This news article is about the problem of dog fouling on St Michael's Island, also known as 'Fort Island' near Castletown.
The name 'Fort Island' comes from the circular fort on St. Michael's Isle which was first constructed in 1540's and rebuilt a centurry later.
Source: 'Profile of Castletown' by Derek Winterbottom (ISBN:978-1-899602-39-1)
In the 1540's The Earl's of Derby were 'Lords of Man' having earlier in the century dropped the provocative title of 'King of Man' in order to stay on friendly terms with the English King Henry VIII.
It was The Earl Edward who was entrusted with the defence of north-west England in the 1540's and is 'credited with a good knowledge of artillery warfare' and was probably responsible for the strengthening of defences at the nearby Castle Rushen in Castletown and with ordering the construction of the circular fort.
Source: 'Profile of Castletown' by Derek Winterbottom (ISBN:978-1-899602-39-1)
The Fort was intended originally 'to repel potential attacks from France and Spain and formed a link in an extensive chain of coastal forts, though rather more still exist in southern England. The fort probably consisted of a gun emplacement housing a number of cannon to defend Derbyhaven Bay. In the 1640's, during the [English] Civil War, James Stanley 7th Earl of Derby and Lord of Man, embarked on the modernisation of many of the Island's defences, in an attempt to secure it for the Royalist cause against the Parliamentary forces. It is likely that he was responsible for re-arming the Fort with more powerful cannon, and for providing the loopholed walkway around the top of the fort for musketeers."
Despite the fact the walls of the Fort are three metres thick it is likely that the fort was nearing the end of life by 1660's given advances in military technology. At some time later the Fort was used as lighthouse when a small tower housing a light was constructed although sadly this tower has subsequently been demolished.
Source: 'A Guide to the Archaeological Sites of the Isle of Man up to AD 1550'by Andrew Johnson and Allison Fox (ISBN:978-0-9554043-5-1)
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The full article about the dog fouling problem on the island is reproduced below:
"Fort Island 'being used as a dog toilet' - MNH
Monday, April 5th, 2021 8:18am
Warning dog walking will be banned if owners don't clean up after animals
Dog owners could be banned from walking their pets at Fort Island following reports of dogs being allowed to run loose and the area being left covered in dog excrement.
Manx National Heritage, which is in charge of the site, says this is a final warning for those who walk dogs in the area.
The organisation has received reports of a considerable amount of dog mess not being cleaned up, which it says puts children at risk, and spoils one of the Island's most precious historic locations.
MNH says the site is routinely being used as a dog toilet, and that dog walking will be banned from Fort Island altogether if dog owners don't clean up their act.
It hopes not to have to use its powers to fine or ban those who break Fort Island's byelaws, which include keeping dogs under effective control and ensuring excrement is removed.
Inspections and patrols will be introduced in the area to identify those responsible.
MNH says those who keep their dogs on leads and are responsible owners continue to be welcome to use Fort Island."
'Fort Island 'being used as a dog toilet'- MHH @ manxradio.com
Isle of Man dog walkers could be banned from historic site @ bbc.co.uk