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64 chapters
EXPLANATION.
EXPLANATION.
If nearly Forty Years' Residence in the Isle of Wight may be allowed in some degree to qualify an Artist for the office of Guide, the Author has a fair claim to public patronage,—for few could have had better opportunity of acquiring local information. He has endeavoured to render The Picture an intelligent Cicerone , without being too garrulous or grandiloquous,—but always attentive to the stranger, leading him to every remarkable object, and giving just as much description of each, as would be
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THE PECULIAR ADVANTAGES OF THE ISLAND AS THE OBJECT OF
THE PECULIAR ADVANTAGES OF THE ISLAND AS THE OBJECT OF
Variety is the characteristic charm of the Isle of Wight; the scenery being in fact a most happy combination of the grand and romantic, the sylvan and marine—throughout a close interchange of hills and dales, intersected by streams and rivers: combining the quiet of rural life with the fashionable gaiety of a watering-place, or the bustle of a crowded sea-port. But generally, its landscapes are more distinguished for beauty than sublimity, and hence the very appropriate designation of "the Garde
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USEFUL HINTS TO STRANGERS
USEFUL HINTS TO STRANGERS
Purposing a visit to the shores of the Garden of England. They may arrange to breakfast comfortably at the usual hour in London—start by the rail-road, and reach either of the above ports at noon, or even earlier—steam-packets are in readiness to convey the passengers across, and stage-coaches and other vehicles await their arrival at Cowes and Ryde: our friends may then ride round one-half of the island, and return the next, or even the same night! but this of course is abridging the affair a l
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Situation, Extent, Climate, &c.
Situation, Extent, Climate, &c.
The Isle of Wight extends from east to west 23 miles, by about 14 from north to south (being very nearly the figure of a lozenge), circumscribes at least 60 miles, and contains upwards of 100,000 acres. It is separated from the Hampshire coast by a strait called the Solent Sea , varying from three to seven miles in width: and bounded by the British Channel on the south—the nearest part of the French coast being Cherbourg (18 leagues distant), which is said to have been seen from the hills of Fre
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Geology, Agriculture, and Zoology.
Geology, Agriculture, and Zoology.
The island presents many rare geological phenomena: and from its smallness, easy access, and the various nature of its coasts, offers an admirable field for scientific investigation. One peculiarity deserves to be particularly noticed; namely, the extraordinary state in which the Flints are found in the great range of chalk hills,—for all those in regular beds, are broken into pieces in every direction, from two or three inches long, to an almost impalpable powder; and yet show no other indicati
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Local Biography and History.
Local Biography and History.
The following are amongst the most eminent natives of the island: Sir JOHN CHEEKE, Knt., one of the most distinguished scholars and virtuous men of his time: he was tutor to Edward VI, and a zealous protestant, but being induced during the following reign to make a public recantation, his death, which happened soon after, was supposed to have been hastened by shame of that humiliating exhibition. Rev. HENRY COLE, D.D., Dean of St. Paul's, a contemporary of the above, was born at Godshill: he sho
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Carisbrooke, Newport, Cowes, and Ryde.
Carisbrooke, Newport, Cowes, and Ryde.
As a stranger's attention is frequently diverted from noticing many interesting features of a scene in the hurried moment of his visit, an index pointing finger is placed at the head of each section, pointing only to the most remarkable objects —a peculiarity which, it is presumed, will be found extremely useful to those who have little time to spare for minute examination or research. Our arrangement of the subjects supposes the reader to start from a point nearly central, and pursue his tour o
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CARISBROOKE CASTLE.
CARISBROOKE CASTLE.
CARISBROOKE CASTLE, ISLE OF WIGHT. CARISBROOKE CASTLE, ISLE OF WIGHT. pointing finger The chief curiosities within the castle are ... the Keep , the immense Well , and the apartments which were the Prison of King Charles I and his family . The high antiquity of this beautiful ruin, which occupies the crown of a hill only one mile westward of Newport, renders it an object of the most pleasing interest with all classes of visitors to the Isle of Wight; and it is the only local specimen of ancient
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THE VILLAGE OF CARISBROOKE
THE VILLAGE OF CARISBROOKE
Is an extremely pretty place, and still very populous, though much less so than formerly, when it enjoyed the consequence of a city , guarded by the only fortress in the island to which the inhabitants could fly for refuge in the moment of invasion: it rises on a hill opposite that on which stand the venerable ruins of the Castle: and in the intervening valley a beautiful stream winds its course towards Newport, sufficiently copious to turn several mills—the springs supplying water highly esteem
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NEWPORT.
NEWPORT.
pointing finger To form an idea merely of the Town, it will be sufficient for a stranger to pace two or three of the principal streets—the High-st. of course from one end to the other; he will then see the TOWN-HALL : the old Parish-church , situated in the Corn-market; the public Library in the Beast-market; and the ancient Grammar-school . The most inviting short walks are over Montjoy's to Carisbrooke — to the top of Pan Down — and to Hurststake, on the banks of the River , at high tide . New
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PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
Of these the most conspicuous is the Guildhall , situated nearly in the centre of the town: it is rather a stately edifice of the Ionic order. Here the magistrates of the whole island meet every Saturday for hearing and deciding upon petty causes: and examining and committing prisoners to the Winchester assizes, or in, minor offences to take their trials at the quarter sessions for the Isle of Wight, formerly held at Winchester, but which are now very properly adjourned , to save the inhabitants
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The Environs of Newport.
The Environs of Newport.
The following villages and hamlets are nearly connected with, or gradually approximating the town:— On the eastern side, surrounded by meadows, is BARTON's VILLAGE, near which a neat little church has lately been opened, on the road to Ryde;—just above it is a gentleman's seat called Bellecroft . SHIDE, half a mile to the south, is picturesquely seated at the foot of the steep and high down called Pan: the river Medina flows through the grounds, and there are several respectable villas in its im
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WEST COWES.
WEST COWES.
pointing finger The transient visitor here should immediately inquire for the Parade — pass by the Castle on the beach, to the bathing-machines — retrograde by the carriage-road under the New Church — mount the hill at the back of the Castle — reach the Old Church , which is contiguous to Northwood Park — and then return, to cross over to E. Cowes . The decided advantages of Cowes are ... its excellent shore for bathing—and its safe and commodious harbour—which recommend it strongly as a fashion
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EAST COWES.
EAST COWES.
pointing finger The town itself has nothing to interest a stranger: but in the vicinity are several first-rate seats and marine villas—the most distinguished being Osborne , Norris , and East Cowes Castle . This little town is separated from West Cowes by the river Medina, which here joins the sea. From the unexpected concurrence of various favorable circumstances, it is looking-up to be a place of some importance: the value of property has already considerably advanced, and trade in general imp
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The Principal Seats near East Cowes.
The Principal Seats near East Cowes.
OSBORNE, the property of her most Gracious Majesty , is entitled, equally from public interest and its own importance, to the first notice under this head.—The situation is everyway eligible for the marine residence of a sovereign of the British Isles: for it commands a most extensive and animated prospect, including Spithead and other naval stations: has a beautiful sea-beach (with a private landing-place); and is sheltered by extensive woods and plantations. The original seat was a plain famil
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"EAST COWES PARK"
"EAST COWES PARK"
Is the title of a very extensive building speculation, which comprehends above 100 acres of land, lying between Osborne and East Cowes. This tract was a few years back laid out for the erection of a number of elegant villa-residences, each to be surrounded with its garden and shrubbery, yet to command a delightful marine view. Excellent roads were made, having on either side a foot-path, flower-border, and neat iron pallisade; handsome gateways erected; and a pier, botanic garden, and other attr
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THE HARBOUR,
THE HARBOUR,
To which Cowes is principally indebted for its origin and present importance, enjoys a high character for safety as well as convenience: it is used by vessels of heavy tonnage, either in waiting for a favorable wind, or for the purpose of repairing damages sustained at sea; and after stormy weather, is often crowded with ships of various nations, in addition to those registered at the place—this being the port for the whole island. There are spacious dockyards, patent slips, &c., both at
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The Road from East Cowes to Ryde.
The Road from East Cowes to Ryde.
WHIPPINGHAM CHURCH stands near the second mile-stone, on the ascent of a hill rising from the eastern bank of the Medina: it is perhaps the neatest old ecclesiastical structure in the island, and is frequently attended by her Majesty and Prince Albert when residing at Osborne. Close by are the Parsonages and Padmore House , embosomed in groves, and commanding an extensive prospect—the nearest object on the opposite side of the river being the ancient though plain church of Northwood. Altogether
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WOOTTON-BRIDGE.
WOOTTON-BRIDGE.
Here we pass over an inlet of the sea, indifferently called Fishbourne Creek or Wootton River; the cottages border the road on either side, and have a remarkably clean and comfortable appearance. There are also a few good houses: the Parsonage, though rather secluded, enjoys a charming marine prospect; and Kite-hill will be known by its antique aspect and screen of lofty firs. But the pride of the place is FERNHILL, a first-rate seat: the house is built in the light Gothic style, and stands at t
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QUARR ABBEY,
QUARR ABBEY,
The most considerable ecclesiastical establishment ever founded in the Isle of Wight, which had, like every other part of Great Britain, previous to the Reformation, its full share of monastic and other religious institutions. This was among the first settlements of the Cistercian Order in England, having been built in the 12th century; was most amply endowed, and had several illustrious persons buried in the chapel, to whose memory sumptuous monuments were erected; but after its dissolution, th
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The other Religious Structures
The other Religious Structures
BINSTEAD, to which there is a good foot-path from Quarr through the woods, is about a mile westward of Ryde. Several genteel residences, mostly built in a pleasing cottage-style, adorned by groups of trees and shrubs, are scattered over a wide space of broken ground, where extensive stone-quarries have been worked for many centuries. It is a favorite walk with the inhabitants of Ryde, across the fields to the church (not seen from the road), which has lately been considerably enlarged and improv
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RYDE.
RYDE.
pointing finger The best may of seeing this populous town, by those who have little inclination, or perhaps less time, for perambulation is, from the Pier, to enquire first for Brigstock Terrace — walk on for about five minutes still westward—returning, pass by the Church , and round the Town-hall , and Market-place , St. James's Chapel , and the Theatre;—look into the Arcade , a little below;—traverse the street nearly opposite the theatre, which will open the eastern part of the town, where th
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PRINCIPAL BUILDINGS.
PRINCIPAL BUILDINGS.
The TOWN-HALL and Market-house affords the best proof of the public spirit of the inhabitants of Hyde in regard to local improvements: for this handsome edifice is on a scale to accommodate three or four times the present population. It was first opened in the year 1831: and the commissioners for improving the town endeavoured to establish a permanent market for cattle, &c., to be held in the large open space in front, but the attempt proved abortive—Newport lying so much more convenient
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Aquatic Amusements, &c. at Ryde.
Aquatic Amusements, &c. at Ryde.
THE ROYAL VICTORIA YACHT-CLUB, established in 1845, numbers amongst its members many gentlemen of the highest rank, and owners of as fine yachts as any in the world. Their Club-house is a handsome and commodious building on the beach west of the Pier; and they have an annual Regatta in the latter part of the summer, when several pieces of plate, etc., are sailed for by the vessels of this and other clubs. There is also a Town Regatta held about the same time, for the purpose of giving encouragem
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THE ENVIRONS OF RYDE
THE ENVIRONS OF RYDE
May be characterized as being beautifully rural, enlivened by peeps or open prospects of the sea: for this is the best wooded quarter of the island, adorned with several charming seats and villas, and intersected by good roads. But perhaps it ought to be here explained to the stranger, that by good roads, in the Isle of Wight, is only meant that they are kept in tolerably good order: not that they are level, or even gently undulating: for the very charm of the island consists in its sudden alter
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BRADING HAVEN
BRADING HAVEN
BRADING HAVEN BRADING HAVEN, As viewed from Bembridge Mill looking across to the Town of Brading, Nunwell, &c. ISLE OF WIGHT. Exhibits during high water the beautiful appearance of an extensive lake: but at the recess of the tide, a mere waste of sand and ooze, comprehending above 800 acres. As the sea comes through a very narrow inlet at St. Helen's, several unsuccessful attempts have been made to recover from its usurpation so valuable a tract of land:—in 1630 the famous Sir H. Middlet
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BEMBRIDGE.
BEMBRIDGE.
pointing finger This is a peninsula about three miles long by one broad, terminating abruptly on the sea-side in a range of sublime chalk precipices . The part easily accessible to strangers is White-cliff Bay, two miles from the ferry. On account of the inconvenient situation of Bembridge as to the usual routes , it is not so much visited as Freshwater, whose precipices are on rather a grander scale, and the most celebrated in Great Britain of this magnificent species of coast scenery. For this
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BRADING
BRADING
Consists of one long, ancient street (through which is the chief thoroughfare from Ryde to Shanklin and the Undercliff,) and a few good houses recently built on the outskirts: it lies about half a mile from the haven; and still retains some of the privileges of an ancient borough. The Church is considered the oldest in the island; as it was certainly in existence early in the eighth century, though some date its erection so high as the sixth, and contend that the first islanders converted to Chr
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Objects between Brading and Newport.
Objects between Brading and Newport.
Our course will be for the first three miles due west. On the north side is NUNWELL, the oldest seat in the island, having been awarded by William the Conqueror to the ancestors of Sir William Oglander, the present proprietor. Noble specimens of every kind of forest-tree are to be found in the park: particularly oaks, several of which are many centuries old, the family having long employed every possible means of preserving these venerable chiefs of the grove. The house (a large, plain building,
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SHANKLIN.
SHANKLIN.
pointing finger The Chine , a beautiful woody ravine in the sea-cliffs, is the great object of attraction; inquire the road to the beach, and you will be conducted through the scene back to the village;—of the latter, a, pretty good idea may be formed in passing through it to Bonchurch, Here we enter upon the romantic scenery of the island. The village is most delightfully rural, and though it has several roomy lodging-houses, and two large hotels, still, from the bold variety of the ground, and
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THE CHINE.
THE CHINE.
SHANKLIN CHINE, ISLE OF WIGHT SHANKLIN CHINE, ISLE OF WIGHT. ( Descent to the Beach. ) At the foot of the cliff stands a fisherman's cottage, which may attract our attention from its picturesque situation. The first view of the Chine from the beach is not the most favorable: as the eye of the spectator is much too low to comprehend all the deep and bold windings of the chasm, which contribute so essentially to its romantic effect: but, gradually ascending by a narrow path, we soon open a wider v
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LUCCOMBE CHINE
LUCCOMBE CHINE
Is another chasm in the sea-cliffs, similar to Shanklin in its character, but on a very inferior scale: and therefore is seldom visited by those in a vehicle who have little time to spare. But many walk from Shanklin to it, either on the beach (if the tide be ebbing), or by a foot-path near the edge of the cliffs, the distance being about two miles: either way is extremely pleasant. A few houses and cottages scattered about, serve to enliven the scene. We now approach a most singular and romanti
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THE UNDERCLIFF,
THE UNDERCLIFF,
Which commences at East End, and terminates at Blackgang Chine, an extent of above eight miles, averaging about one mile's breadth: and bounded on the land-side by a towering ridge of perpendicular stone cliffs, or precipitous chalky hills; presenting in many parts the venerable time-worn appearance of some ancient fortress. Between this craggy ridge and the sea-cliffs, every spot bears the striking impress of some violent convulsion, such in fact as would be produced by an earthquake: but in pr
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EAST END.
EAST END.
pointing finger The Tourist ought, if possible, to walk through this very romantic scene, and if in a vehicle, be upon his guard that the driver does not hurry him by it, as is often the case. Here, as we have said before, the Undercliff commences: and as soon as the stranger has nearly compassed the valley of Luccombe, he should particularly enquire for the spot which is the entrance to this romantic scene ... The distance is only a mile: the carriage in the mean time may proceed on to Bonchurc
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BONCHURCH.
BONCHURCH.
pointing finger Formerly this was one of the most romantic scenes in the island, but has lately been converted into a fashionable village. Amidst a profusion of new houses, more or less tasty in their style—a villa, called EAST DENE, and the neighbouring old CHURCH , are all that will here particularly call the stranger from the carriage-road. In the year 1834, this beautiful spot was advertised to be sold off in small lots for building 18 or 20 villas!—a circumstance much regretted by the admir
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VENTNOR.
VENTNOR.
pointing finger This is the chief resting-place between Shanklin and Niton. The Church , and the Cove , are the most interesting features . Ventnor has risen into importance with a rapidity greater than any other place in the island: for as late as the year 1830 it numbered but about half-a-dozen cottages, one hotel, a small inn, and the accompaniment of a humble grist-mill, so necessary in a retired hamlet as this was then . But such has since been the eagerness for building, that land for the
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APPULDURCOMBE.
APPULDURCOMBE.
This splendid seat, from its proximity to the Undercliff, is most frequently embraced either in the south-eastern or the continued Tour, in preference to giving it a separate day: therefore here is perhaps the best place for its notice, especially as the regular road from Ventnor to Newport passes close by: and as it is only two miles from the former town. It is thus described by Sir Richard Worsley, in his "History of the Isle of Wight:" "The house is pleasantly situated about seven miles south
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GODSHILL,
GODSHILL,
Bordering on Appuldurcombe Park, is a populous village, chiefly remarkable for the very picturesque situation of the Church, a large and venerable pile, which stands upon a steep hill in the centre of the village,—commanding such an extensive and beautiful prospect as will of itself repay the tourist for the trouble of ascending. The interior of the church is enriched by several interesting monuments, ancient and modern, in memory of the various possessors of the Appuldurcombe estates,—the most
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STEEPHILL,
STEEPHILL,
STEEPHILL, UNDERCLIFF, ISLE OF WIGHT. STEEPHILL, UNDERCLIFF, ISLE OF WIGHT. Where a splendid CASTLE was erected in the year 1833, by J. Hambrough, esq. (thence often called after his name), on a broad terrace of rock that rises almost perpendicularly from the present road: and here it may not be quite uninteresting to state—at least to some of our friends who used to visit the island years ago, that the castle occupies the very site of the once-noted Cottage of the late Earl Dysart, and which wa
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ST. LAWRENCE.
ST. LAWRENCE.
pointing finger The Church , here, is from its diminutiveness, quite an object of curiosity; and the stranger will also notice THE WELL, on the road-side; but the Villa and Cottage are both secluded from public view . The scenery of St. Lawrence is a singular union of the cultivated with the wild and romantic—a pleasing interchange of the elegance of splendid retirement with the unobtrusive dwellings of laboring peasants, scattered amidst sheltering groves and ivy-covered rocks. Here the Rt. Hon
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THE ROAD FROM ST. LAWRENCE TO NITON.
THE ROAD FROM ST. LAWRENCE TO NITON.
pointing finger For the succeeding mile and a half, our attention will be called to no one particular object; but we shall have the Undercliff in all its native character, a circumstance which must prove gratifying to those who admire Nature in her own attire , The reader will be pleased, we have no doubt, with the following brief notice of this part of the coast, by the late celebrated Mrs. Radcliffe:— "Oct. 15, 1811.—Passed Lord Dysart's beautiful cottage: it stands at some distance from the s
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ST. CATHARINE'S LIGHT-HOUSE.
ST. CATHARINE'S LIGHT-HOUSE.
ST. CATHARINE'S LIGHT-HOUSE NITON, ISLE OF WIGHT. ST. CATHARINE'S LIGHT-HOUSE NITON, ISLE OF WIGHT. The building of this lofty tower was commenced in the spring of 1839, and finished in the following year: the undertaking having originated in consequence of the loss of the ship Clarendon (see p. 85). From the frequent wrecks on this most dangerous part of the coast, it is rather surprizing that such a warning friend to the hapless mariner was not erected before: because many of the catastrophes
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BLACKGANG CHINE,
BLACKGANG CHINE,
BLACKGANG CHINE, I.W. BLACKGANG CHINE, I.W. Taken from below the new Bridge, which is a very general point of view, as the descent to the shore thence becomes more abrupt and difficult. Deservedly ranks among the most striking scenes in the island, it is the termination of the Undercliff, and of a character the very reverse of Shanklin; for all here is terrific grandeur—without a green spray or scarcely a tuft of verdure to soften its savage aspect. It differs also from that sylvan spot, in bein
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St. CATHARINE's HILL
St. CATHARINE's HILL
(In the steep side of which on the south is Blackgang Chine), is the highest in the island, or between 800 and 900 feet above the level of the sea. An ancient octagon tower stands at the top, built on the site of, or rather as an appendage to, a hermitage—originally endowed by a benevolent individual for the purpose of providing lights in dark and stormy nights:—there is also the shell of the old light-house mentioned at p. 79. The regular carriage-road between Chale and Niton used to be over th
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CHALE CHURCH
CHALE CHURCH
Must be passed in the regular tour, going to or returning from Blackgang; stands close to the road; and though simple in its architecture, has a venerable and rather picturesque appearance—especially its square tower, which proves a great relief to the flatness of the view looking westward to the Freshwater cliffs: dates its erection in the 12th century; and exposed as it is to the rage of the elements, affords an instance of the stability which characterizes the structures of antiquity. The cem
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WRECKS ON THE SOUTHERN COAST.
WRECKS ON THE SOUTHERN COAST.
The VILLAGE OF CHALE lies at the foot of St. Catharine's Hill, and comprises a considerable number of scattered cottages: none of them however deserving a stranger's notice, except perhaps the Parsonage, and the Abbey-farm-house; the latter covered with the most luxuriant ivy. If the visitor be on his return to Newport, he will within three miles of it pass GATCOMBE, a small village, and a first rate seat: exhibiting altogether perhaps the most charming inland scenery in the Isle of Wight:— The
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THE ROAD TO FRESHWATER-GATE.
THE ROAD TO FRESHWATER-GATE.
pointing finger From Chale to the celebrated Cliff's of Freshwater is about twelve miles; the first eight of which are through an agricultural district, presenting only so many agreeable pictures of rural life,—and of these the principal are Shorwell , Northcourt , and Brixton . The fact is, the greater part of the soil is so extremely fertile, as to be employed in tillage and meadow, almost to the exclusion of woods and coppice, which constitute the chief ornaments of a landscape. We have, howe
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SHORWELL,
SHORWELL,
A considerable village, about four miles from Chale, and five from Newport; it stands charmingly sheltered in a curve of the downs with a southern aspect; has a pretty church; and boasts of the finest old mansion in the island, called NORTHCOURT, built in the reign of James I. This venerable pile has lately been thoroughly repaired: a necessary operation by the bye that has stripped it for a few years of its greatest ornament—the rich drapery of ivy which invested its lofty gray walls and pinnac
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The Road over the Downs from Brooke to Freshwater-gate.
The Road over the Downs from Brooke to Freshwater-gate.
We shall now leave the familiar scenes of cultivation and of village life for a time, to enjoy the charms of unbounded prospect, as we journey for four miles over a succession of pasturing downs, where in many parts our road will be upon a natural carpet of the finest turf. Tasteless indeed must be those who can travel over these lofty and beautiful downs, without experiencing the most lively gratification from the checquered and magnificent prospects which invite their contemplation on every si
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THE FRESHWATER CLIFFS.
THE FRESHWATER CLIFFS.
FRESHWATER BAY, I.W. FRESHWATER BAY, I.W. (The two remarkable isolated Rocks and Entrance to the principal Cavern.) pointing finger Several romantic Caverns near Freshwater-gate: the Needles Light-house — and the wonderfully colored Sands of Alum Bay, are accessible without taking boat: the celebrated Needle Rocks are seen (though not to advantage,) from the down and beach: but the Grand Arch , the Wedge-Rock , and several deep Caverns and other curiosities of Rock-scenery, can be viewed only by
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FRESHWATER-GATE,
FRESHWATER-GATE,
Remarkable for the brilliancy as well as beauty of the surrounding promontories, of which an enchanting view is presented as we descend from the downs. The outline of the precipices is here extremely bold, forming several charming little coves or bays, and penetrated at the base by numerous deep Caverns of the most romantic formation, that are exceedingly interesting to visitors when explored. But what contributes most to the picturesque character of the scenery is the presence of several immens
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THE GRAND ARCH;
THE GRAND ARCH;
It indicates little that is remarkable at a distance; but a truly sublime effect is produced when the stranger is placed under its awful roof with his back against the concave chalk: for he then sees above him a magnificent Arch two hundred feet in height and overhanging the beach at least one hundred and eighty!—yet so true, nay, even elegant is the sweep, that it rather resembles the stupendous work of Art, than the casual production of Nature. To form an idea of the sublimity of the scene, th
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NEEDLE ROCKS,
NEEDLE ROCKS,
Which stretch out into the sea a considerable distance: they are remains of the original cliff, and forcibly illustrate the destructive power of the ocean's stormy winds and waves, which in successive ages have removed so vast a quantity of the adjacent chalk. Nor are their ravages at all diminished at the present time: for it is only within the last few years that the smallest rock has been completely insulated; while another immense mass of the cliff is evidently separating by degrees, and wil
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ALUM BAY.
ALUM BAY.
The brilliant and novel display of rock scenery which this spot affords, and its being easily accessible either by water or land (for a road leads to it from the north side of the down), cause it to be universally visited by strangers who extend their tour to this quarter of the island. It is bounded on the south by the Needles and the snowy precipices of which they once formed part: but its greatest celebrity is owing to the wonderful diversity and brightness in the cliffs on the opposite side,
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THE ROADS TO YARMOUTH, NEWPORT, &c.
THE ROADS TO YARMOUTH, NEWPORT, &c.
pointing finger Having visited the western extremity of the Island, we return—either by Calbourne to Newport, which is the nearest; or round by Yarmouth , this being perhaps the less monotonous road of the two. The tourist, on leaving the magnificent scenes of the western coast, can hardly expect to see many spots in the remainder of his journey, capable of engaging his attention. He may still however enjoy some very charming prospects, particularly in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth, whither we s
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YARMOUTH,
YARMOUTH,
Standing opposite Lymington, and once a place of considerable importance, having obtained a charter of franchises in the reign of Henry II: it is very clean and open,—and being situated in the neighbourhood of the most interesting coast scenery, is upon the whole an agreeable place, particularly for gentlemen partial to marine pleasures. Its chief support is derived from the shipping that anchor in its excellent roadsted, and the passengers to and from Lymington; there are three inns—the princip
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The Road by Calbourne and Carisbrooke.
The Road by Calbourne and Carisbrooke.
The direct road from Freshwater-gate to Newport runs for the first three or four miles at the northern foot of the range of downs described at p. 89; presenting no object worthy of separate remark till we reach CALBOURNE, a considerable village, having a decent small inn. The pretty situation of its neat little Church and Parsonage,—the handsome mansion and luxuriant plantations of a first-rate seat called WESTOVER, close by,—with a small stream running through the grounds and in front of the ne
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LANDMARKS AND OTHER CONSPICUOUS OBJECTS
LANDMARKS AND OTHER CONSPICUOUS OBJECTS
Erected on the Hills. The fact of so many of the hills and downs being crowned with some far-seen object, such as a light-house, obelisk, or telegraph, must be a source of considerable interest to a traveller in the Isle of Wight, not only by their often giving an identity and attraction to many of those broad features of scenery which would otherwise be comparatively tame and monotonous, but also by enabling him to determine the bearings and situation of places in their vicinity. We shall here
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TOURS OF THE ISLAND.
TOURS OF THE ISLAND.
Some years ago it was customary for the then limited number of Post-masters to adopt a regular three-days' Tour of the island, dividing it into the North-eastern, the Southern, and the North-western; differing but very little except as to the order of the days' excursion. Not so now—for a hundred plans would hardly describe all "the Tours" recommended by the different inn-keepers and numerous other letters-out of vehicles for pleasure-parties; to say nothing of the wide difference between the vi
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Tour from Ryde, in which Parties sleep but one Night in the Country.
Tour from Ryde, in which Parties sleep but one Night in the Country.
First Day : St. Helen's 4 miles, Bembridge 1, Yaverland and Sandown 5, Shanklin 3, Luccombe and East End 2, Bonchurch and Ventnor 2, Wroxall 2, Newchurch 4, Ryde 6—total 29 miles, or by Brading 26. Second Day : Wootton 3½, Arreton 4, Godshill and Appuldurcombe 5, Steephill 3, St. Lawrence 1, Niton 2½, Arreton 7, Wootton 4, Ryde 3½—total 33½ miles. Third Day : Through Wootton to Newport 7, Carisbrooke 1, Shorwell 4, Brixton 2, Mottistone 2, Brooke 1, Freshwater-gate 4, Needles-point 3½, Alum Bay
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A VOYAGE ROUND THE ISLAND
A VOYAGE ROUND THE ISLAND
If the weather be favorable, will prove very interesting, and indeed be necessary to enable us to form a just estimate of the local attractions, since many of the scenes we have described are seen to most advantage from the water. Steamers perform the trip two or three times a-week during the season (usually in about eight hours): and sailing-craft from Ryde and Cowes are often engaged by parties for the same purpose. If we sail to the eastward on leaving Cowes Harbour, the first objects demandi
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The Passage and Conveyance.
The Passage and Conveyance.
JUNE 1, 1849. pointing finger Strangers are particularly requested to attend to the following recommendation. —We have always made it a point to delay the publication of our Guides to as late a period as we well could (often to a degree of inconvenience), in order that our readers may be furnished with an accurate statement of the precise time of the several passage-vessels starting to or from the island: but this, instead of an advantage, often proved a disappointment: for perhaps a change of h
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Land-Conveyances.
Land-Conveyances.
The STAGE-COACHES.—The following are the summer arrangements for 1849:— From Newport to Ryde, at 8, 12½, 2¾, and 5¼. From Ryde at 9¼, 11, 3½, and 6½. From Newport to West Cowes at 8, 9½, 2½, and 5½. Cowes to Newport at 10, 12, 3½, and 6½. West Cowes to Ventnor (thro' Newport, Blackgang, and Niton,) at 10, returning at 3. Ventnor to East Cowes (through Godshill and Newport,) at 8½, returning at 3. From Ryde to Ventnor at 9½, 11, and 3. Ventnor to Ryde at 8½, 1¾, and 3. Passing through Brading, Sa
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Their Proprietors or Occupiers.
Their Proprietors or Occupiers.
pointing finger In those instances where no Occupiers' Names appear, such Residences are generally to be sold or let. Map of the Isle of Wight Map of the Isle of Wight ...
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