Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
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NEWS FROM RYDE SEPTEMBER 1862

A typical ball in 1862
A typical ball in 1862

Isle of Wight Observer

Sept 6th 1862: THE PIER – This fashionable lounge continues to be the centre of attraction in our neighbourhood, both to the seeker of health and the votary of pleasure. Added to the natural delights adjuncts to the promenade there has be a varied and excellent succession of military and operatic music during the week, and the weather has been propitious.

Sept 6th 1862: EXCURSION – About 450 of the sect, known as Independents, belonging to Southampton, visited us on a pleasure trip, the Ruby was chartered to convey them. They marched through the town, headed by Crook’s band consisting of 10 passable performers, to Williams’s meadow at Dunstans where they indulged in sports till the afternoon. They then went to the Victoria-rooms and partook of tea. The band played “Home, sweet home” as their steamer left.

Sept 6th 1862: TRAMWAY – This work still progresses favorably and rapidly. The inconvenience which has long been felt, owing to the removal of the steps on the eastern side of the pier, is now partially removed, as one or two steps are formed on that side of the tramway and several more are in course of construction, so traffic is to a certain degree is restored to that side of the pier.

Sept 13th 1862: ROBBERY – Mr. Charles KEMP, the landlord of the Marble Arch Inn, one of the Ryde Eleven who played cricket for the benefit of the Royal Isle of Wight Infirmary, on Monday in Ryde House Park, had his cashbox containing from £16 to £18, stolen during his absence.

Sept 13th 1862: LITERARY INSTITUTE – Four or five months ago a room was fitted up to received the new library bought of the book society; we should imagine sufficient time has elapsed to allow the walls to dry, and for the books to be arranged on the shelves, but such is not the case, the shelves are tenantless.

Sept 27th 1862: CHILDREN’S DEMONSTRATION – It will be remembered that on the occasion of the marriage of Princess Alice with Prince Louis, a treat was given to the children of Ryde, when one of the most interesting events ever beheld took place. The expenses of that affair were borne by subscription and entrance money to the field; and after everything was paid, a balance of between £30 and £40 remained, which it was proposed to present to the Isle of Wight Infirmary.

Sept 27th 1862: ANNIVERSARY – The first anniversary of the Ryde Circuit (Wesleyan) will be celebrated on Monday next at the Victoria-rooms, by a tea, finished off with a public meeting. The choir of the Wesleyan chapel will perform a selection of sacred pieces.

Sept 27th 1862: BALL – A first rate ball was given by Capts. FLETCHER and CHAPLIN of the 60th Rifles, to about 60 of the aristocracy of Ryde and its neighbourhood, at the Town Hall on Friday evening last. The musical arrangements were under the direction of Mr. CONDUIT and the refreshments were provided by Mrs. BRADING of the Masonic hall.

Sept 27th 1862: LIGHTING – To meet a long-felt want, the directors intend to light the pier with gas; and apart from its utility, which will be very great, the effect will doubtless be pleasing.

Sept 27th 1862: TO ALUM BAY – Mr. KENDALL of the Pier Hotel tap, organised an excursion by the steampacket Prince of Wales, the battalion band was in attendance and played to the dancing. Upon reaching Alum Bay, they disembarked and made a tour of inspection of the fortifications in course of construction, the natural objects, and the hotel. After which they re-embarked and started for home. A plentiful supply of eatables, bottled ales, &c., was obtainable on board.