Ryde Architecture

Riviera Boarding House
(Pier Street, Ryde)

In June 1906, the “Riviera”  Boarding Establishment was advertising: Ideal Winter Residence, Access to public gardens on the sea front, Separate tables, Electric light, Baths, Smoking lounge, Suites of rooms, Moderate. Book at the Esplanade Station.

By advertisement in the Isle of Wight Observer of October 1908, Miss Turtle had pleasure in announcing that her Morning and Evening Classes for Ballroom and Fancy Dancing were being arranged.  Private Lessons were by appointment and Schools were visited.  For terms, these could be obtained at “Riviera,” Pier-street, Ryde.

Within three years , March 1911, Miss Ellen Salter Turtle, at the age of 26, had become the proprietress of the Royal Eagle Temperance Hotel, on the Esplanade, while her parents and youngest brother, John, remained at the Riviera.

By November 1908, the “Riviera”  Boarding Establishment & Apartments of the Western Esplanade, boasted a telephone, number 416, a most modern apparatus by which bookings could be made directly with the proprietors (Edward & Adeline Turtle). Grand views were to be had from the balconies and the roof, Smoking lounge, Baths, Separate tables, and Exit into the public gardens. – The wording of the advertisements changed over the years when the management were able to provide new facilities.

At the beginning of 1911 Mrs Adeline Turtle deposited a plan with the borough council for the addition of a new lounge at the Riveria, facing the sea, but seeing the proposed plan would interfere with the provision of air necessary under the bye-law to the adjoining rooms, the council recommended that the plan be disapproved.

By 1917 the family were living at the Royal Eagle Hotel with the daughter Ellen (proprietor).

About the Proprietors
Mr. Edward John H. Turtle was born in London 1842. He came to the Island circa 1867,  and was articled to Mr. H. Hillier, architect and surveyor.  On the death of his uncle Mr. Edward Turtle (senior) in March 1898, a well known artist (whose pictures were much sought after when they were subsequently disposed of by public auction) and the proprietor of a music warehouse, Edward Turtle the nephew, carried on the business in his place for some years.  During this period he was prominently associated with the penny readings, and the spelling bees, which were then such popular features of evening entertainment.

In 1901 he and his wife Adeline, daughter Ellen, and two sons, Edgar & John, were living at 23 Union-street, but by 1906 the family had taken over the Riviera Boarding Establishment.

Mr Edward John H. Turtle died 2 March 1917 at the Royal Eagle Hotel, Esplanade, Ryde.

February 1933 – The Royal Eagle Hotel has been bought from Mrs Turtle by a firm of amusement caterers who, it is understood, intend to erect an amusement arcade before the summer season. Mr Leonard Dennis conducted the sale.

Sources: IW Observer, Census & Registrars index
Image: RSHG Archive
Article: Ann Barrett