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.
  • MENU

NEWS FROM RYDE OCTOBER 1864

IW County Hospital
IW County Hospital

Isle of Wight Observer:-

Oct 1st 1864: AQUATICS – A rowing match for a sovereign took place on Tuesday evening between the Eliza and the Alexandra, pair-oared boats, owned by Messrs. GAWN and WALLIS respectively, and belonging to Ryde. The course was from the Pier to the Quarantine vessel, and back. Eliza completed the course in 27 minutes, beating her rival by five minutes.

Oct 1st 1864: PREPARATIONS – The committee of the Ryde Working Men’s Club and Institute have been busily employed in preparing their programme for the approaching season. A series of popular lectures and likewise, to introduce the entertainments known as Penny readings. The rooms at Bank cottage not being large enough, they will hold their entertainments at the Town-hall.

Oct 1st 1864: ADVERT – William PICKNELL, the original Chimney Sweeper and Dustman, Hill-street, Ryde.—All orders punctually attended to.

Oct 8th 1864: LOOKING AHEAD – It would appear, if Ryde is to rival other watering places, or even to maintain its present character, there must be a Promenade, where visitors, as well as the inhabitants, may enjoy the quiet they seek. To meet the requirement, and to add another attractive feature to our town, I would suggest for consideration, “An Esplanade on the west side of the Pier.”

Oct 8th 1864: LETTER TO THE EDITOR – Sir,—Who does the Commissioners’ spelling? I am led to ask you this, from seeing the street leading up to the burial ground headed “Cemetry Street.” I am, Sir, —A Schoolmaster Abroad.

Oct 8th 1864: GOOSE FEAST – The Annual Goose Feast will take place at the Nelson Tavern, Ryde, on Tuesday, October 11, 1864. Dinner on table at 7 o’clock. Tickets, 2s.6d. each, to be obtained at the Bar.

Oct 8th 1864: NURSES WANTED – Two Nurses for Male Patients are wanted at the Royal Isle of Wight Infirmary, Ryde. Wages £15 a-year, with board and washing.—Personal application must be made to the Matron on or before October 17th, between 10 and 5 o’clock.

Oct 15th 1864: COMMISSIONERS – The Board have given directions for a bell to be supplied for the Cemetery. In order to receive a bell, the fabric should be strong enough for its reception. There is s a strong current of air running like through a tunnel between the chapels. The Board and the town had changed their ideas respecting these unsightly erections, in fact satirised them, and the opprobrium ought to be removed.

Oct 15th 1864: ACCIDENT – On Wednesday morning Mr. J. KEMP’s horse and cart were standing at the Ryde Pier Company’s quay, just about to load with coke, when the horse suddenly shied and ran back over the wall, a height of 20 feet. It being half-tide at the time probably prevented the horse being much hurt.

Oct 22nd 1864: NOVEL LAUNCH – On Tuesday one of Mr. OAKLEY’s large vans, weighing about three and a half tons, filled with furniture belonging to Mr. ELLISON, was about to embark on board one of the tow-boats, from the slipway near the end of the Pier which has a gradient of 1 in 12. Now any one with the least mechanical knowledge will see that a force greater than that of four men would be necessary. The van overpowered them and launched into the deep.

Image source: http://iowhospitals.org.uk/book2.php