Manx National Heritage has marked Trafalgar Day by unveiling the bronze bust of Captain John Quilliam RN in a new site overlooking Castletown Bay.

The statue was previously located in Speaker’s Garden by Castle Rushen, but MNH decided to move it to a more ’befitting location’ closer to the harbour next to the Costa Coffee shop.

Malcolm Kelly, vice chairman of the trustees of Manx National Heritage, said:’Serving with Admiral Lord Nelson, Captain John Quilliam was First Lieutenant aboard HMS Victory.

’Born in 1771 at Ballakelly Farm in Marown, he was the son of a farmer and joined the Royal Navy in 1791. He showed great potential and rose through the ranks, rapidly receiving a commission.

’He became the equivalent of a millionaire in 1799 with his share of the prize money after the capture of a Spanish Treasure ship.

’At the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801 he came to the attention of Admiral Lord Nelson, who requested that he serve aboard HMS Victory.

’During the Battle of Trafalgar, the ship’s wheel was shot away. Quilliam rigged up a temporary method of steering her using ropes, in the gunroom below’.

Designed by Manx sculptor Bryan Kneale RA MBE, the sculpture was originally unveiled in 2005 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar by Captain Jack Ronan. Fifteen years on, Captain Ronan once again has unveiled the Quilliam bust in its new home looking out to sea.

The new site across from Castle Rushen, known as the Quarterdeck, was once the site of a Customs House and was recently landscaped by MNH as part of the improvements to the setting of the castle, including a new cafe.