|
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 . . .
 |
|  |
|
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 March 2021
|
AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF GOLDEN HILL COUNTRY PARK
|
The country park surrounding Golden Hill Fort is council owned and developed on their behalf by Gift to Nature. Under the management of Natural Enterprise, they have undertaken an archaeological survey of the area to uncover evidence of how and where thousands of troops were billeted on the site over two world wars.
|
Golden Hill Fort was completed in 1871, as one of the many Palmerston Forts. Following the outbreak of the First World War, it became a major training site for thousands of troops who were billeted on the surrounding lands.
The initial contingent were encamped under canvas but by September 1914 the ground had become so waterlogged the troops had to be relocated in local properties. To overcome the problem, the authorities undertook a programme to build huts providing a range of facilities around the fort. By early 1915 some huts had been erected and occupied but it wasn't until the end of the year that the work was completed. The area became known locally as 'Hut Town'. Throughout the course of the war some 30,000 troops would be billeted on the site.
There were limits to the type of training that could be carried out at established military locations. Training in trench warfare generally required open farmland where fully fitted training trenches could be established. There are indications of a WWI command post on Bowcombe Down, which may have been associated with trench training.
The huts around the fort continued to house some troops after the war and were extensively reoccupied in the Second World War, when additional facilities were added. The military abandoned occupation of Golden Hill Fort in 1962. It's not clear when most of the structures were pulled down but soon all that remained as evidence of the huts were their concrete bases.
Golden Hill Country Park was established in 1970. It was only a matter of time before the bases became overgrown with shrubs and trees. The archaeology project is aimed at uncovering a some of the features to ascertain what kind of facilities existed and to which war they belong.
The archaeology has been interrupted by the series of Covid restrictions. Nevertheless excavations have exposed a number of features, including a bathhouse and ablutions block. It is anticipated work will resume at the end of March. The excavations are being carried out by volunteers, under the guidance of local archaeologist, Dr. Ruth Waller. The project is a rare opportunity for members of the public to learn archaeological techniques and experience the discoveries at first hand. Anybody interested in taking part should enquire with Ruth at ruthwaller77@gmail.com
|
Archive of previous news items
|
| click on headings
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
Champion: Isle of Wight Enthusiast |

Alan Champion's private collection of books, maps and prints represents an important resource. The site also has numerous extracts and articles. An absorbing read.
|
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
|
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.
|
|
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
|
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.
|
|
| click on headings
|
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
|
|
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
|
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.
|
|
Island Archaeology
| 
Excellent introduction to archaeological periods and significant local features
|
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
|
|
| 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
|
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
|
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.
|
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)
|
The Rowlandson Collection
|  Images of the council's collection of paintings by Thomas Rowlandson and others, capturing Island life in the 1790s
|
The History of Newport
|  A comprehensive review of the town's history, from the 16th cent. Covering many aspects of its development, including within the surrounding area.
|
|
Island Sea Forts
| 
Location map of Island forts together with a brief history of coastal defences
|
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
|
Isle of Wight Aviation
| 
An outline history of the Island's airfields, aircraft and manufacturers, dating from the First World War
|
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.
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
Dinosaur Isle
| 
Dinosaurs, fossils and much more. A comprehensive site centred around the dinosaur museum at Sandown.
|
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
|
Wootton Bridge Historical
| 
A very comprehensive site, covering every historical aspect of Wootton and the surrounding district.
|
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.
|
|
| click on headings
|
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
|
|
Science Sex and Suicide
| 
A 17th century saga involving the Scientist, the Grocer, the Governor and Grace. Events surrounding Robert Hooke.
|
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
|
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 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
|
|
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.
|
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
|
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
|
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.
|
|
| click on headings
|
December-March 2000
|
-Unusual kiln discovered -Iron Age Vineyards at Mersley ? -Ice House Uncovered -Archaeological Coastal Audit
|
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 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
|
January-March 2006
|
-17th century low income housing -Local History Month -Parkhurst Forest water features
|
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 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
|
|
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
|
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?
|
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
|
April-June 2009
|
-High-tech community archaeology -East Cowes motor manufacturing -Whippingham conservation
|
April-June 2010
|
-Hammerhead crane at risk -Hillis brick kiln listed -Derivation of 'Wight'
|
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
|
|
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.
|