Tour marks 150th anniversary of benefactor's death

People have been invited to join a tour of the places in a southern Manx village associated with a benefactor to the area on the 150th anniversary of his death.

The walk, which is set to highlight sites related to William Milner, will start at 10:30 BST on Monday at the Rushen Heritage Centre in Port Erin.

One of the most popular landmarks in the south of the island, Milner's Tower, was built by public subscription in tribute to his contribution to the village in 1871.

Born in Sheffield, Mr Milner was a safe-maker who moved to the island in 1860 and built cottages on St Catherine's Terrace along with the hotel the Falcon's Nest.

Walk leader Kathy Potter said he was considered "such a wonderful philanthropist for the village" and a procession had been held from the village to St Catherine's Church when he died.

Starting from the heritage centre, which is currently hosting an exhibition about the benefactor, the walk will visit the site where Mr Milner lived, which is now a block of flats with a commemorative plaque,

It will also visit as well as Falcon's Nest, St Catherine's Church, St Catherine's Terrace and Milner's Tower itself.

Ms Potter said the landmark was significant to the area because "Port Erin would not be Port Erin without Milner's Tower".

Anyone who wants to take part in the guided tour, which is set to last up to two hours, has been asked to register in advance.

Rushen Heritage Centre, which is usually closed on Mondays, will be opened from 10:00 to 13:00 on the day to allow people to visit the Milner: The Man and The Tower display on the anniversary.

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