Ryde Architecture

THE ROUND-HOUSE ON THE PIER

Vandalism is just not just a blight on today’s society, as in November 1865 a report detailed the number of public lamps of the town that had been wantonly broken, also that several of the large panes of glass in the windows of the round-house on the new pier had been smashed.

In August 1885 Surgeon-Gen. Rose was the officer of the day, and most efficiently conducted the regatta from the round-house at the Pier.  It appeared to be used regularly for this purpose and many others.  The round-house seemed to have many uses.

At a meeting In May 1893 to arrange a regatta from the Pier the plans for the proposed new Pier Pavilion were exhibited and very much admired.  The plans had been prepared by Mr. John I. Barton, of St. Thomas’ Street.  It was said that the whole of the old round-house, waiting rooms, &c., would be cleared away, so there would be an increased amount of promenading space, which was thought to be a wonderful improvement to Ryde Pier.

Note:
The image is an engraving of 1870, showing the round house which was built in 1856 when the pier head was greatly enlarged. It shows the pier being used as a promenade. The horse tramway was added in 1863 and opened in 1864. Messrs Langdon were the builders.
In 1832 Earl Spencer, Chairman of the pier Company, presented a movable crane for landing invalids in their carriages.

Sources: IW Observer & RSHG Archive
Image: Roy Brinton Collection
Article: Ann Barrett