Ryde Architecture

MORAY HOUSE previously Busbridge Lodge
(1 West Street, Ryde)

It was said that Alderman William Hughes, of London, had Busbridge Lodge (later Moray House) built adjoining St James Church in Ryde, for his own residence. The gardens once stretched down as far as Spencer Road.  The property is now number 1 West Street.

The property was known as Busbridge Lodge and in the 1850’s it was owned by Mrs Augusta Wilder, the gracious lady who had the Alms Houses built in Newport Street in memory of her husband.  When Mrs Wilder died in 1858, Mr and Mrs Ratcliffe took the house for their residence. They moved to Charlemont, Spencer Road in 1863.

In May 1863 Mr Edward Salvin Bowlby, JP., and his wife Maria & family moved into Busbridge Lodge.  Mrs Bowlby died in January 1879, she was interred in a vault in Ryde Cemetery alongside  five of her children.  Mr Bowlby married his 2nd wife in June 1880.  The family had inhabited the Lodge for 20 years until September 1883, when the property was put up for sale by Auction.  Mr Bowlby was very involved in the affairs of the town of Ryde.  More about Mr Bowlby here

Busbridge Lodge was then purchased by Mr John Holt Skinner in 1883, and he changed the name of the lodge to Moray House.  He lived there during the latter part of the century with his wife and her mother Mrs Rose.  He had another property at Boscombe, which was also called Moray House. Whilst the family were here for most part of the year,  it was usual for them to winter at their villa in Bordara.  Mr and Mrs Skinner and Mrs Rose were very generous and presented much to the town, one such gift in 1899 being a useful set of bed tables to the Infirmary for the convenience and comfort of the patients.

The extensive grounds of the house were often open for fund-raising events, sales of work, particularly anything in aid of funds for St James Church.  These events also took place long after the death of Mr Holt Skinner, and in 1918 under the auspices of the local branch of the N.B.W.T.A. a Little White Ribboners’ Baby Show was held in the grounds, by kind permission of Eden Walker.  When the weather was unfavourable to hold social gatherings outside, the tastefully arranged stalls were set out in one of the commodious rooms of the house.

The only visible reminder of the original property are the entrance pillars with archway, close to the pavement in West Street. This gateway is no longer in use.  Where the house once stood, are two bungalows with driveways and large gates.

Mr John Holt Skinner died 20 July 1899.  His remains were taken to the mainland and cremated at St John’s, Woking and his ashes brought back to Ryde.  His cremation urn was the first of its kind to be interred at Ryde Cemetery. More about Mr Skinner here.

Records show that Mrs Georgiana Holt Skinner was living at 6 Percy Road, Boscombe, from at least 1910 until her death in 1938.

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