Exhibition celebrates Port Erin benefactor

Milner's Tower was built to celebrate the contribution of William Milner to the south

An exhibition to marking 150 years since the death of benefactor William Milner has been put on display as part of a heritage body's 10th anniversary celebrations.

Rushen Heritage Trust's Milner: The Man and The Tower draws off a similar display in 2021 marking a century and a half since the structure was built overlooking Port Erin in his honour.

A safe-maker born in Sheffield, William Milner moved to the island in 1860 and built cottages on St Catherine's Terrace along with the hotel the Falcon's Nest.

The exhibition documenting his contribution to the south of the island is on display at the Rushen Heritage Centre until 5 October.

'Huge success'

Rushen Heritage Trust volunteer Julia Vanderpump, who was one of the curators of the exhibition, said: "We wanted to revisit the story of Milner and his philanthropy to coincide with the 150th anniversary of his death."

She said it followed the "huge success" of the display three years ago and would give the public the opportunity to learn about the benefactor's life and "the legacy he left behind".

Mr Milner was also involved in the building of the breakwater and, following his death in 1874, his estate funded the construction of St Catherine's Church in Port Erin.

The exhibition will be on display at the centre on Bridson Street, which opens Tuesday to Saturday between 10:00 to 16:00 BST.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of volunteer-run group Rushen Heritage Trust, which puts on exhibitions and lectures celebrating the history of the south of the island.