Ryde Architecture
WESTMONT Queen’s Road, Ryde
Originally the residence of Dr Lind. (see the engraving right, 1823)
Westmont House 1850
A description of the property “Westmont” as described in a sale or let advertisement in July 1888 states:
Standing in its own grounds of seven acres, surrounded with plantations, affording an excellent screen from the east winds and rendering its privacy complete, with a good view of the sea and opposite coast. The house contains 11 bed rooms, three or four reception rooms, large kitchen, housekeeper’s room, servants’ hall, butler’s pantry, and every domestic comfort, dairy, &c. Stabling for five horses, two coach-houses, cow stable, piggery, &c., large walled garden, and three greenhouses. The sanitary arrangements of the house are most complete. The whole property is in excellent repair, and fit for immediate possession.
Sir William Martins, knight, Lady Harriet Martins and their only child, Miss Harriet Maria Georgina Martins, resided at Westmont in the mid-19th century, The family shared their time between Westmont House at Ryde and their town house, number 3 High Park Gardens, London.
Sir William regularly supported the IW Volunteers and had on many occasions entertained the Ryde Corps within his domain at his beautiful residence and presented them with valuable prizes to be honourably contested for. Indeed, Sir William, Lady and Miss Martins were the largest contributors to the Corps, and which commanded more admiration, he had no landed obligations to fulfil, as he was merely a private gentleman living amongst the people of Ryde, which proved himself a true patriot.
Ground Plan 1850
The annual visit of the Volunteers to Westmont was a splendid affair, when, headed by their band they marched to the grounds at about 7 o’clock and were met at the entrance by Sir William and his family and guests. In front was a long table, on which refreshments were bountifully spread. A large number of brilliant lamps were placed amongst the trees on the lawn, so that the scene had a novel appearance. After a couple of short speeches Sir William invited the Volunteers to partake of the liberal refreshments. The band played at intervals and at the end of the evening played “God Save the Queen.” Sir William terminated the proceedings and “Auld Lang Syne” was played as a march by the band as they proceeded to their head-quarters.
The Royal IW Horticultural Society held flower shows in the grounds of Westmont each year, with a military band in attendance. It was usually looked upon as the commencement of the fashionable season.
Sir William and Lady Martins frequently entertained a numerous and fashionable company of gentry at their residence, which usually included a private theatrical performance that was highly amusing and gratifying to the spectators and proved to be one of the highlights of the evenings.
Sir William Martins, knight, died 5 June 1874 at the age of 87. By his death an appointment in the Royal Household became vacant. He had been the senior Gentleman-Usher in waiting on the Queen and Usher of the Sword of State, and was a prominent figure at all State occasions.
To the people locally he was known as a good, kind, and generous neighbour. The Volunteers sadly missed him for that which he bestowed on them by his liberality as the reward for their skill and training. The Friendly Societies had received money and his influence in every good work. The children to whom he bestowed prizes to exert themselves in their studies. His lavish generosity to institutions and charitable associations. He especially remembered and helped the poor people of Ryde.
The mortal remains of this esteemed gentleman were entombed in the family vault at Kensal Green Cemetery on Monday 8th June 1874.
Source: IW Observer
Images: Roy Brinton Collection
Article: Ann Barrett