The 1897 MER Booking Office at Derby Castle, has received a welcome makeover. Replacement of many of the split logs and a new coat of paint has reinvigorated the exterior of the structure which is likely to be much visited as the 150th anniversary of the adjacent horse tramway approaches, not least by ahead of King Charles III's first official visit to the Island as monarch and Lord of Mann next week.
The "rustic" split-log finish, is typical of even some major structures erected by the Isle of Man Tramway and Electric Power Company. With a few exceptions, many have long since succumbed to fire, neglect and wilful destruction. The Derby Castle Booking Office is a SURVIVOR.
Since the recent erection of the new Horse Tramway Depot, MER passengers are now directed to an additional new, staffed, ticket office located in the replica depot building, where they will be issued with a 'Ticketer' printout whereupon they head back to the tram.
Measuring 12'-6" by 8'-0" the building was completed in 1897. It is provided with two ticket window positions and accommodation for the Station Master. For many years a weighing machine was sited at the north-west (right) corner of the building. Internally for decades, lighting and heating was provided from the traction supply whilst an antique notice inside insists that "Motormen & Conductors Must Not Loiter In This Office." The exterior was once liberally equipped with racks and clip or hook-boards for handbills and posters.
There are accounts that the booking office came to the railway second-hand in 1895, and it is said that it once served as a pay booth on the former Douglas Iron Pier which was dismantled in 1894. Photographic evidence on the website of the National Piers Society does not seem to support this theory as the pay booth's shown in photos are quite different in plan and appearance. In any case, the Isle of Man Tramway and Electric Power Company were well capable of constructing their own wooden creations as was evidenced up and down the MER.
Proof of the building's actual longevity appears in a celebrated movie record of of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra's visit to the Island in August 1902, filmed at the Derby Castle electric tram station where they took the special directors' tramcar from Douglas Promenade to Ramsey.
All said, this unassuming little structure is a remarkable survivor, and surely worthy of Listed Status, and its heritage properly recognised and celebrated for the benefit of the Isle of Man's tourism.
Its 2026 makeover is to be welcomed.
Before the makeover - April 6th 2026
New split logs. Note the curious red/blue paint on the exposed woodwork,
The Derby Castle Booking Office pictured doing the visit of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in August 1902.
A digitally enhanced still from a movie recording the event
The last remaining original loMT&EP Co. building at Derby Castle: the Booking Office, built in 1897. The tasteless pole-mounted sign with its plastic stick-on letters was a 1979 addition. Note the "rustic" split-log finish, somewhat abbreviated in parts. For many years a weighing machine was sited at the north-west (right) corner of the building.
[PHOTO: R.Dodge]
Car 19 stands alongside Derby Castle Booking Office, killing time prior to operating the 5.45pm service to Laxey on Sunday August 19th 1995. Note the various notice boards leaning against the shed (not least the 'Next Car' clock) providing ideas for places to visit along the line.
A rather nice detail of the 2026 makeover.
Another view of the Booking Office - Tynwald Day 2026.
(The Booking Office hut is one of the last standing original buildings in this area, now that the Derby Castle and later 'Summerland'/Aquadrome complex are long gone. Empty space and an array of white vans occupy the void in the background, between the hut and the MER Depot in the distance.)