Ryde Architecture

The Cedars
(West Hill Road) formerly referred to as St. John’s Park.

The Cedars Hotel brochure

In the 19th century this suburb of the town of Ryde was home, or sometimes the summer residence, to many of the elite of society.  A few to mention being Dr. Benjamin Archer Kent (52) moved into number 12 in 1860 with his new young wife (23).

The mother of Sir Richard Francis Sutton, Baronet, resided in the area, and Sir Richard died there on a visit in 1891.

James Beart Simonds, magistrate, and his wife Harriet Driffill Simonds, who resided at St John’s Villa.

Details of the above people are available to read elsewhere on this website, internal links shown.

Referring to The Cedars,  originally a family home, at some point in the 1900’s it became The Cedars Private Hotel, it advertised that it had links with Queen Victoria and Osborne House.  In the brochure no effort was spared in providing every comfort for all visitors.  There was a ballroom on the first floor where cabaret and dancing took place twice weekly.

Between 1954 and 1965 as printed in the guide books, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Marshall were the proprietors, perhaps other years, as their advertisement in 1965 stated they had been at The Cedars 14 years.

Sources: RSHG Archive and Ryde & Seaview Guide
Images: Ann Barrett & RSHG Archive
Article: Ann Barrett