‘Giving Ryde’s Past to the Future’

Historic Ryde Society Quiz Night Thursday 29th June 2023 at Yelf's Hotel, at 7p.m. for 7.30pm.

Isle of Wight Observer June 23, 1855

Officers and Gentlemen are amused

AMUSEMENTS OF “OFFICERS AND GENTLEMEN” – Ryde was introduced on Sunday evening last to a scene of rare occurrence here, which greatly shocked the feelings of our demure inhabitants as they were flocking to their respective places of worship. About half-past five a party of military gentlemen hired each a Bath Chair. Seated in which, instead of being dragged, each became a steersman, propelled by a chairman behind. Ranged in a row, they started a race through Pier-street, up Union-street and High-street, to the Star inn, making a series of gyrations and evolutions, and occasionally collisions, on the way, highly gratifying to a large assemblage of boys in the rear.

Engraving of the Star Inn, Ryde, IOW
Engraving of the Star Inn, Ryde, IOW

Thanks to the IW County Record Office for permission to use this image

Return to 1850s Military page