Isle of Wight Heritage

A roadworker's cry for help was followed by horror on a Niton hillside when he was crushed beneath an 8-ton steam roller on 30th July 1926 - 100 years ago today.

A chance photograph taken at The Needles helped launch a business that grew into one of Britain's largest postcard and greetings card manufacturers.

Record-breaking rainfall, giant hailstones and lightning strikes brought chaos to the Isle of Wight on 22nd July 1951.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is returning to Cowes for the first time in almost 30 years as part of a new exhibition celebrating the town's royal sailing heritage.

Yarmouth's new pier was officially opened on 19th July 1876, creating what once was a vital transport link across the Solent that survives to this day.

For more than 150 years, the Gloster stood on Cowes Parade, evolving from a prestigious waterfront hotel into one of the Island's best-known nightlife venues.

History repeating itself...? In1976, weeks of exceptional heat had left the Isle of Wight parched, with fires, water shortages and temperatures above 32c becoming part of everyday life.

Founded in Cowes in 1790, Ratsey & Lapthorn helped power HMS Victory, Royal yachts and more America's Cup winners than any other sailmaker.

Hundreds of Islanders gathered beside the River Medina on 10th July 1976 to witness one of the most unusual charity fundraising events ever staged on the Isle of Wight.

More than 100 police officers joined a massive search operation after a convicted murderer escaped from Parkhurst Prison on 5th July 1976.