Local Buildings – Historic Ryde Society

New book published!

A new book, written in association with Philip Bell, of Beachy Books, has hit the shelves at Ryde District Heritage Centre. Historic Ryde Society was approached by Philip some months ago, and asked whether anyone might be interested in creating a book as part of a Community Books project. As the idea of writing a book about Ryde’s history had been discussed already, it was very quickly decided that this would be the ideal opportunity. Maurice Fairall, Sally-Ann Garrett, Bob White and Diana Wood were all involved with the production of the book, which was written over a ten week period under Philip’s instruction. The image shows Sally-Ann, Philip and Bob cogitating over some text on one of the pages. The initial idea was to showcase some of the wonderful historic images of Ryde which appear in the archive in the Heritage Centre. To these were added modern, colourful images, which create a contrast throughout the book. The group quickly became reasonably good proof-readers, although a couple of tiny slips did get through in the end! A most enjoyable experience. The book is for sale at a cost of £5, from the Heritage Centre, Splash, Framers, Collectors’ Haven, or via the website

9 August, 2014 No Comments

Another ice well in Union Street!

Recent research into the history of ice wells and the 19th century ice trade has revealed the existence of a second ice well in Union Street, Ryde. In a domestic, rather than commercial setting, nothing else is yet known about the exact whereabouts or dimensions of this well, at Number 12 Union Street. The Hampshire Telegraph of October 23, 1847 contains an advertisement of the sale of the premises by Francis Pittis, which reveals: ‘The premises were erected by the proprietor for his own occupation, and no expense has been spared in the elegance and durability of their construction. Since his retirement a Shop Front has been added, with Plate Glass windows; and they are now in the occupation of Mr Dudelle, Perfumer &c, as yearly tenant, and present Business Premises unequalled for situation, and contain most spacious and elegant apartments for a Lodging House, and by which a large profit may be realized. ‘The House comprises on the basement, Kitchen, housekeeper’s room, butler’s room, larder, scullery, wash house, store room, coal house, beer and wine cellars, and ice well; on the ground floor, front shop, private entrance opening to an elegant and spacious hall and the grand staircase, dining room, library, dressing room,

1 September, 2013 No Comments

Oddfellows Images come to the Heritage Centre for a few weeks only.

Following further research, the photographs brought down last week relate to the Manchester Unity of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. This post should therefore read like this: In recognition of the 200th anniversary of the East Medina Lodge in September 2013, the Isle of Wight Heritage Service has kindly loaned some Oddfellows photographs to the Heritage Centre. These will be on display until the end of September. In 1876, the Annual Movable Committee of the Manchester Unity met in Ryde. Local photographer Charles Knight, the son of Henry Knight, who owned the Royal Victoria Arcade, took photographic portraits of 332 Oddfellows who attended this event. The portraits were mounted together in one frame, with the names and where the men came from written around each one. Now sadly fading, Historic Ryde Society is delighted to be given this chance to show this wonderful artefact to the public for the first time. Don’t miss this opportunity of coming along to have a look, before it returns to the Heritage Service for safe keeping. The photograph shows John and Paul of the Heritage Service installing the photographs. The chat went along the lines of ‘We’ll have to get married if we get much closer……’ Return to

25 July, 2013 No Comments

The Ice Well

The Ice Well The Newchurch Poor Rate Books, which are held in the County Record Office at Hillside, Newport, list the owners and tenants, rates, etc., of buildings and businesses from the early 1830s. The Arcade is rated as 14 separate retail units, a Large Room (now The Lanes), a Gas House, Wine vaults and Ice Well. This ice well served Charles Dixon in 1836, who ran The Soup Room from Number 8. (Turtle soup sold at 15 shillings (75p) a quart.) Another Union Street fishmonger leased the well for several years. The well later became an opportunity for Henry Knight and his family to attend to the increasingly popular demand for confectionery in early Victorian Ryde. In October 2012, the ice well was revealed in all its glory, having been bricked up and forgotten for the last fifty or so years. In remarkable condition, and with amazing brickwork, the well has been cleared of over 10000 litres of PH 7, so long-standing, stagnant water. A large pile of wood, rubbish and silt has been removed, as well as a large amount of metalwork. So far parts belonging to a Victorian range, tools and pipes have been identified. More images on the Ryde District Heritage Centre Gallery page. Recent research on ice wells has revealed the exciting fact that

1 June, 2013 No Comments

Historic Ryde Society

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New book published!

Another ice well in Union Street!

Oddfellows Images come to the Heritage Centre for a few weeks only.

The Ice Well