Port Skillion
Description: Port Skillion is a cove to the south of Douglas on the east coast of the Isle of Man (NGR 23897 47483). Brown's Guide to the Isle of Man of 1894 says, "...contiguous there to is a small creek, called Port Skillion, with its well of pure fresh spring water. This creek which has been carefully fitted up as a bathing place, by Mr Robert Archer, of Douglas, is a favourite spot with many for early bathing, being nicely sheltered and easy of approach either on foot or by boat." (p.54). Brown's Guide to the Isle of Man of 1900 says, "This famous bathing place is a small rocky creek just inside the Head, and is so sheltered from the tidal waves. Concrete walls have been built across it a different levels, thus forming swimming basins of considerable area and of varying depths...These commodious bathing places, with the necessary dressing-rooms and other fittings...have been provided by the liberality of Mr R Archer, at a cost of between £2,000 and £3,000, and they are kept by him in complete order and efficiency. They are free to all; but a nominal charge is made by the attendants for the use of dressing-rooms and towels." (p. 118)