

The director’s talk will also look at current issues faced by Manx National Heritage associated with maintenance, access and presentation.

Castles were built to keep people out and Manx National Heritage now tries to balance the care of this important historical monument with welcoming thousands of visitors to the site.

The meeting takes place in the lecture theatre at the Manx Museum on Kingswood Grove, Douglas, starting at 2.30pm.

It will be followed by tea and biscuits.