A little history of Castletown, Dorset

Castletown, situated on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England, has a rich maritime history. In the 16th century, during the reign of Henry VIII, Portland Castle was constructed to defend the harbour. The 19th century saw significant development with the construction of Portland Harbour's breakwaters and the establishment of a naval base. The Merchant's Railway, operational from 1826 to 1939, transported stone from the quarries at Tophill to Castletown's pier for shipping. By the mid-19th century, Castletown transformed from a small fishing settlement into a thriving commercial area, with a one-sided terrace forming by 1864 and numerous businesses and residential properties established. The Royal Navy's departure in 1995 led to economic challenges, resulting in the closure of many local businesses. Efforts to rejuvenate the area include the redevelopment of Castletown Pier into "Crabbers Wharf" and the establishment of the Castletown D-Day Centre, which commemorates the village's role as a major embarkation point for American troops during D-Day.