Isle of Wight Heritage

The Isle of Wight has long been celebrated for its rich maritime heritage, but few realise the Island's crucial role in 2 of the most extraordinary feats in ocean rowing history. At the heart of this story are two vessels:...

One of the Isle of Wight’s most famous landmarks – the dramatic chalk stacks of The Needles – was officially secured for the nation on 13th September 1975, 50 years ago today. The deal ended years of uncertainty over the...

British Rail announced significant price rises for both train and cross-Solent travel from 7th September 1975 - 50 years ago today. An ordinary single fare from Ryde to Portsmouth Harbour was increased from 60p to 69p (£5.34 in today's values)....

The quiet downland village of Wroxall has never had more than 3 licensed premises in its history - but sadly none of them are open for a pint today. The name 'Wroxall' derives from 'wroc' meaning buzzard, and the whole...

A £100,000 reward was offered in the search for Lucie Blackman on 1st September 2000 - 25 years ago today. The announcement marked a significant development in the campaign led by Lucie’s father, Tim Blackman, from Ryde. His 21-year-old daughter...

HMS Cavalier - the only surviving Royal Navy destroyer from World War II - was built by J Samuel White at the mouth of the River Medina, here on the Isle of Wight. HMS Cavalier was 1 of 2 C...

Despite having a population of just over 3,000 people, Wootton has historically had 5 public houses - 4 of which remain to this day. The Greyhound Inn The Greyhound was probably Wootton's first pub. It was believed to have been...

Around 150 holidaymakers were evacuated from Brighstone Holiday Centre after a devastating fire raged through the West Wight site on 23rd August 1995. Miraculously, only 2 elderly female pensioners required hospital treatment: a 70-year-old who suffered a suspected heart attack...

68-year-old Phyllis Kingswell scooped a £29,300 bingo win at Commodore in Ryde - over £72,000 in today's values - on 19th August 1990. Around 260 players at the bingo hall cheered when it was announced that she had won £25,000...

The first of 2 new catamarans - HSC FastCat Shanklin - arrived in the Solent for Wightlink's Ryde-Portsmouth service on 18th August 2000. The second catamaran - HSC FastCat Ryde - arrived later that month. The cost of the 40m...