Isle of Wight Heritage

Vestas Sailrocket 2 - constructed at East Cowes - broke the world the world sailing speed records for 500 metres and the nautical mile in November 2012. Remarkably, Isle of Wight engineering achievements - which were many and varied in...

We take a look back at Isle of Wight news from previous decades for the week ending 7th October from 30, 40, 60 and 110 years ago. 30 years ago (1993) SHANKLIN COUNCIL BUYS CLOCK TO GIVE RESIDENTS GOOD NIGHT'S...

A mystery fire destroyed a wing of the unoccupied 20-room mansion Upton House on 3rd October 1953. The rambling house - surrounded by dense undergrowth - was formerly the home of Edward Carter, High Sheriff of Hampshire. 3 of Edward...

Solent Forts As part of our new series on Isle of Wight fortifications, Island Echo examines the 4 forts between the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth. The forts built to protect Portsmouth Dockyard and naval base have been labelled 'Palmerston's Follies'...

Ryde Mayor Alfred Millward set in motion the machinery to generate electricity for Ryde and Seaview on 1st October 1903. The machinery to supply electricity to Ryde and its environs was supplied by the Isle of Wight Electric Light and...

We take a look back at Isle of Wight news from previous decades for the week ending 30th September, from 30, 40, 60, 100 and 110 years ago. 30 years ago (1993) HUMAN 'GUINEA PIG' FROM ISLE OF WIGHT COMPLETES...

Flight Lieutenant Charlie Attrill MBE - who invented the torpedo-dropping gear - was cremated at Whippingham on 29th September 1962. Charlie Attrill is another unsung hero of Isle of Wight invention. There is no mention of his achievements on the...

A 9-year-old John Osborne moved to the South Wight on 28th September 1939, where it was thought the climate would be more suitable for his father's ill health. Osborne would go on to become 1 of the most famous playwrights...

The Schneider Trophy (Science Museum) The Schneider Trophy - once the greatest cup in aviation - was staged in Cowes on 28th September 1923. Cowes was the natural choice of venue for a seaplane speed competition. It was the home...

A high society woman's secret life of crime was disclosed following a conviction for theft a century ago on 26th September 1923. Mrs Helen Vera Maclaren was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for shoplifting and stealing - a harsh punishment...