Newport, Co

f his visit, an index is placed at the head of each section, pointing only to the most remarkable objects-a peculiarity whi

d in a regular progress, without frequently retrograding, or considerably deviating either to the right or left. This orde

ROOKE

CASTLE, IS

r in the vale

ers, and totter

rampant ivy's u

e Keep, the immense Well, and the apartments which

ve existed for at least fourteen centuries, having in that long period been subjected of course to many mutations. The Saxon chronicles mention it as a place of strength and importance in the year 530, when Cerdic subdued the island; and it was subsequently rendered almost impregnable, according to the mode of fortificat

tress. Passing through an ivied gateway, built in the reign of queen Elizabeth, as appears by the legible inscription (40 E.R. 1520,) on a shield over the arch: we proceed to another gateway in a spacious squa

me, and tott'r

mantles the grey walls and mouldering battlements, interspersed with the waving branches of wild vegetation:

nner court, the attendant cicerone will lead the visitor to

is next to impossible to decide upon their arrangement: the window however is shown through which he vainly attempted an escape: this is generally examined with

was rendered an appendage to the more ample fortifications constructed by the Normans. It is reached by a flight of 72 stone steps (ni

r very ancient tower called Montjoy's: the

well 300 feet deep! This office he performs by treading rapidly inside of an immense windlass-wheel (15? feet in diameter,) whereby he gives it the necessary rotatory motion. The natural longevity of these patient laborers is here exemplified by the instances on record; one done the duty for above 50 years, another 40, and another nearly 30

orks of this venerable monument of antiquity, and give a minute detail of the several parts usually shown to strangers, wo

is in some parts sequestered and most pleasingly solemn, in other points presenting very charming views; and altogeth

cise; no spot certainly could be more convenient: though by the bye, there is a degree of modish gaiety on such occas

rief-worn aspec

is was the regular seat of the insular government; but now it is quite deserted, save by

AGE OF C

uins of the Castle: and in the intervening valley a beautiful stream winds its course towards Newport, sufficiently copious to turn several mills-the springs supplying water highly esteemed for its purity. The church is of great antiquity: and its tower is a very handsome specimen of Gothic architecture, proudl

ue the view, w

ill, the roofs

trees, above who

church-tower, a

ed ridge, crown'd

ath the bank, t

lowery isles an

WP

the other; he will then see the TOWN-HALL: the old Parish-church, situated in the Corn-market; the public Library in the Beast-market; and the ancient Gramm

dom. The houses are of a modern and respectable construction: the streets regular and well paved,

ided attractions. Years ago it was observed, that "there were few provincial towns which could afford independence more sources of rational enjoyment:" and since then there has been a great accession to the local means of intellectual pleasure, in respect of philosophical and literary institutions, private and professional reading societies, a Mechanics' Institut

ays in particular, it presents a very animated scene: being frequented by all classes who are obliged to attend for the purposes of business, or u

erly the shops have exchanged much of their antiquated country appearance for the more imposin

ost convenient houses are handsomely fitted-up for the purpose; and should the river be ever sufficiently deepened to admit a passage steamer to ply at regular hours

cattered groves and copse-wood: and interspersed with the arable fields and meadows are several churches, seats, villas, farms, and cottages, on either side: and as the lands rise rather boldly, the while scene

re-engage for the following year. The old custom of the female-servants assembling at one part of the town, and the men at another, for the purpose of engaging in new situa

C BUI

and committing prisoners to the Winchester assizes, or in, minor offences to take their trials at the quarter sessions for the Isle of Wight, formerly held at Winchester, but which are now very properly adjourned, to save the inhabitants the great inconvenience

the neighbouring gentry subscribe. Besides the reading-room and library it contains a museum for local cur

n in the year 1619, and duly endowed. Though recently having been repaired throughout, its appearance is still rather picturesque: and possesses considerable historic interest, from the me

es are ... the Pulpit, remarkable for its rich and ingenious carving: a monument to Sir Edward Horsey; and the spot where the second daughter of King Charles was buried: she died while the family were prisoners at Carisbrooke-and it was only by accident in the year 1793 that the vault

nd the limits of the borough, is about 7000. The corporate body consists of 24 members; but since the passing of the M

town, on the east side, going to Ryde: in the town is also an establishme

rons of

s are nearly connected with, or g

near which a neat little church has lately been opened, on the ro

e steep and high down called Pan: the river Medina flows through the groun

ading to Carisbrooke: behind it is the hill called Montjoy's, from whose lofty summit is obtained the most comprehensi

espectable appearance: standing at the head of an extensive and beautiful lawn wh

large building, generally containing between 500 and 600 paupers; it includes within its

, chosen from every parish in the island,-under the provisions of an Act of Parliament obtained in the year 1770 for the parochial consolidation of the

plement stationed here seldom exceeded a few companies, and for months together there would not be even a serjeant's guard: but la

he extensive tract called Parkhurst Forest, planted a few y

f buildings, dedicated to the benevolent purpose of reclaiming from inf

tion of their moral character, so likely to be permanently influenced by means of impressive friendly admonition, the frequent inculcation and daily observance of religious duties, and the exciting hope of reward for good behaviour in a mitigation of their sentence: in short, by the most encouraging and kind treatment, as far as is compatible with the strictness of prison discipline. None th

s annually published by order of Government (at a low price), containing the most minute particulars in every department of the Asylum. For the same reasons we have avoided any description of the architectural plan of the prison, a pretty good idea of which may be formed in passing by on

xpressed themselves so well pleased with its management and beneficial tendency, that another building at a short distance was erected in 1843;

ies connected with the prison, barracks, &c., altogether fo

T C

e bathing-machines-retrograde by the carriage-road under the New Church-mount the hill at the back of the C

d its safe and commodious harbour-which recommend it strongly as a fashion

groups of lofty trees. To a stranger however, who may confine his walk to the streets just where he lands, this favorable impression would be almost obliterated,-for they are both narrow and crowded: though in these respects there is some improvement the further he goes either to the east or the west; but it is near the Castle that he must look for the greatest share of unite

he hill, which is luxuriantly clothed with hanging shrubberies and several groups of majestic trees, presenting a perfectly unique picture of sylvan and

WEST COWES,

itecture and surrounding embellishments. In fact, the original dwelling was a few years ago greatly enlarged-made a story higher-the open ground at the back inclosed (!)-with other alterations to render it a fit residence for nobility.

their back. But the chief ornament of this quarter is the new Episcopal chapel, whether viewed near, or from a distance on the water,-being a chastely-elegant structure in the Gothic style, in a most commanding situation: it is private property. Should the st

sake of the magnificent prospect which it affords, and on the peculiar character of which the permanent attractions of the place so much depend. But to do this justice, the reader must have reco

st of novelty such for instance as the rural, and more particularly the marine prospects of the Isle of Wight; these afford an endless source of amusement to the speculative eye,-whether directed to the soft and gradual changes on the variegated face

beautiful, whi

and whose no

, and the scru

due to those t

y tall square tower, as destitute of beauty as anything of the kind can well be: yet as it peers loftily above all the surrounding objects,

The Park is an extensive demesne, and profusely planted; there are however comparativ

sloping lawn interspersed with magnificent elms and close shrubberies.-In the environs of Cowes are several other genteel residences: Moor-Hous

chapels. There are three large Hotels (see the List), and several minor

T C

vicinity are several first-rate seats and marine villas-the m

anced, and trade in general improved. It has one good Hotel, several respectable lodging-houses: a neat episcopalian church, and an Independent chapel. Having a large shipwright's yard, and a number of marine stores, wharfs, &c., where merchant-ships lie alongsi

eats and villas, whose luxuriant groves and shrubberies give the scenery an uncommonly rich effect: and her Majesty having made

f boast is the amenity of their location. But through the tall plantations on the right our eye will be delightfully attracted by the picturesque turrets of East Cowes Castle, and the surrounding beautiful grounds. At the pretty

, ISLE

l Seats near

inal seat was a plain family mansion surrounded by park-like grounds, which have been extended by the purchase of several farms-including Barton (whose fine old Elizabethan manor-house has received a complete and judicious reparation): so that the estate is now most conveniently bounded on the west by the high-road from East Cowes to Newport; on the south by a branch of the same road to Ryde; on the east by a sheltered cove called King's Quay (as tradition will have i

n will make the whole admirably suited for agricultural pursuits, to which H.R.H. the Prince Consort is very partial. A great part of the estate is enclosed by a par

admits the application to domestic architecture of the most beautiful features of the Grecian

back is the flag-tower, communicating with an open corridor which extends the whole of the north-west face of the building; and on the other side of the tower is the carriage-entrance, opening on pleasure-grounds adorned with the choicest varieties of ornamental shrubs-thriving with a luxuriance whic

e of this noble structure, we beg to refer our readers to the annexed Engraving-and also to the Views of

nce, and some of the loftiest towers being enveloped in the most luxuriant ivy, the whole building has so venerable an air of antiquity, even when closely examined, that we can hardly suppose it to be the production of modern days: and enjoyin

from the reputation of the architect, the late Mr. Wyatt. The stables, &c., are also on a very ample scale, and in the sam

slope even to the water's edge. The utmost privacy might be enjoyed, for there is

our view. After his demise, it was two seasons chosen for the residence of their R.H. the Duchess of Kent and the Princess Victoria (during which time the latter improved remarkably in her health): and has since been purchas

e bold style usually termed the Moorish, and has three handsome fronts of varied elevations, with a tasteful diversity of towers, mantled more or less by the most

general design, or called for on the score of enlarged accommodation; a circumstance certainly not calculated to insure the greatest amount of domestic convenience (as regards the size and arrangement of the rooms), though no doubt contributing largely to the pi

COWE

lla-residences, each to be surrounded with its garden and shrubbery, yet to command a delightful marine view. Excellent roads were made, having on either side a foot-path, flower-border, and neat iron pallisade; handsom

HARB

ed by vessels of heavy tonnage, either in waiting for a favorable wind, or for the purpose of repairing damages sustained at sea; and after storm

putation for skill: several men-of-war were built here during the last century; and of late years numerous beautiful pleasure-yachts, merchantmen, sloops of

L-YACHT-

es of tradesmen an extensive share of employment; but the town altogether does not, it is said, derive that degree of foste

RE

he number of days engaged, comparatively little pleasure is afforded to the mere spectator: there is however usually one day's continued amusement-when sailing and rowing matches for liberal subscription-prizes likewise take place between the local watermen, &c.-excellent bands of music attend,-and in the evening there is a brilliant display of fire-works, both from the shore and from the ya

men ply excellent boats: they are most frequently engaged in the short and pleasant excursions to Beaulieu, Netley

of the beach, admitting the machines to be put in requisition in all states of the tide,-a very great advantage.

om East Cow

ttended by her Majesty and Prince Albert when residing at Osborne. Close by are the Parsonages and Padmore House, embosomed in groves, and commanding an extensive prospect-the nearest object on the opposite side

ON-BR

e also a few good houses: the Parsonage, though rather secluded, enjoys a charming marine prospect; and Kite-hill will be known by its antique aspect and screen of lofty firs. But the pride of the place i

days. The opposite banks of the river, or rather lake, are clothed with the finest oak-woods in the island, feathering from the very water's edge; and the whole neighbourhood presents the rich appearance of an extensive forest covering hill an

of the river, below the bridge: affording a very pleasant drive; and as they open many del

a large hamlet called FISHHOUSE, including a d

tably converted to tillage and garden. Here too are several scattered dwellings forming an improving hamlet; and in one of them (call

nd Ryde, on the sea side of th

R AB

gious institutions. This was among the first settlements of the Cistercian Order in England, having been built in the 12th century; was most amply endowed, and had several illustrious persons buried in the c

, with whose descendants it still remains. Some of the outer walls are still extant, and mu

rm-purposes. What was spared in the moment of ruthless spoliation, lay long buried under heaps of rubbish and weeds-till a few years since, when

Religious

mber of oratories, chantries, chapels, and religious houses, amounting in the whole to 70 or 80, exclusive of the regular parish-churches;-and yet scarcely any of these interesting monuments have survived the

roups of trees and shrubs, are scattered over a wide space of broken ground, where extensive stone-quarries have been worked for many centuries. It is a favorite walk with the inhabitants of

Y

s by the Church, and round the Town-hall, and Market-place, St. James's Chapel, and the Theatre;-look into the Arcade, a little below;-traverse the street nearly opposite the theatre, which will open the eastern part of the town, where the

ISLE O

of a lofty hill, falling with a regular descent to the sea on the north, opposite Portsmouth, from which it is about five miles across. This short passage, from its perfect safety and general convenience, proves a great local advantage, being performed several times a-day by s

ly the difference of position which calls for any term of distinction; for where the green meadows then formed the separat

ossing each other nearly at right angles. Several of the handsomest run parallel almost in a di

d having contributed more than anything else to the advanc

on luggage-cart, till it was drawn out upon the almost level sands sufficiently far for a large wherry to float alongside, into which they were then transferred, and conveyed to the sailing-packet, perhaps lying off at some considerable distance. The reader will readily believe that this unite

everyway more convenient for passengers landing or embarking. This last improvement must afford a most delightful accommodation for the gentry who prefer the pier for their usual promenade; and where, from the great extent it stretches out into the open sea, those invalids who are pr

PAL BU

in the year 1831: and the commissioners for improving the town endeavoured to establish a permanent market for cattle, &c., to be held in the large open space in front, but the attempt proved abortive-Newport lying so much more conveniently for the gener

the visitor would expect, when previously told that it cost at least ￡10,000. It contains 14 shops, and a very lar

e promenade; nor likely ever to become a much-frequented thoroughfare, popular and busy. Moreover, the tradesmen generally find it more to their advantage to engage respectable houses in the best streets, where they can profitab

he late Mr. J. Sanderson. They command a beautiful marine prospect, as they stand at the head of a sloping lawn-like field

of tastefully-embellished mansions; indeed in every direction a number of elegant house

illas of the Duke of Buckingham and Earl Spencer. The stranger could then have no difficulty in discriminating these: but now, to give a List of all the residences th

enlarged: and in the same year another was commenced as a private speculation by Hughes Hughes, esq., this is a long, low edifice, remarkable for its neat interior: a third has since been erected on the eastern side of the town, of a handsome design both inside and out, and very conspicuous from its

accommodation with the best in the county (see the List). The lodging-houses are of course very numerous, and in every g

ns. The shops are generally very imposingly fitted-up and well stocked: and in the literary and

usements,

Regatta held about the same time, for the purpose of giving encouragement to the skilful and deserving watermen: the sailing matches being between the wherries of the place, which are of a large size, and esteemed by nautical men to be the finest sea-boats in the kingdom: and as the race is confined to a circuit which can be distinctly seen from the whole of the Pier, there is as much interest excited as if the prizes were con

d shrubberies. In some parts the sand has accumulated over the mud in sufficient quantity to bear wheel-carriages (which is the case near the Pier): and is found to be gradually increasing both in depth and extent. The best time to take a walk upon the shore is directly after the tide has

he crew of the Royal George, a ship of 108 guns, which sank at Spithead on August 29th, 1782, b

attended, and in full operation; together w

a faint sketch of the one obtained from Ryde and its neighbourhood: by which, however imperfect, it will be seen by the reader, that few prospects

bellished by several delightful villas and other marine residences, among which are Osborne Palace (indicated by a lofty prospect-tower),-and Norris Castle, just beyond. We have the Solent Channel seen from here to peculiar advantage,-on the one hand contracting to the appearance of a noble river, and on the other expanding and uniting with th

'er the spa

tall ves

g winds, in

efore th

that form the grand naval hospital of Haslar, with the town of Gosport in its rear; opposite which are the celebrated fortifications of Portsmouth, with its noble harbour affording calm securi

wns which is crossed by the London road near Petersfield: and on the left, the beautiful retiring banks of Southampton Water to the town to itself, backed by the woodland heights of the New Fore

VIRONS

prospects of the sea: for this is the best wooded quarter of the island, a

are level, or even gently undulating: for the very charm of the island consists in its sudden alternation of hill and dale, producing a constant change of scenery: one momen

the town, for the distance of two or three miles. The principa

an excellent road to St. John's, where several very eligible sites for buildin

built in the castellated style: and the pleasure-

sequestered

sed of lodging-houses.-A carriage-

lodging-houses: and having near it the beautiful villas of Sea-f

d for about a mile: the sandy beach the

s far as may prove agreeable, according to their ability for walking; as there is a

(commonly called the Back of the island), and first reach a ha

everal sudden turns, over-arched by lofty trees, especially the silver fir. Shortly the tower of St. Clare appears on our left: Westridge in a valley

a carriage-road leads down to Sea-view, by which the party may on anot

astic cell-is a spacious, plain mansion, and ranks among the finest seats in the island: here too,

LEN's

dent gentleman. But the chief object of curiosity here is the old Church-tower, standing now at the water's edge, and still struggling against the further "encroachment of the sea," which in the year 1719, was such as to oblige the parishioners to build another place of worship in a more secure situation: this we passed near the

ound Yaverland and Brading; or they may go to the latter place at once; returning over the downs to Ashey Sea-mark, which affo

ING

ge Mill looking across to the Town of

an extensive lake: but at the recess of the tide, a mer

brought up so much sand, ooze, and weeds, as to choke up the passage for the discharge of the fresh water, which accumulating, in a wet season and a spring-tide, made an irreparable breach, and thus ended an experiment which then cost altogether about ￡7000. "And after all, the nature of the ground did not ans

was discovered near the middle of the haven;-an incontestible evidence

e of the coast immediately to the westward of the haven, where some creeks or inlets have become dry; a circumstance which induced the Rev. P. Wyndham, who wrote almost the first intelligent Guide to the island, to conclude that there actually had been a secession of tides in this quarter; yet, singular enough, he makes no allusion either to the haven or the church. Now as there is really no evidence whatever in the neighbourhood that would lead us to suppose in the slightest degree, that the sea ha

e account in 1781, he guessed to be about 100 feet higher than Week Down, but which "was barely visible" over the latter from St. Catharine's, in the younger days of many of the old inhabitants of Chale, and who had also been told by their fathers that at one time Shanklin could be seen only from the top of the beacon on St. Catharine's. "This testimony, if allow

BRI

ptly on the sea-side in a range of sublime chalk precipices. The part eas

eason, and also as the cliffs of both places agree almost precisely in their geological character (for they are but the termini of the same chain of hills), we shall merge the general description of the former in that of the latter; but we would advise the strange

d; possessed no facilities of communication; and had no charms to call the traveller aside from the routine trac

: the next consideration was the establishment of a horse-boat, and other regular means of passage across the haven:-land was sold off on eligible terms for building; several tasty villas were soon erected, a

on and open pasturage: but it is the surrounding prospect which yields the chief pleasure. The situation of the Churc

they are now, as has been already mentioned (p. 21), resorted to in the summer months by prodigious flights of various sea-fowl. There is a small cavern called

ea a considerable distance: a floating beacon-light called "the Nab" is

bit a venerable appearance, and being surrounded by groves of magnificent elms, the whole presents one of the prettiest rural scenes in the island; and to the amateur of sketching, it

ND

e large and splendidly furnished: and enjoy a beautiful view of the British Channel, the dazzling cliffs of Bembridge, and the range of coast for

Lake, a pretty hamlet, having a few cottages that le

AD

island; as it was certainly in existence early in the eighth century, though some date its erection so high as the sixth, and contend that the first islanders converted to Christianity were here baptized. On account of its antiquity, the numerous relics which it contains, together with the many well written inscriptions t

o delight in the contemplation of grand prospects, and a most fertile and well cultivated country:-having no objectio

comparatively uninteresting, we subjoin a sketch by Sir H. Englefield, showing t

t ascend the chalk range that rises immediately from the woods of Nunwell. When the weather is clear, it is impossible to descr

which in clear weather is tinged with an azure more deep and beautiful than any I ever saw. The Hampshire land rises in a succession of hills quite lost at length in blue vapour. The inland view to the south is far from destitute of beauty, though less striking than the northern scene.

ance, as it is interesting on a nearer approach. Arreton is also surrounded with trees, which group happily with the pretty church and an old mansion now converted into a farm: and from the western end of

ritten, Knighton House

een Brading

oble specimens of every kind of forest-tree are to be found in the park: particularly oaks, several of which are many centuries old, the family having long employed every possible means of preserving these venerable chiefs of th

lopes and groves

ding, four from Ryde, and five from Newport: it is a perfectly plain, triangular object, ere

Godshill, &c. The situation of the Church is rather romantic, being nearly on the edge of a remarkably

antiquity,-and though its style of architecture is certainly heavy, is upon the whole both picturesque and singular. Its chief internal decoration is a beautiful mausoleu