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In May 1940 Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered the internment of all Austrian, German and Italian citizens living in Britain as collectively they were regarded as aliens. It was decided the Isle of Man with its position in the Irish Sea was an ideal spot as it was potentially escape proof.
Hutchinson Square and its nearby surrounds (Drury and Waverley Terraces) in Douglas were selected as one of ten such camps on the Island. In a short space of time all the Victorian buildings, houses, apartments and boarding houses in that area were requisitioned. The occupants had to leave, post haste, taking only personal possessions. All furniture, linen, cutlery and crockery had to remain. It opened on 13 July 1940.
Approximately 1,200 men were accommodated. In some cases where there had been ten occupants, up to thirty five were placed. Over time a selection and a vetting process was begun and not all remained in this captive state.
It soon became apparent that not all were ‘aliens’ as such and the camp officials quickly recognised it as housing world renowned artists, musicians and academics however it did include a spy. In time a University was created as well as a Technical school however many artists were able to demonstrate their arts with very limited resources and it became known as the ‘Artists Camp’.
Lectures and concerts were held particularly on the green squares.
It closed in March 1944 to become a prisoner of war camp. Any remaining internees (228) were transferred to the Peveril Camp in Peel.SC2484 : The former Peveril Internment Camp, Peel - The Creg Malin Hotel
(Article written: - April 2022)