Ryde Architecture

AURORA VILLA (West Street, Ryde)

Broderick Family at Aurora Villa

February 1878
The notice of a removal was advertised in the local press which said: We think our readers should be made aware of a rather important removal.  Mr. Broderick, who has carried on a business of an engraver, &c., for so many years in St. Thomas’s-square, has removed therefrom to Aurora Villa, top of West-street, where in future he will carry on his business, and we trust receive more orders than ever.  Here too Mr. Broderick’s son, now generally known as one of the best landscape photographers we have about here, and whose series of views of Island scenery have been much admired, will in future carry on his business, and we trust find the change of residence not detrimental to his future success.

More about Mr F. N. Broderick here

The name Aurora was used for many things connected with the town of Ryde.  Mr. Broderick jun. produced a series of photographic views called the Aurora Series. Also, one of Mr. Broderick’s daughters was given that name.

A cutter yacht called Aurora, owned by Le Marchant Thomas, esq., a well-known local resident, was always at the station of the Royal Victoria  Yacht Club, and took part in many of the races in the Solent.

And of course, the spectacle of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) was noted by the press whenever it was seen, and was described as a miraculous phenomenon.

Source: IW Observer & RSHG Archive
Images: RSHG & Roy Brinton Collection
Article: Ann Barrett