Isle of Wight History Centre                 It's all here  .  .  .        archaeology         archives         art         aviation         alum         bicycles         books         brickmaking         burial mounds         cabinet makers         castles         cemeteries         churches         coins         conservation         consuls         cranes         customs         dams         defences         dinosaurs         earthworks         engravings         excavations             * hundreds of pages *           ferries         fish traps         floating bridge         forests         forts         fulling mills         genealogy         glassworks         industry         intertidal         inventions         landscape         lifeboats         lighthouses         limekilns             * from hand axe to hovercraft *           manors         maps         memorials         metal detecting         military         monuments         mythology         nobility         nostalgia         oddities         organisations         paper mill         photography         piers         population         postcards             * thousands of illustrations *           radar         railways         rice         rockets         roller mills         royalty         sailing         scandal         science         shipbuilding         shipwrecks         surveys         tide mills         timelines         tourism         trade         villas         wartime         watermills         windmills         workhouse             The first port of call for online Island history The Isle of Wight History Centre is a comprehensive resource for news and links to the Island's past, from prehistory to recent times, including new discoveries and established work Scroll down page or jump from here -> Use Edit>Find on your browser to search for keywords on this page Monthly News Item  Regular feature revealing a recent discovery or event Links to the Island's past are categorized . . . Research Resources   For those wishing to make their own enquiries General Island History   Pages covering a range of subjects or periods Specific Subjects   Items of a particular period or interest Previously Unpublished   Sites with an element of new research published for the first time Monthly News Archives   News articles previously featured on this page Our series of extracts from the Isle of Wight Historic Environment Record included nearly 300 sites. They are archived here   Monthly News Item  November 2009 BRIDGING ERAS The sounds of particular transport systems become familiar after a while but few have been around as long as the noise of the rumbling chain ferry. It has been the soundtrack for residents commuting between East and West Cowes for generations. In reaching its 150th year, the floating bridge service has passed from a being just an essential utility into a symbolic link to the Medina's Victorian era.   The system of hauling or winching pontoons across narrow waterways dates back to medieval times. These were mainly established to transport goods and cattle rather than foot passengers, who could be simply rowed across. It is perhaps surprising that Cowes survived without the need for this sort of facility until well into the 19th century. The first commercial ferry service was for foot passengers via rowing boats, established by the Roberton family in 1720. There remained no way to transport goods across until the 1840s, when they supplemented the service with a pontoon pulled across by a horse-drawn winch.   The coming of steam enabled a vessel to haul itself over a chain via onboard motive power. The first steam chain ferry was built at Plymouth in 1831. The floating bridge met a fairly specialist need, with probably less than twenty services eventually established in Britain. Of these around seven remain.   In 1859 the Island's Floating Bridge Company was formed, buying out the ferry rights from the Roberton family to put the first Cowes chain ferry into operation. The company appears to have become immediately profitable. In 1868 the Steam Packet Company acquired the ferry rights. The service remained in private hands until 1901 when the West and East Cowes Urban District Councils took it over. In all there have been eight ferries built. The first to be built locally came from J S White in 1896. The first diesel-electric powered ferry was brought into operation in 1936 and the existing diesel-hydraulic version was built in 1995. The service has been occasionally maligned over the years but has proved as reliable as any other transport system. There seems to be little prospect of an alternative method of crossing in the medium term, so the floating bridge is likely to be around for years to come.   By a strange coincidence, recent research has raised the possibility of another chain across the river at exactly the same point, hundreds of years earlier - but that's another story. Rowing boats loading and unloading passengers at East Cowes in the 1790s. This is presumably the Roberton ferry service. Three boats suggests we are looking at 'rush hour'. This is thought to be the first Cowes chain ferry. The same ferry is also pictured with subsequent adaptations to provide an open upper passenger deck. Photo: East Cowes Heritage Centre Archive of previous news items LINKS TO THE ISLAND'S PAST    RESEARCH RESOURCES  click on headings Isle of Wight Family History Society One of the Island's most frequently visited sites. A comprehensive service for those wishing to trace their own history IW Local History Organisations A list of Island associations, centres and societies. Local archives and local knowledge Access to Archives Catalogues of archives held across England. Click on search these catalogues and select 'Isle of Wight Record Office' within Location of Archives for details of documents held therein. Current Publications A list of books and maps in print, complete with some reviews. A page from the Isle of Wight Nostalgia site, a useful source for recent history Google Books A growing number books and journals can be text searched, mostly 19th century. For local references click on 'Full view books', enter isle of wight in 'exact phrase' and add your own keywords. Medieval Resource Assessment An extensive record of archaeological reports, published history, research documents and existing structures. A summary of Medieval Wight Isle of Wight County Record Office A guide to the available facilities and procedures for using the Island's main historical research centre at Newport Public Record Office The major national resource now offers comprehensive online facilities. Over 8 million documents are referenced and can be searched via keywords. Copies of documents can be ordered online Champion: Isle of Wight Enthusiast Alan Champion's private collection of books, maps and prints represents an important resource. The site also has numerous extracts and articles. An absorbing read. Carisbrooke Castle Museum A comprehensive local history library and a large collection of artefacts available for research. They also offer museum study days and teaching resources Ann's Page A comprehensive starting point for local Family History enquiries, covering a range of occupations, together with some more general features Roman Wight A detailed survey of archaeological resources and what they tell us about Roman activity on the Island The Yarmouth Archives A comprehensive list of historical documents and artefacts held by Yarmouth Town Trust and other public bodies. Pathe News Archive A treat for students of modern history. Download free film clips from the entire Pathe archive, dating from the 1920s. A search on 'wight' has over 170 hits. Read FAQ's before embarking on the download process Historical Directories Browse or search the text in a range of trade directories dating from the 18th century. Select Hampshire location for IW entries. Discover Isle of Wight History Presumably set to be a central resource to access local council museums, archives etc. Not much happening yet, but probably worth keeping an eye on. East Cowes Heritage Centre In addition to regular exhibitions, this centre now has a considerable archive, particularly covering local industrial and municipal developments Hampshire Record Office Search Hampshire records. An important resource for Isle of Wight related documents    GENERAL ISLAND HISTORY  click on headings Outline Island History Overview of the Islands past from 2000 BC to the present day. A useful starting point Wootton - Quarr Intertidal Archaeology The most important Island archaeology of recent times, revealing developments in environment and human habitation over 8,000 years, in what is now an intertidal zone IW in 19th cent American journals Old journals are increasingly coming online. Here are some excerpts regarding the Island, plus a link to a journal site. IW Historic Postcards An excellent record of much that is lost, including railways and piers, plus outline histories of West Wight towns and the story of Cowes Customs Pagan Wight A collection of myths and legends plus an exploration of Traditional Craft. From the IW branch of the Pagan Federation IW History from 'Picturesque England' A Victorian view of IW history, concentrating on Carisbrooke Castle and Charles I Isle of Wight Timeline of History List of over 400 events and incidentals contributing to the Island's history BBC h2g2 Pages on the Isle of Wight This page opens with details of IW shipwrecks. From here there are links to pages on various Island subjects including a comprehesive survey of Anglo-Saxon Wight plus reviews of piers, hovercraft and more. This site is worth a revisit as it continues to gain subjects Isle of Wight History for Visitors A page of history from IW Tourism, with an emphasis on the main historical attractions A Pictorial View of IW In Days Gone By More photos, listed by town. These from early 20th cent, mostly familiar landmarks Isle of Wight Photographs This commercial site offers hundreds of Island photographs from the 1870s to 1960s, covering over 30 locations British History Online An extensive history for each of the Island's towns and villages; covering manors, churches and other features. Complete with source references. Island Archaeology Excellent introduction to archaeological periods and significant local features Homes and Manors of the Urry Family Profiles of the many historic Island buildings connected with the Urrys, covering a considerable range of Island history Famous Residents and Visitors Profiles of a host people who have helped put the Island on the map IW Towns and Parishes A family history site which includes a history of each parish, concentrating on churches and their associated clergy and patrons. Images of England from English Heritage An illustrated database of listed buildings. Select IW County to see local items. Note the Quick search limits selection. Register (free) for Advanced to gain full access Listed Buildings on the Isle of Wight The complete list can be searched by street, town or postcode. Little detail is given but the above Images of England site might provide further information    SPECIFIC SUBJECTS  click on headings Island Postal History A page from the Isle of Wight Postcard Club detailing postal History from 1759 to 1850 Wight Air Wrecks The results of a major research project identifying military air wrecks in and around the Island from 1913 onward History of Ventnor and the Undercliff Brief introduction to each period, from Stone Age onward. From the local History Society Emerging History of IW Christianity This page welcomes contributions towards building an extensive history of the development of Christianity on the Island Brading History The story of one of the Island's most historic towns and its surviving features The Bembridge Lifeboats Details of successive Bembridge lifeboats, from the first in 1867 Hants & IW Trust for Maritime Archaeology Brief reports on coastal and maritime archaeological projects. Transcript of 10th annual lecture is particularly informative Palmerston Forts Links to history and plans of Palmerston Forts. IW interest listed under Portsmouth, including Spitbank, Sandown, Bembridge, Freshwater and the Needles The Royal Yacht Squadron Click on 'History' for the story of the club and its castle. Also includes guidelines for researchers Naval Ships of J S White A list of naval ships built by J S White from 1914. Includes full size photo and various details of each ship Paddle Steamer 'Ryde' The story of the paddle steamer rusting away at Island Harbour, now to be dismantled Bartie's Hovercraft History Site A history of hovercraft development complete with many pictures, including early examples The Incorporated Church Building Society Building alterations to Anglican churches during the 19th/20th century, including many plans and sketches. Select IW under 'Historic County' for Island churches Isle of Wight sections of Taylor's 1759 map Renewed site with better quality reproduction and faster loading. Scroll down page for IW sections IW Memorials and Monuments Every type of commemoration is covered. You will be amazed how many there are Archaeological Survey of Quarr Abbey Survey by Southampton University showing underlying features via advanced techniques (PDF file) The Story of Sophie Dawes How a poor St Helens girl made made her way from an Island workhouse to the Court of Louis XVIII. Subsequent events show a cruel determination The IW Rowlandson Paintings A gallery of those paintings from which prints are available from the Museum Service, plus pages on the collection and the artist Post Medieval Resource Assessment A summary of recources showing developments on the Isle of Wight through to the modern period The Binstead Sheela Na Gig An insight into the early stone carving over the church gate. Not for the prudish. The IW Metal Detecting Club News of their most recent finds with quality reproduction of past finds, from Bronze Age to Victorian Fortifications and Batteries Pictorial survey of most of the Island's prominant fortifications Isle of Wight and the Birth of Radio The story of Marconi and his time running tests at Alum Bay Island Domesday Book Records Mostly brief entries linked to each town. Major entries at top of page: scroll down to see other Island towns Island Sea Forts Location map of Island forts together with a brief history of coastal defences Marfleet Postcards Numerous Island postcard pictures from the 1920's, mostly West Wight Red Funnel History A comprehensive history of the company and cross solent travel from 1820, including details of the vessels The Mary Rose The history and current preservation of the Solent's most famous ship, from the official site Bartie's Isle of Wight Postcards Old cards listed per town. Contibutions invited. Good image reproduction The Isle of Wight Steam Railway Timetables, events, the locomotives and restoration progress. The official steam railway site. Isle of Wight Aviation An outline history of the Island's airfields, aircraft and manufacturers, dating from the First World War Quarr Abbey Past and Present The official Quarr Abbey site, providing a history of both medieval and modern abbeys and their founders Historic Island Art at the Tate The Tate collection has numerous Island paintings and sketches, including many by Turner. Enter wight in the search box. Sketch Images are often poor quality: select 'Enhanced Image' where available in enlarged view. The Island Workhouse Enter 'wight' in find box to locate details of Newport's 18th cent 'House of Industry' Ryde Social Heritage Group Previously concentrating on Ryde cemetery, this site is now extended to cover the town's social history Rock's Topographical Vignettes 1845-1870 Around 80 engravings of IW scenes which can be fully enlarged. Click on Plates and Images and IW. Then select town. DinoWight More about dinosaurs. Opens with the history of Island palaeontology, with links to fossil details and local geology Picture of the Isle of Wight Complete reproduction of George Brannon's 1849 publication. Pictures can be enlarged Solent Ferries Postcard photos covering dozens of ferries, from the 1880s to the present day Megalithic Monuments Details and some pictures of prehistoric monuments. Opens at page giving guidelines for care when visiting. Enter 'wight' in search box at top left for Island locations Paleolithic Priory Bay All too brief report on one of the nations richest paleolithic sites, recovering over a thousand flint artefacts. RAF Ventnor Covering all aspects of the RAF's presence, including a comprehensive explanation of the main radar station and its system History and Townscape of Ryde Comprehensive PDF file from planning dept, tracing developments that account for today's historic features. Vision of IW Through Time Statistics showing two centuries of change in various social categories. Dry history but no less interesting for that Quarrying and Brickmaking An outline history of quarrying and brickmaking on the Island, commissioned by Bardon Vectis Dinosaur Island The history of dinosaur discoveries in general and on the Island in particular. What they were and where they can be found locally Professor 'Earthquake' Milne Obligatory reading for Islanders. The Shide scientist who fathered seismology. Honoured by the Japanese but shamefully all but unknown here Past Ordnance Survey Maps This site now includes maps covering 19th and 20th cent. Search for a particular town or click on 'GAZ' to use the gazetteer Brading Roman Villa Future plans and appeals for preserving the Island's premier villa plus archaeological background and the history of its discovery Julia Margaret Cameron Trust The famous Victorian photographic artist and Dimbola Lodge Museum devoted to her work Dinosaur Isle Dinosaurs, fossils and much more. A comprehensive site centred around the dinosaur museum at Sandown. A Timeline History of Yarmouth A detailed timeline from the 1st century to the 1980s. Includes features on the borough mace & seal and the tide mill. Dinosaur Farm Museum Includes an introduction to each of the Island dinosaurs, plus how the discoveries were made in the lands around the museum Island Church Towers and their Bells It may sound a rather specialist subject but this bellringers' site contains some fascinating historical detail Echoes of the Home Front This commercial site shows paintings of actual WW2 action in the skies above the Island. Each painting is supported by research covering the event. Shorwell's Medieval Wall Painting An analysis of the renowned Medieval wall painting in St Peter's Church Channel Coast Lighthouses Scroll down page for Island lighthouses. Click on links for full detail and history The Wanton Worsleys Full transcript of the sensational 1782 adultery trial that exposed her Ladyship's promiscuity and Sir Richard's shame Smugglers' Britain Full text of the book. The story of smuggling stripped of its mythology. See Gazetteer and Southern England for a section on IW History of the Island Harbour Site Includes a brief history of the great East Medina Mill, when the site was a hive of activity George Brannon's Vectis Scenery Complete text and engravings of Brannon's famous 1848 publication. High resolution versions of the pictures on separate page The Needles Battery The full story of the old and new batteries, plus the rocket site. Includes photo gallery Back of the Wight Ships' Graveyard Journals and pictures covering the wrecks, lifeboats and the men who served in them Neolithic-Bronze Age Resource Assessment A report detailing and interpreting features and finds on the Island. Compiled by the IW Archaeology Service Disused IW Railway Stations Map location and plenty of detail about each of the many stations that once served the Island's railways Wootton Bridge Historical A growing site covering all aspects of the district. Includes a useful bibliography Cowes Floating Bridge The story of the floating bridge with numerous photos showing its development Ventnor Funicular Railway The ambitious Edwardian plans for cable cars to up to St Boniface Down    PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED  click on headings What are the Moons Hill Structures ? Solving the mystery of the two domed oddities between Freshwater and Alum Bay The Earliest Example of Concrete Housing? Recent research has revealed a unique 19th cent building in East Cowes - a milestone in construction methods The Alum in Alum Bay Investigation into the obscure 17th cent alum working from which Alum Bay takes its name Medieval Newtown A background to the archaeological importance of Newtown plus an insight into its medieval layout Isle of Wight Fulling Mills The history and location of Island fulling mills plus a review of the fulling process and its place in the wool industry Isle of Wight Rocket Man John Dennett of Carisbrooke was at the forefront of rocket development from the 1820s. Designed, tested and manufactured on the Island Carolina, Cowes and the Rice Trade Everything you ever wanted to know about the 18th century Carolina rice trade, including its importance to the Cowes economy The Cowes Giant Cantilever Crane The story of the 'hammerhead' crane and its historical importance to the shipbuilding industry, both nationally and locally. The Lost Windmill of West Cowes The story of the windmill, including an insight into early 19th century Island life Minor Fortifications of the Isle of Wight An examination of some of the early minor defences protecting a vulnerable island, including an analysis of the methods employed Science Sex and Suicide Combined London and Island research reveals a 17th century saga involving the Scientist, the Grocer, the Governor and Grace The Island's 18th cent Paper Mill A summary of what little has been discovered about the mill plus an insight into papermaking of the period The History of Bembridge Isle The first complete work of Island history on the Net. Fresh research throws new light on the area's past. From East Cowes to St Petersburg An Island contribution to a site on Russian shipbuilding history. The story of Joseph Noy, an Island shipbuilder who became a key naval architect to Peter the Great Victorian Photos of the Isle of Wight Unlike the usual 'scenic' views, these delightful photos are from a family album which seems to give them a different historical perspective A Database of Island Photographers This site is the result of considerable research, providing many photos and biographies of trading photographers over the period 1860-1940 IW Industrial Archaeology Society Past projects and schedule of talks. Links to national IA sites and organisations IW Furniture Makers Extensive research shows the Island had many 18/19th century cabinet and chair makers, but what became of their products? World War Two Recollections BBC site with events and personal recollections of people stationed or living on the Island during WW2 Newport's Tide Mill The location of Newport's early 18th century tide mill, together with the history of its surroundings Isle of Wight Historical Review This site offers welcome new research, including the formation of IW County USA and its connections with early Cowes trading and shipbuilding 'Gouda' Bricks at Whippingham Church Report on unusual bricks discovered under the foundations of the church wall Isle of Wight Brickmaking History An extract from the wealth of data now available on past brickmakers. Includes site location map, brickmaking methods and local brickwork The 'Time Team' Yaverland Excavations Channel 4's web coverage of the TV dig. One of the Island's most important sites, with evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman and Saxon settlement. Earliest Scenes of the Isle of Wight A look at four recently unearthed 17th century pen and wash drawings of Island scenes Portable Antiquities Scheme Important finds of metal detectorists are recorded in this national site. Click on images at top right, select county of origin in left hand box and enter 'wight' at right to raise pictures of local finds. More selective searches are available. Calbourne Roller Mill The story of one of the Island's most important pieces of industrial archaeology The Minor Defences of Yarmouth There were probably a considerable number of minor redoubts supplementing our known forts. This research locates and explains a 'lunette' fortification at Yarmouth The Ryde Inventor and his 'Arab' Bicycle Forgotten local inventor, John Harrington, who's bicycle was credited with stimulating cycling in America Historic Environment Action Plan Scroll down the page for links to an introduction and detailed assessmant of each area. The council are inviting comments on planning considerations arising out of the project    MONTHLY NEWS ARCHIVES  click on headings December-March 2000 -Unusual kiln discovered -Iron Age Vineyards at Mersley ? -Ice House Uncovered -Archaeological Coastal Audit July-September 2000 -Tide Mill location discovered -Science, Sex and Suicide -Limekiln uncovered January-March 2001 -Sherd of Roman flagon found -New historical organisation -Mysterious skeleton found July-September 2001 - WW1 Pacifist Graffiti -Brading Amphora Identified -Fort Victoria Searchlight January-March 2002 - St Urian's Chapel - Brighstone Forest Survey - Paper Mill Discovery July-September 2002 -Cowes Hammerhead Crane -Brading Villa Excavations -Rowlandson Exhibition January-March 2003 -Limekiln industry at Brading -Internet research traces shipbuilder -Chillerton Iron Age rampart July-September 2003 -Forthcoming Iron Age archaeology -Underground chamber at Shanklin -Ryde inventor of the tin opener January-March 2004 -Robert Hooke portrait controversy -Heritage plan for Osborne Stables -Carisbrooke Roman Villa July-September 2004 -Unofficial site of Roman Occupation -John Speed's dotted line -Cowes hammerhead crane January-March 2005 -The Halsgrove history series -Mottistone limekiln -East Cowes archaeology July-September 2005 -Archaeology at Pan -Saxon graves at Shalfleet -Neolothic farm project January-March 2006 -17th century low income housing -Local History Month -Parkhurst Forest water features July-September 2006 -Neolithic farm project -Hydraulic rams -Historic Environment Action Plan January-March 2007 -Hammerhead crane trust -Cowes 17th cent glassworks -Mottistone limekiln renovation July-September 2007 -Inexplicable military structures -The local list project -Carisbrooke leper hospital January-March 2008 -Charles I and the maid -Isle of Wight Heritage Centre -Medina valley geophysical survey July-September 2008 -Newport's paraffin pump -Sandown spy documents: part 2 -Carbon dating of coastal features January-March 2009 -Yaverland Battery -Yafford Mill -Excavation on the Motkin Boundary July-September 2009 -The Aerofilms Archive -Medieval well at Newport -The Thing in the Pond April-June 2000 -Old Island map recovered -Bronze Age hurdle at Ryde -Neolithic stone axe found October-December 2000 -Bronze Age burial mound found -New discoveries of ''Vectis Ware' -Island alum history challenged April-June 2001 -Our New County Archaeologist -Earliest record of shipbuilding -Prehistoric hearths October-December 2001 -History of Island Photographers -Archaeological discoveries at Lake -Iron Age bead April-June 2002 -Isle of Wight Doughnuts -Recent Intertidal Archaeology -Earliest Island paintings October-December 2002 -Yaverland Discoveries Revisited -Needles mythology questioned -Island son Robert Hooke April-June 2003 -Industrial heritage demolished -WW2 German landing on IW -The face of Robert Hooke? October-December 2003 -Roman jewellery trade -Calbourne roller mill -Wrecks on our northern shores April-June 2004 -Niton Tithe Maps -Mass military finds -The Cowes Consuls October-December 2004 -Wootton roller mill -Deteriorating historic buildings -A Frenchman's view April-June 2005 -Early gas generator -Farm feature uncovered -Medina Cement site cleared October-December 2005 -Council cuts in historical facilities -Alverstone causeways -Locating the little forts April-June 2006 -Early parish register discovered -County Archaeology Service budget -Cellar complex discovered October-December 2006 -Reorganisation of Heritage Services -Military map revealed -Medina Valley archaeological survey April-June 2007 -IW Timeline film -Subterranean structures -Engine at Priory Bay October-December 2007 -Post alignment on Seaview sands -18th century raid on Sandown Fort -The Historic Environment Record April-June 2008 -The Island's only heliochronometer? -Missing file on the Sandown spy -The vanishing cement kiln October-December 2008 -Brading Villa's Big Dig -Salvaged J.S. White material -Newport Power Station April-June 2009 -High-tech community archaeology -East Cowes motor manufacturing -Whippingham conservation October 2009 -Brading's medieval quay Hopefully the links on this page, or email contacts therein, can answer any specific question you may have on Island history. If all else fails email us at: iwhistory.centre@virgin.net  Queries or comments welcome The Isle of Wight History Centre was established in 1999. This page is updated on the 1st of the month