Isle of Wight History Centre The first port of call for online Island history The Isle of Wight History Centre is a comprehensive resource for news and links to the Island's past, from prehistory to recent times, including new discoveries and established work. On this page . . . Monthly News Item  Regular feature revealing a recent discovery or event Links to the Island's past are categorized . . . Research Resources   For those wishing to make their own enquiries General Island History   Pages covering a range of subjects or periods Specific Subjects   Items of a particular period or interest Previously Unpublished   Sites with an element of new research published for the first time Monthly News Archives   News articles previously featured on this page    Searches numerous pages on the IW History Centre server.  site search by freefind Our regular monthly publication of selected items from the council's heritage collection is now concluded and the page contains over 40 items, most of which rarely find their way into public exhibitions. The page is here Our series of extracts from the Isle of Wight Historic Environment Record included nearly 300 sites. They are archived here Heritage Statements are raised as part of the planning process. They can sometimes involve comprehensive research and/or archaeological evaluation. Unfortunately they frequently only exist imbedded in online planning records. We have created links to a selection of statements here   Monthly News Item  November 2021 THE MISSING ROMAN VILLA In 2004 a planning application was withdrawn after finds from a field walking survey of the site left archaeolosts in no doubt it was the location of a substantial Roman structure. A couple of years later they were taken aback when a geophysical survey found no trace of any building. There has never been an official explanation for this strange anomoly but a theory has emerged following a recent interest in the development of the Newport-Cowes railway line.    The planning application was for a golf course in a field at Chawton, Northwood. As a historically sensitive area, it attracted an archaeological survey prior to any planning consideration. The survey was limited to a field walking exercise. The discovery of Roman artefacts was unexpected, particularly as the abundance of items included a large scatter of roof tiles, floor tiles, ceramics and discarded lead. The archaeology report concluded that the site gave "every indication of a high status building of villa character." There would have been no prospect of the planning application being passed and it was withdrawn.    A couple of years later a geophysical survey of the Medina environs included the Chawton field. Archaeologists were looking forward to getting some indication of the layout of the Roman building. They were shocked to discover there was nothing to indicate any structure at all.    There is now a theory that the development of the Island's first railway line, between Newport and Cowes, explains the mystery. Laying the line was dogged with problems at the outset. By 1860 the underfunded project was underway from Newport but excavating difficult land challenged their schedule. By December 1861 they had reached Hunnyhill. It called for a cutting through the highest point.    It came as a surprise when excavation of the cutting revealed Roman remains. A local expert was called in to oversee excavations. There were a range of finds, including cremation urns laid in trenches, suggesting a Roman cemetery. Victorian archaeology had limited techniques, so detail of layout and the extent of the cemetery is not clear. The delay in dealing with this discovery was the last thing railway engineers needed. Moreover, it could not have escaped them that the remaining rail route would be along a river bank that would have probably supported shipping and other activities since prehistoric times, not least from the many inlets they would have to pass. They could well strike other historic remains.    Speculation has it their worst fears were realised when they uncovered the remains of a major Roman structure near an inlet below the Chawton field. Engineers would have almost certainly recognised the building materials of Roman origin and understood that excavation of the area around a villa could set the rail project back weeks, perhaps calling for a costly detour.    Unlike the Hunnyhill situation, they were in an area with no public access. It is suggested they took advantage of the privacy to dig out as much of the Roman material as they could and scatter it across a nearby field, carefully covering it. The fact that nobody recognised the scattering for a over century shows how easy it was to prevent its discovery.    There is no evidence to support this theory. It may be there is an alternative explanation, but as yet, it has not been forthcoming. It would probably require substantial excavations to clarify the matter. In recent times traces of Roman industrial activity have been found on the bank of a Medina inlet. The rail route along the west bank of the Medina is a historically sensitive 4.5 miles. Who knows what other historic materials where uncovered but went unreported. Archive of previous news items    RESEARCH RESOURCES  click on headings Isle of Wight Family History Society One of the Island's most frequently visited sites. A comprehensive service for those wishing to trace their own history Isle of Wight Heritage Organisations A list of museums, heritage centres and societies. Local knowledge, collections and archives, serving tourists and residents (UPDATED) The National Archives The major national resource now offers comprehensive online facilities. Over 11 million documents are referenced and can be searched via keywords. Copies of documents can be ordered online Current Publications A list of books and maps in print, complete with some reviews. A page from the Isle of Wight Nostalgia site, a useful source for recent history Medieval Resource Assessment An extensive record of archaeological reports, published history, research documents and existing structures. A summary of Medieval Wight Britain From Above The first batch of photos from the huge Aerofilms archive have now been posted, including those of the Island. This site should provide a useful record of post WW1 developments. The Isle of Wight in Google Books A growing number books and journals can be accessed. Here are links to a list of historic IW books which are available for full viewing. Neolithic-Bronze Age Resource Assessment A report detailing and interpreting features and finds on the Island. Compiled by the IW Archaeology Service Isle of Wight County Record Office A guide to the available facilities and procedures for using the Island's main historical research centre at Newport Carisbrooke Castle Museum A comprehensive local history library and a large collection of artefacts available for research. They also offer museum study days and teaching resources Ann's Page A comprehensive starting point for local Family History enquiries, covering a range of occupations, together with some more general features Roman Wight A detailed survey of archaeological resources and what they tell us about Roman activity on the Island Isle of Wight Local Studies Collection The collection includes books, newspapers, journals, parish magazines and trade directories, mostly held at Somerton Library Headquarters. IW Resource Assessment Early Medieval Period Summary of archaeological developments covering Anglo Saxon through to Norman Conquest: complete with references. Late Bronze Age/Iron Age Resource Assessment Outline of IW archaeological evidence, covering a period that has seen considerable developments in recent years. Military HEAP Type Report From the Archaeology Service, covering personnel, equipment and the physical area occupied by armed forces during human occupation of the Island. Bombing Britain Enter wight in the quick search for details of WWII bombing raids on the Island. The details are limited. You need to pay to register for full access to a considerable range of digitised wartime documents. The Yarmouth Archives A comprehensive list of historical documents and artefacts held by Yarmouth Town Trust. Pathe News Archive A treat for students of modern history. Download free film clips from the entire Pathe archive, dating from the 1920s. A search on 'wight' has over 170 hits. Read FAQ's before embarking on the download process Historical Directories Browse or search the text in a range of trade directories dating from the 18th century. Select Hampshire location for IW entries. East Cowes Heritage Centre In addition to regular exhibitions, this centre now has a considerable archive, particularly covering local industrial and municipal developments Hampshire Record Office Search Hampshire records. An important resource for Isle of Wight related documents Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Resource Assessment A summary of Island discoveries with details of archaeological reports and published works Post Medieval And Modern Isle of Wight A resource assessment charting the social and industrial developments that shaped the Island, creating the environment we see today. The Isle of Wight in the English Landscape A PhD Thesis giving an in-depth analysis of medieval and post-medieval rural settlement and land use, placing the Island's historic landscape in a national context. Maritime Vectis in the Pre-Roman Age A detailed analysis and interpretation of evidence for the Island's cross-Channel pre-Roman trading, providing a comprehensive guide to Iron Age sites.    GENERAL ISLAND HISTORY  click on headings Outline Island History Overview of the Islands past from 2000 BC to the present day. A useful starting point IW in 19th cent American journals Old journals are increasingly coming online. Here are some excerpts regarding the Island, plus a link to a journal site. IW Historic Postcards An excellent record of much that is lost, including railways and piers, plus outline histories of West Wight towns and the story of Cowes Customs Island Eye Click on 'Island History' and select the type of features you're interested in to see them located on a map, with access to further information. The Island's past on YouTube A growing number of You Tube movies are on subjects pertaining to the Island's past. A selection are listed here Isle of Wight Timeline of History List of over 400 events and incidentals contributing to the Island's history BBC h2g2 Pages on the Isle of Wight This page opens with details of IW shipwrecks. From here there are links to pages on various Island subjects including a comprehesive survey of Anglo-Saxon Wight plus reviews of piers, hovercraft and more. This site is worth a revisit as it continues to gain subjects Historic Attractions for Visitors A list of local museums, exhibitions and galleries Isle of Wight Photographs Search for Isle of Wight to bring up hundreds of Island photographs from the 1870s to 1960s, covering over 30 locations British History Online An extensive history for each of the Island's towns and villages; covering manors, churches and other features. Complete with source references. Gallery of Isle of Wight Photographs A large collection of past postcards and photos, from the IW Family History Society Island Archaeology Excellent introduction to archaeological periods and significant local features Famous Residents and Visitors Profiles of a host people who have helped put the Island on the map IW Towns and Parishes A family history site which includes a history of each parish, concentrating on churches and their associated clergy and patrons. Images of England from English Heritage An illustrated database of listed buildings. Select IW County to see local items. Note the Quick search limits selection. Register (free) for Advanced to gain full access Local Listed Buildings on the Isle of Wight About the Local List scheme with a link to the complete list of those buildings included so far. Visitors Guide to IW Heritage Attractions Places of interest from the official Visit Isle of Wight website. Listed sites can be tailored to your location.    SPECIFIC SUBJECTS  click on headings Wight Air Crashes The results of a major research project identifying air crashes in and around the Island from 1913 onward Brading History The story of one of the Island's most historic towns and its surviving features Bembridge Lifeboat Station A timeline covering the lifeboats, crews and events Hants & IW Trust for Maritime Archaeology Reports on coastal and maritime archaeological projects. Currently featuring the Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War project. The Royal Yacht Squadron The history of the club and its castle Naval Ships of J S White A list of naval ships built by J S White from 1914. Includes full size photo and various details of each ship Paddle Steamer 'Ryde' The story of the paddle steamer rusting away at Island Harbour, now to be dismantled Bartie's Hovercraft History Site A history of hovercraft development complete with many pictures, including early examples Isle of Wight sections of Taylor's 1759 map Renewed site with better quality reproduction and faster loading. Scroll down page for IW sections IW Memorials and Monuments Every type of commemoration is covered. You will be amazed how many there are The Binstead Sheela Na Gig An insight into the early stone carving over the church gate. Not for the prudish. The IW Metal Detecting Club News of their most recent finds with quality reproduction of past finds, from Bronze Age to Victorian Cowes Heritage New website for the society, with features and galleries covering Cowes and the surrounding area. Historic Ryde Society Formed to raise funds for a permanent visitor centre. The website contains forthcoming events, articles and galleries. Victorian Town Trading on the Isle of Wight A highly detailed directory of late 19th century shops and industries operating in Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor, Newport, Cowes and Ryde. History of IW Quarrying and Brickmaking An outline history covering the location of sites and the some of the operators who contributed to the provision of the Island's building materials. The Island's Walled Kitchen Gardens Results of the survey carried out by the IW Gardens Trust. Includes background, history, distribution maps and details of each location. (PDF file) Discovering Domesday Wight Complete IW Domesday Book entries, together with associated maps showing manors and place names. The Rowlandson Collection Images of the council's collection of paintings by Thomas Rowlandson and others, capturing Island life in the 1790s The Story of Browns Golf Course The history of the renowned Sandown leisure attraction and its founder, Alexander Kennedy. Niton Smugglers A highly detailed account of the numerous people and places involved in Niton's extensive smuggling past. Island Sea Forts Location map of Island forts together with a brief history of coastal defences Marfleet Postcards Numerous Island postcard pictures from the 1920's, mostly West Wight Red Funnel History A comprehensive history of the company and cross solent travel from 1820, including details of the vessels The Mary Rose The history and current preservation of the Solent's most famous ship, from the official site Bartie's Isle of Wight Postcards Old cards listed per town. Contibutions invited. Good image reproduction The Isle of Wight Steam Railway IW railway history plus timetables and events, The official steam railway site. Isle of Wight Aviation An outline history of the Island's airfields, aircraft and manufacturers, dating from the First World War Quarr Abbey Past and Present The official Quarr Abbey site, providing a history of both medieval and modern abbeys and their founders Historic Island Art at the Tate The Tate collection has numerous Island paintings and sketches, including many by Turner. Enter wight in the search box. The Island Workhouse The story of Newport's 18th cent 'House of Industry' Ryde Social Heritage Group Previously concentrating on Ryde cemetery, this site is now extended to cover the town's social history DinoWight More about dinosaurs. The history of Island palaeontology, with links to fossil details and local geology Picture of the Isle of Wight Complete reproduction of George Brannon's 1849 publication. Pictures can be enlarged Solent Ferries Postcard photos covering dozens of ferries, from the 1880s to the present day Megalithic Monuments Details and some pictures of prehistoric monuments. Opens at page giving guidelines for care when visiting. Enter 'wight' in search box at top left for Island locations Palaeolithic Priory Bay All too brief report on one of the nations richest palaeolithic sites, recovering over a thousand flint artefacts. RAF Ventnor Covering all aspects of the RAF's presence, including a comprehensive explanation of the main radar station and its system History and Townscape of Ryde Comprehensive PDF file from planning dept, tracing developments that account for today's historic features. Vision of IW Through Time Search for wight and select various options including statistics showing two centuries of change in various social categories. Classic Boat Museum Website of the Newport museum, including details of their collection and archive facilities. Vectis Cement Works A page on the Medina Cement Works from a website covering nationwide cement operations Dinosaur Island The story of dinosaur discoveries in general and on the Island in particular. What they were and where they can be found locally Professor 'Earthquake' Milne The Shide scientist who fathered seismology. Honoured by the Japanese, but for many years, all but unknown here. (UPDATED) Past Ordnance Survey Maps This site now includes maps covering 19th and 20th cent. Search for a particular town or click on 'GAZ' to use the gazetteer Brading Roman Villa Future plans and appeals for preserving the Island's premier villa plus archaeological background and the history of its discovery Julia Margaret Cameron Trust The famous Victorian photographic artist and Dimbola Lodge Museum devoted to her work Dinosaur Isle Dinosaurs, fossils and much more. A comprehensive site centred around the dinosaur museum at Sandown. Shorwell's Medieval Wall Painting An analysis of the renowned Medieval wall painting in St Peter's Church The Wanton Worsleys Full transcript of the sensational 1782 adultery trial that exposed her Ladyship's promiscuity and Sir Richard's shame (temporarily unavailable) Smugglers' Britain Full text of the book. The story of smuggling stripped of its mythology. Select 'Southern England' for IW section. George Brannon's Vectis Scenery Complete text and engravings of Brannon's famous 1848 publication. High resolution versions of the pictures on separate page The Needles Battery The full story of the old and new batteries, plus the rocket site. Includes photo gallery Back of the Wight Ships' Graveyard Journals and pictures covering the wrecks, lifeboats and the men who served in them Disused IW Railway Stations Map location and plenty of detail about each of the many stations that once served the Island's railways Wootton Bridge Historical A very comprehensive site, covering every historical aspect of Wootton and the surrounding district. Cowes Floating Bridge The story of the floating bridge with numerous photos showing its development Ventnor Funicular Railway The ambitious Edwardian plans for cable cars to up to St Boniface Down A Gentleman's Tour 1776 Retracing a journey recorded in a gentleman's journal, including IW locations. Benjamin Franklin's visit to IW The great man gives his own account of his criminal activities at Yarmouth. Village Pumps A review and photographic record of many of the Island's village pumps. The 1775 John Andrews Map Second edition of one of the Island's most important maps. It can be fully enlarged to show detailed topography. The History of Isle of Wight Hospitals A comprehensive and detailed history of the Island's hospitals, past and present.    PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED  click on headings What are the Moons Hill Structures ? Solving the mystery of the two domed oddities between Freshwater and Alum Bay The Earliest Example of Concrete Housing? Recent research has revealed a unique 19th cent building in East Cowes - a milestone in construction methods The Alum in Alum Bay Investigation into the obscure 17th cent alum working from which Alum Bay takes its name Medieval Newtown A background to the archaeological importance of Newtown plus an insight into its medieval layout Isle of Wight Fulling Mills The history and location of Island fulling mills plus a review of the fulling process and its place in the wool industry Isle of Wight Rocket Man John Dennett of Carisbrooke was at the forefront of rocket development from the 1820s. Designed, tested and manufactured on the Island Carolina, Cowes and the Rice Trade Everything you ever wanted to know about the 18th century Carolina rice trade, including its importance to the Cowes economy The Cowes Giant Cantilever Crane The story of the 'hammerhead' crane and its historical importance to the shipbuilding industry, both nationally and locally. The Lost Windmill of West Cowes The story of the windmill, including an insight into early 19th century Island life Minor Fortifications of the Isle of Wight An examination of some of the early minor defences protecting a vulnerable island, including an analysis of the methods employed Discovering Isle of Wight Sundials A survey of the Island's varied range of sundials and the history surrounding them. The PLUTO Installation at Hungerberry Copse Location, technical details and operational context of the WW2 pipeline reservoir, TOTO, that was sited at Shanklin. The Island's World War II Decoy Sites Details of sites at Newtown and Bembridge which were part of a national project designed to mislead the enemy as to intended plans. Corruption of evidence on a Grade II listed site A full report covering the corruption of evidence by the heritage authorities in order to retain the listing of the engine house at Sandown's Browns golf course. Science Sex and Suicide A 17th century saga involving the Scientist, the Grocer, the Governor and Grace. Events surrounding Robert Hooke. The Island's 18th cent Paper Mill A summary of what little has been discovered about the mill plus an insight into papermaking of the period The History of Bembridge Isle The first complete work of Island history on the Net. Fresh research throws new light on the area's past. From East Cowes to St Petersburg An Island contribution to a site on Russian shipbuilding history. The story of Joseph Noy, an Island shipbuilder who became a key naval architect to Peter the Great Victorian Photos of the Isle of Wight Unlike the usual 'scenic' views, these delightful photos are from a family album which seems to give them a different historical perspective A Database of Island Photographers This site is the result of considerable research, providing many photos and biographies of trading photographers over the period 1860-1940 IW Industrial Archaeology Society Past projects and schedule of talks. Links to national IA sites and organisations IW Furniture Makers Extensive research shows the Island had many 18/19th century cabinet and chair makers, but what became of their products? Newport's Tide Mill The location of Newport's early 18th century tide mill, together with the history of its surroundings Was the Island Home to the First Catamaran? The intriguing story of a 17th century catamaran design, 200 years before the concept was rediscovered. WWII Markers Shelter at Chale A survey of this surviving feature and a description of its central role in an Air to Ground gunnery range. The PLUTO Route from Shanklin to Sandown Tracing the route of the WWII pipeline that ran from Shanklin to the pumping station on Sandown seafront. IW Fire Brigades Federation Existing and impending publications, with selected articles covering the history of the brigades. 1944 Church Litten Gravestone Transcriptions List of grave names and their precise location in the Church Litten graveyard, recorded in preparation for it being cleared, to become Newport's recreation space. 'Gouda' Bricks at Whippingham Church Report on unusual bricks discovered under the foundations of the church wall Isle of Wight Brickmaking History An extract from the wealth of data now available on past brickmakers. Includes site location map, brickmaking methods and local brickwork (updated) The 'Time Team' Yaverland Excavations Channel 4's web coverage of the TV dig. Scroll down to episode 12. An important Island site, with evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman and Saxon settlement. Earliest Scenes of the Isle of Wight A look at four recently unearthed 17th century pen and wash drawings of Island scenes (updated) Portable Antiquities Scheme Important finds of metal detectorists are recorded in this national site. Select IW county to raise details of local finds. Calbourne Roller Mill The story of one of the Island's most important pieces of industrial archaeology. Updated: now includes a movie explaining the roller mill The Minor Defences of Yarmouth There were probably a considerable number of minor redoubts supplementing our known forts. This research locates and explains a 'lunette' fortification at Yarmouth The Ryde Inventor and his 'Arab' Bicycle Forgotten local inventor, John Harrington, who's bicycle was credited with stimulating cycling in America Historic Environment Action Plan Scroll down the page for links to an introduction and detailed assessmant of each area. The council are inviting comments on planning considerations arising out of the project Isle of Wight County, Virginia The development of the other Isle of Wight and its part in early American settlement. The Story of Isle of Wight Quakers A comprehensive history of local Quakerism, dating from 1657. PLUTO Pump-houses at Shanklin A comprehensive survey of the pump-houses that were located at Shanklin, with technical details illustrating this feat of wartime engineering. Hidden Heroes The Hidden Heroes project is now well underway. This page links to the story of each individual as they are included. The King's Highway A comprehensive survey of how the Island's 19th century Highway Commissioners established the toll gates that shaped our roads.    MONTHLY NEWS ARCHIVES  click on headings December-March 2000 -Unusual kiln discovered -Iron Age Vineyards at Mersley ? -Ice House Uncovered -Archaeological Coastal Audit July-September 2000 -Tide Mill location discovered -Science, Sex and Suicide -Limekiln uncovered January-March 2001 -Sherd of Roman flagon found -New historical organisation -Mysterious skeleton found July-September 2001 - WW1 Pacifist Graffiti -Brading Amphora Identified -Fort Victoria Searchlight January-March 2002 - St Urian's Chapel - Brighstone Forest Survey - Paper Mill Discovery July-September 2002 -Cowes Hammerhead Crane -Brading Villa Excavations -Rowlandson Exhibition January-March 2003 -Limekiln industry at Brading -Internet research traces shipbuilder -Chillerton Iron Age rampart July-September 2003 -Forthcoming Iron Age archaeology -Underground chamber at Shanklin -Ryde inventor of the tin opener January-March 2004 -Robert Hooke portrait controversy -Heritage plan for Osborne Stables -Carisbrooke Roman Villa July-September 2004 -Unofficial site of Roman Occupation -John Speed's dotted line -Cowes hammerhead crane January-March 2005 -The Halsgrove history series -Mottistone limekiln -East Cowes archaeology July-September 2005 -Archaeology at Pan -Saxon graves at Shalfleet -Neolothic farm project January-March 2006 -17th century low income housing -Local History Month -Parkhurst Forest water features July-September 2006 -Neolithic farm project -Hydraulic rams -Historic Environment Action Plan January-March 2007 -Hammerhead crane trust -Cowes 17th cent glassworks -Mottistone limekiln renovation July-September 2007 -Inexplicable military structures -The local list project -Carisbrooke leper hospital January-March 2008 -Charles I and the maid -Isle of Wight Heritage Centre -Medina valley geophysical survey July-September 2008 -Newport's paraffin pump -Sandown spy documents: part 2 -Carbon dating of coastal features January-March 2009 -Yaverland Battery -Yafford Mill -Excavation on the Motkin Boundary July-September 2009 -The Aerofilms Archive -Medieval well at Newport -The Thing in the Pond January-March 2010 -Newtown brickworks -WW2 resistance hideouts -Solent World Heritage Site July-September 2010 -An Iron Age summer? -Mersley limekiln -Brading Villa excavations January-March 2011 -Newport's medieval boundary -Heritage Review postponed -Town Museum for Ryde July-September 2011 -Decisions on Whippingham School -Saxons at Wellow -Unexplained building at Newtown January-March 2012 -Guide to maritime archaeology -Georgian sketchbook -Archaeological ambivalence July-September 2012 -The Heritage Service Review -Motkin Boundary gets a date -13th century Medina timbers January-March 2013 -The Wootton-Quarr project -Heritage Service cuts -The future of Yaverland Battery July-September 2013 -Council reconsider guildhall project -Progress on crane repairs -Brading Villa prehistory January-March 2014 -Arreton's Gore Cross archaeology -Conference on Island Heritage -Council assets at risk July-September 2014 -The white sand trade -The Asda site and Neanderthals -The Local List reorganised January-March 2015 -Museum for J.S. White's shipyard -Budget cuts to the Heritage Service -Flowers Brook archaeology July-September 2015 -Hammerhead crane progress -Flowers Brook archaeology -The Stenbury Manor collection January-March 2016 -WWII raid at St Lawrence? -Lidar technology in archaeology -Ravens return to the crane July-September 2016 -Bouldnor's mesolithic archaeology -Enclosure on Tennyson Down -The Marine Antiquities Scheme January-March 2017 -J S White events -PLUTO and the Grand Hotel -Changes in industrial archaeology July-September 2017 -Hammerhead crane repairs -Robin Hill archaeology -The Sandown pavilion dispute January-March 2018 -Cowes shipbuilding museum -Dodnor cement kilns -Newport Power Station and planning July-September 2018 -Historic England scandal at Sandown -Cement kiln Open Day at Dodnor -The Hidden Heroes project January-March 2019 -Dodnor archaeology report published -Last chance for Pan archaeology -Conserving Roman mosaics July-September 2019 -A proposed Newport heritage centre -The future of Cowes Medina Yard -Renovation of St Cross Mill January-March 2020 -The record office merry-go-round -Medina Yard development -Carisbrooke planning application July-September 2020 -Recording WW1 shipwrecks -Heritage venues post-lockdown -Regenerating high streets January-March 2021 -The mysterious lookout -Local motorcycle connections -Archaeology at Golden Hill Fort July-September 2021 -Romano-British site at Gunville -The changing high streets -The Island gets a new museum April-June 2000 -Old Island map recovered -Bronze Age hurdle at Ryde -Neolithic stone axe found October-December 2000 -Bronze Age burial mound found -New discoveries of ''Vectis Ware' -Island alum history challenged April-June 2001 -Our New County Archaeologist -Earliest record of shipbuilding -Prehistoric hearths October-December 2001 -History of Island Photographers -Archaeological discoveries at Lake -Iron Age bead April-June 2002 -Isle of Wight Doughnuts -Recent Intertidal Archaeology -Earliest Island paintings October-December 2002 -Yaverland Discoveries Revisited -Needles mythology questioned -Island son Robert Hooke April-June 2003 -Industrial heritage demolished -WW2 German landing on IW -The face of Robert Hooke? October-December 2003 -Roman jewellery trade -Calbourne roller mill -Wrecks on our northern shores April-June 2004 -Niton Tithe Maps -Mass military finds -The Cowes Consuls October-December 2004 -Wootton roller mill -Deteriorating historic buildings -A Frenchman's view April-June 2005 -Early gas generator -Farm feature uncovered -Medina Cement site cleared October-December 2005 -Council cuts in historical facilities -Alverstone causeways -Locating the little forts April-June 2006 -Early parish register discovered -County Archaeology Service budget -Cellar complex discovered October-December 2006 -Reorganisation of Heritage Services -Military map revealed -Medina Valley archaeological survey April-June 2007 -IW Timeline film -Subterranean structures -Engine at Priory Bay October-December 2007 -Post alignment on Seaview sands -18th century raid on Sandown Fort -The Historic Environment Record April-June 2008 -The Island's only heliochronometer? -Missing file on the Sandown spy -The vanishing cement kiln October-December 2008 -Brading Villa's Big Dig -Salvaged J.S. White material -Newport Power Station April-June 2009 -High-tech community archaeology -East Cowes motor manufacturing -Whippingham conservation October-December 2009 -Brading's medieval quay -The Cowes chain ferry -Iron Age roundhouse April-June 2010 -Hammerhead crane at risk -Hillis brick kiln listed -Derivation of 'Wight' October-December 2010 -Council review of heritage services -Unexplained Medina feature -The Medina castles April-June 2011 -Major Newport archaeology -Powerless to save power houses -The skeleton key October-December 2011 -A lesson in industrial conservation -The hulk of the 'Bee' -The truth about the crane April-June 2012 -Unique barn at Brading -Iron Age site at Northwood -Portable Antiquities Scheme October-December 2012 -Movie of our industrial past -Reassessment of a Stone Age tool -Pan finally delivers archaeology April-June 2013 -Saxon helmet revealed -World War II Y-station at Ventnor -Kids field walking project October-December 2013 -The county archive crisis -The Heritage Strategic Framework -Why Little London was so named April-June 2014 -Walled kitchen gardens -Reflecting on Rowlandson -The County Press Archive October-December 2014 -Hammerhead crane progress -More council cuts to heritage? -Industrial archaeology rescued April-June 2015 -Cist burial at Freshwater -The future of Island museums -Locating East Cowes Castle October-December 2015 -Brick museum to be re-established -Ventnor Y-station Grade II listed -Confidential collections April-June 2016 -Historic timbers at Fishbourne -The forgotten wrecks of WWI -The Medina Yard development October-December 2016 -Smuggling clothes out of Cowes -Archaeology Service relocated -Browns pavilion not a PLUTO site April-June 2017 -The future of Newport Harbour -Archaeological sites discovered -Renovation of St Cross Mill October-December 2017 -The Hidden Heroes project -The location of portable antiquities -A site for the new Record Office? April-June 2018 -Future of the crane secured -Archaeology and planning -Community archaeology October-December 2018 -Geophysics survey at Arreton -Rural community terrorised -A new County Record Office? April-June 2019 -Sandown Grade II listing destroyed -Mystery items -Newport's harbour walls October-December 2019 -Archaeology discoveries at Bouldnor -The overgrown Dodnor cement kilns -Freshwater's vanishing oddities April-June 2020 -Coronavirus and heritage venues -Newport Harbour Masterplan -Suppressed record office proposal October-December 2020 -Crowd funding to support a myth -The reopening of heritage venues -How to beat the planning process April-June 2021 -How did so many get it so wrong? -Changes to planning guidelines -The reopening of heritage centres October 2021 -Protracted Medina Yard planning Hopefully the links on this page, or email contacts therein, can answer any specific question you may have on Island history. If all else fails, email us at hewitt.iw@gmail.com  Queries or comments welcome. The Isle of Wight History Centre was established in 1999. This page is updated on the 1st of the month.