Memories of Old Ryde

In 1859 Mr William Tansom died at Swanmore, aged 84. This old Ryde inhabitant told us many years ago that he had cut wheat and other crops upon the spot where Union Street and many other principal parts of the town now stand.

Last week in digging for the foundation of a house on Mr. Newman’s land in Anglesea-street, formerly a portion of “Star Butt,” the old bull-ring at which bulls were baited was found. It is a massive piece of iron, with an eye let into a horizontal square. There are few of the old natives now living in Ryde who can recollect seeing it used in baiting.

Mrs. Ann Wearn died with startling suddenness in May 1879. She was born in Union-street in 1804, and remembered it when there were gardens in front of all the principal shops. The whole history of the place was thoroughly familiar to her. She believed that the old times were the best and had never been in a railway train in her life.

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Isle of Wight Observer 9 April 1859, 25 March 1865 & 3 May 1879

Picture sources: olddesignshop.com; Bullbaiting by Alken from wikipedia