|
Back of the the Wight, Yarns of Wrecks and Smuggling by
Fred Mew
Detailed accounts - with photographs - of some of the shipwrecks
on the south coast of the Island from The Clarendon in 1746 to
the to the Iano in 1957 many of the later ones witnessed by Fred Mew
himself. Also stories of smuggling and the men engaged in it.
Some descriptions of places and people plus archaeological digs
on the Downs. Soft backed book of 116 pages.
Carisbrooke in Times Past - Peter Ednay
A nice selection of old black and white photographs of the
village, with two or three sentences about them. A few local
names mentioned. The book concentrates on the village rather than
the Castle.
paperback - A5 - 40 pages
Castles to Cottages - Joanna Jones
Johanna Jones has turned thirty years research
into the Island's houses and its social history into this book.
It looks at houses at all levels and in all periods - from Carisbrooke
Castle to council houses. So there are the great houses our ancestors
worked in and the farmhouses and cottages where they lived. It is
particularly well illustrated so you can get a real idea of what the Island is, and
was,like. The illustrations by John Nixon, of interiors of places he
stayed on visits to the Island in the late 1700s and early 1800s, are
particularly lovely - if your ancestors came from Brighstone here
is what a room in the pub looked like, here is his bedroom in Ryde or a
cottage kitchen near Steep Hill at Ventnor.
10 x 8 paperback 122 pages
Coastal Wight- Sheila Caws & Roy Brinton
Nice selection of old black and white photographs, one per
page, showing piers; coves, beach scenes and esplanades; wrecks;
two tide mills and the Cowes Floating Bridge. Only a sentence or
two about each.
paperback - 10"x8" [landscape] - 50 pages
East Cowes and Whippingham Isle of Wight 1303-1914 - Rosetta
Brading
paperback - A5 size - 181 pages
East Cowes and Whippingham Isle of Wight 1915-1939 - Rosetta
Brading
paperback - A5 size - 108 pages
Both books are in the same format. Taken in chronological
order they are packed with information about the area and some
wider historical events. Written almost in note form nothing that
happened in East Cowes and Whippingham can have escaped a
mention. Information includes lists from the Rate books; Trade
Directories; details about the Royal Family at Osborne; about the
School; local Trades and Buildings - the list is almost endless.
Some reproductions of old maps, also black and white photos in
the second part. A must for anyone with East Cowes or Whippingham
ancestry.
East Cowes Castle, The Seat of John Nash, A Pictorial History -
Ian Sherfield
Discusses the building of the Castle by Nash and his life,
with lots of black and white plans and illustrations, as well as
four very nice colour plates. Gives the later history of the
Castle with lots of interior and exterior photographs. Also gives
details, plans and illustrations of eleven other Nash
`Castle-Houses' elsewhere, and details and illustrations of his
other Isle of Wight work. There is a list of his completed works
and a list for further reading. Indexed.
hardback - 7"x10" - 91 pages
East Cowes, A Step into the Past - Connie Tennant
Covers the development of the town of East Cowes, its people,
buildings, churches, schools, and East Cowes Castle. Other
chapters about the Floating Bridge from 1859; the authors
reminiscences; leisure activities; the effect of World War Two on
the town. Includes some black and white photographs that have not
reproduced very well and maps. There is a bibliography, but no
index.
paperback - A5 - 103 pages
Discovering East Cowes - Compiled by East Cowes Heritage
A clear map on the back cover shows three walks that can be
taken around the town. The text describes the walks giving
historical details about points of interest along the route.
Nicely illustrated with old black and white photographs and some
reproduced documents.
paperback - A5 - 32 pages
An Eventful Life, Farming, Lifeboats and the Home Guard in
West Wight by Robert Cassell
An account of the life of a farm labourer in the early part
of the 20th century told in his own words. Also old stories and
anecdotes told to him and written as closely as possible to
the sounds of the Island accent. Softback A5 book of 45 pages.
A Gentleman's Tour 1776 - Edited by Elizabeth Hutchings
A facsimile edition of an original notebook, author unknown, held at the Isle of Wight County
Record Office. The journey begins at Reading, 31 Aug, the crossing to the Island being made 3
Sep, various places are visited before leaving for Portsmouth 8 Sep. Journey ends in London 9
Sep. A transcript is given, as well as additional background information and nice black and white
illustrations. No index.
Paperback. About 5" x 8". 40 pages
Hanover House (Thirty six years - hard work and happy
times) by Susan Mears
This is an illustrated and sympathetic story of a family
living in a 16th farm house in Brook, West Wight from 1933 and
running a tea room with a shop - their trials and tribulations
and their happiness. Ringbound A4 29 pages.
Here Layeth, A Record of the Memorials at the Old Church of St
Boniface in Bonchurch
Lists 121 monumental inscriptions in the Churchyard, only
about three are noted as indecipherable, giving full details
including verses. Also full details of the 6 inside the Church,
with a small illustration of the Hill hatchment. The centre page
folds out to give a clear plan of the Churchyard and an index to
the names. Some small black and white photos of some tombs or
their details and a nice black and white reproduction of a
water-colour of the Church, c1855.
paperback - A5 - 20 pages
The Isle of Wight - An Illustrated History
A knowledgable and comprehensive history of the Isle of
Wight. The two authors of this book have woven the most important
strands in the Isle of Wight's past into a history that begins
with the first Islanders and ends in the twentieth century. It
covers farming, life in the Middle Ages, the slow growth of the
Tudor towns, the impact of the Civil War and the dramatic story
of Charles I's imprisonment in Carisbrooke Castle.
Hard or paperback - 10 x 8 - 155 pages
A History of Isle of Wight Hospitals by E F Laidlaw
A well researched and detailed book about the planning
and building of the hospitals on the Island including The House
of Industry, Whitecroft (mental hospital), Military and Naval
hospitals and Parkhurst Prison Hospital. Very valuable
background knowledge for the Island. Softback book of 207 pages.
A History of Newport (IW) Parish Church - Maurice Leppard
Gives a brief outline of the early history. The present church dates from 1854 and the laying of the
foundation stone by Prince Albert is described. Has a guided tour referring to items of interest. A
page on the daughter of Charles I, who died at Carisbrooke Castle and is buried in the Church.
Another page on Sir Edward Horsey, also buried there. Gives information about the upkeep of the
present building. Black and white photographs and illustrations. No index.
Paperback. A5. 32 pages
H.R.H. Princess Beatrice Island Governor - Peter Ednay
Princess Beatrice [1857-1944] was the youngest child of Queen Victoria. Her life is described
with particular attention to her marriage at Whippingham Church. After her husband's death she
became Governor of the Island. Black and white photographs and prints. No index.
Paperback. A5. 40 pages
An Introduction to Friendly Society Records by Roger
Logan
This book describes the history of the societies, the
Affiliated Societies or "Orders" like the Oddfellows and
Foresters, and the records available. It is an interesting book.
Examples from records, lists showing what records are available
for each English, Welsh and Scottish county, a bibliography
including books available from the Foresters Heritage Trust, and
a contact for the Friendly Societies Research Group. Friendly
Societies were set up for mutual self-help to provide financial
support in times of sickness. By 1803 in England 38% of families
were connected to a Friendly Society. From Friendly Societies'
own records plus other sources having a bearing on their
activities. A5 book with 46 pages.
Isle of Wight 1894 - Peter Ednay
A month by month pot pourri of Island events through the year
of 1894. Gives a list of Island Gentry and has a final In
memorium page for the year. Illustrated with black and white
photographs, prints and adverts. No index.
Paperback. A5.
40 pages
The Isle of Wight: A Pictorial History by Sheila Caws
An interesting collection of mainly 19th century photographs
of buildings and people across the Isle of Wight giving an
insight into some of the areas where our ancestors lived.
Hard backed 151 illustrations.
The Manor Houses of the Isle of Wight by C W R Winter
The Island Manor Houses are the chief glory of its man made
heritage. They are admirably described in this sensitive book
with its lovely photographs and lively account of the families who
created them. Hard backed book of 202 pages.
Michael Hoy. The Man and his Monument - Dorothy Wright
The monument stands on St Catherine's Down and commemorates
the visit of Tsar Alexander to Great Britain in 1814. The booklet
gives information about Michael Hoy [1758-1828] and his business
affairs. He first purchased property on the Island in 1809. The
principal bequests in his will are given, and an inventory of his
personal property. Illustrated in black and white.
paperback - A5 - 23 pages
More Memories of West Wight by Eric Toogood
Pictures with perceptive, often amusing, annotations of
places, buildings, people and events in West Wight - a thoroughly
good read by a local historian and lover of West Wight. Soft back
64 pages
Old Men Remember Life on Victoria's Smaller Island - Edited by Vincent Chambers
Produced by the Ventnor and District Local History Society it contains extracts from the memoirs
of two contrasting men of two eras. Mark William Norman was of humble origins and his
memoirs begin the 1830's when he lived at Niton, and continue when he lived at Ventnor. Briefly
covering various topics such as local pubs, smugglers, mackerel fishing and the annual fair. Henry
Farrand Griffin was an American who travelled widely with his family, visiting the Island
regularly. His memoirs cover 1893-8 when they stayed at Bonchurch, and include the servants,
cycling and a visit to Osborne House. Some line drawings. No index.
Paperback. A5. 72 pages
The Loss of the Titanic 1912 by Peter Bray
A reasonably detailed and interesting account of the Titanic's
maiden voyage, tragic sinking and ensuing rescue operation.
Includes 'facts and figures' of the ship's construction and
breakdown of those 'lost and saved'. Reference enquiry of 1913
and discovery of the wreck in 1980. Illustrated by a few
photos/artists impressions and a sketch map of the scene showing
the position of the other ships. Passing reference to persons
from Ventnor being among the crew but, sadly, no mention of the
names of Islanders involved in the tragedy. Booklet of 8
photocopied A4 pages stapled together.
Railways Into Ventnor 1866-1966 by Peter Bray
Brief histories of the railways from Ryde and Newport to Ventnor
covering their planning, construction, operation, decline and
eventual closure. Mention of proposals for links to other places,
e.g. Freshwater via Chale, and a funicular railway down to the town
centre. Illustrated by poor copies of photos of Ventnor stations
and samples of advertising posters and timetable.
Booklet of 7 photocopied A4 pages stapled together.
Sandown & Shanklin in Old Photographs by Donald Parr
One of a series of some 400 books covering Britain in old
photographs. A collection of approx 200 good quality black and
white photos of Sandown and Shanklin and surrounding areas,
including a few of Arreton and Brading, from c1870 to c1970. All
photos annotated, many incorporating historical notes. Photos
arranged in sections covering people, places, churches, transport
and sport, with a special feature of the beaches and piers.
Several 'group' shots of Sandown Football Club teams and classes
at Arreton National School with names. 245mm x 170mm paperback of
125 pages
A Secretary Hand ABC Book - Alf Ison
This delightful book shows, with the help of many
illustrations, the many different ways in which all the letters
of the alphabet were formed using 'Secretary Hand'. There are
also some transcripts of old documents in Secretary Hand. A very
useful book for all those trying to decipher old wills etc.
210 mm x 150mm paperback 30 pages.
Shanklin Between the Wars - Alan Parker
Tells the story of the town from 1981 to 1939, with a page covering up to 1944. Topics include
local government; trade; the pier; social life; transport. Some local names given, but no index.
Illustrated in black & white.
Paperback. A5. 39 pages
Shipwreck! Broken on the Wight - Ken Phillips
A map shows the sites of the wrecks discussed in the book.
The stories of the sinking of the first 22, from the `George
Lord' in 1856 to the `Scots Dyke' in 1913, are told, some with
black and white illustrations. The final wreck, the `Portsdown'
in 1941, has a section of its own. The paddle steamer hit a WW2
mine at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour. The events are told
with survivors reminiscences. There is a list of nominal
casualties and nominal survivors. Bibliography and sources given.
paperback - about 12"x8" [landscape] - 80 pages
The Story of the Royal National Hospital Ventnor by E F Laidlaw
A thoroughly detailed account of the RNH from its foundation by
Arthur Hassall in 1868 to closure in 1964. Includes topics such
as buildings, management & accounts, staff, patient care &
treatment, TB and NHS. Many names referenced including
architects, builders, suppliers, staff, visitors and patrons.
Illustrated with several b&w photos of the buildings and groups
of staff and patients. Comprehensive 7 page index including names
of people mentioned. A5 paperback of 133 pages.
Up Shute, Up Shute 2 and Up Shute 3 by Fay Brown
A series of booklets covering the history of Upper Ventnor
(Lowtherville - also known locally as Up Shute) and its
inhabitants from c1870 to c1980. Basically, 'scrapbook'
collections of material from various sources including
reminiscences from locals, press cuttings, announcements,
posters, advertisements and other memorabilia. Schools, churches,
clubs and societies are well-represented with many reports on
sports days, horticultural shows, concerts and other social
events. Generously illustrated with numerous photos of places and
people including several 'group' shots of school children and
various sports club teams with names. While these booklets may be
lacking in reproduction quality, they certainly make up for it in
their content. Anyone having connections with Upper Ventnor will
be sure to recognise some of the names mentioned.
Each booklet approximately 25 photocopied A4 pages stapled together.
Ventnor & District in Old Photographs by Donald Parr
One of a series of some 400 books covering Britain in old
photographs. A collection of approximately 200 good quality black and
white photos of Ventnor and surrounding villages of Chale,
Godshill, Niton, Wroxall and Whitwell from c1870 to c1970. All
photos annotated, many incorporating historical notes. Photos
arranged in sections covering people, places, transport, sports &
pastimes and churches, with a separate section devoted to the
history Blackgang Chine and the Dabell family. Several 'group'
shots of Godshill and Ventnor Cricket Clubs' teams with names.
245mm x 170mm paperback of 125 pages
Quigley Books
Indexes to Burials at IOW Cemeteries by Dave Quigley (books & CD)
A very useful series of books listing burials at IOW cemeteries
variously from c1856 to c1994. Compiled from records at the CRO
with few transcription/typo errors. Names listed alphabetically
showing age at death, burial date and plot number (where known).
Not all cemetery burials indexed. Also, due to admin changes in
keeping burial registers, later burials in certain cemeteries may
be listed in other indexes, eg from 1933 when Ventnor Council
formed, Wroxall burials are found in Ventnor index. A5 stapled
booklets of varying page lengths.
However, for those wanting to do lookups from several cemeteries,
the CD version is better value as it contains all the burials
(approx 60,000) covered by the books. The data is held in a
single dBASE IV file, arranged alphabetically together with a
cemetery code. The CD version also has the advantage that data
can be sorted, eg into cemetery/plot order to see who is buried
next to whom. As stated, no software is supplied to read this
file but, despite the warning, it can be loaded into MS Excel'97.
1933 Electoral Roll CD by Dave Quigley
Of similar format to the Burial Indexes CD, this CD contains
a single dBASE IV file listing all those persons recorded on the
1933 IOW Electoral Register. Approx 60,000 names listed
alphabetically together with a 2 field address and polling
district code. Contains a few typo errors and some addresses
incomplete. Data can be sorted, eg into address order to see the
occupants of a particular house (useful for finding relatives
having different surnames). As stated, no software is supplied to
read this file but, despite the warning, it can be loaded into MS
Excel'97.
Index of the Vectian Taxpayers in the Poll Tax Returns for 1379
With Two Appendices
Compiled by Silvio Brendler published Baar, Hamburg 2000 ISBN
3-935536-00-3
A5 booklet 64 pages Price £5 available from the society
bookstall.
The booklet begins with an introduction to the background history
surrounding the Medieval Poll Tax. There is a comprehensive list
of references and an explanation of the abbreviations used. The
main body of the booklet consists of an alphabetical index of the
names of those recorded in the 1379 Poll Tax Return for the Isle
of Wight and the district in which they were assessed. Although
we are still in the period before the firm establishment of
hereditary surnames and it is unlikely that continuous pedigrees
can be linked to any of these individuals, it is nevertheless
interesting to see if 'your' family names appear. Several
recognised 'island' names, such as, Burt, Caus (Caws), Cheverdon
(Cheverton), Holbrok (Holbrook), Mew and Urry are featured.
This is a valuable transcription for those interested in
potential early island ancestry.
|
