Isle of Wight Heritage

Ryde Bus and Coach Museum flood Ryde Bus and Coach Museum has reopened following catastrophic flooding in October last year. Fortunately, the flooding left the museum's vehicle collection unscathed; however, some promotion materials and records fell victim to the flood...

Ryde Fire Station and Brigade Training Complex at Nicholson Road was officially opened by HRH Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, on 10th May 1994. The need for the the then Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was 1st identified...

Photo: Peter Trimming In the 2nd part of Isle of Wight fauna, Island Echo examines the much-loved otter. Otters have always been present on the Isle of Wight. It is believed they are capable of swimming from the mainland. Otters...

The L25 submarine Commander Maurice William Bailward was charged with negligently stranding Submarine L25 in the Needles Channel at a Naval Court Martial in Portsmouth on 29th April 1924 - 100 years ago today. The L25 was a sister-ship to...

In the 3rd edition of Isle of Wight Middle Schools, Island Echo examines Solent Middle: the school located on the exclusive Baring Road in Cowes. Solent Middle School was the final Isle of Wight Middle School to be officially opened...

Red Squirrel Photo: Jane Holland In the 1st of a new series looking at Isle of Wight Fauna, Island Echo examines the much-loved red squirrel. The Isle of Wight is 1 of only 4 locations in the South of England where...

In the second edition of Isle of Wight Middle Schools, Island Echo examines Somerton - which had the distinction of being the first middle school built on the Isle of Wight. Somerton Middle School was located close to the current...

Skilled shipyard workers from Cowes seeking work on the 'Mauretania' received a rough reception on their arrival in Southampton on 11th April 1924. The Cunard liner Mauretania had come to Southampton 2 months previously for a refit. There was said...

In the 4th and final edition of Isle of Wight buses, for now at least, Island Echo examines the early years of Southern Vectis up until the outbreak of war. Southern Vectis - an amalgamation of Southern Railway and the...

Isle of Wight woman Lin Spearpoint - then 38 - dug up the most complete skeleton of the Polacanthus Foxii dinosaur ever found, near Brighstone on 6th April 1994. The name Polacanthus derives from the Ancient Greek poly 'many' and...