Ryde Architecture
THANET HOUSE
Vernon Square, Ryde
13 May 1854 – An advertisement in the local press for this house gives the following details:
Thanet House, Vernon Square, Ryde, Isle of Wight, to be sold by Auction, by E. Marvin, at the York Hotel, on Friday, the 19th of May, 1854, at Six for Seven o’clock in the evening, subject to conditions to be then produced.
The desirable residence known as “Thanet House.” Situate in Vernon Square, in the occupation of John Ivory, Esq., at the annual rent of £60; under an agreement for a lease for seven years, from Midsummer, 1852.
The house contains Handsome Drawing and Dining Rooms, six good Bedrooms, Water Closets, Kitchen, and all usual offices. The Property is held for a term of 84 years from March, 1849, determinable with Three lives, now aged 31, 34, and 34 tears, at the annual Ground Rent of £7.10s., renewable for ever upon the payment of £15 on the death of each life. Further particulars may be known of the Auctioneer, Ryde, or of Mr. Hearn, solicitor, Newport and Ryde.
Vernon Square, Ryde
Some former residents
1952 till 1859 Mr. and Mrs Ivory.
Dr. and Mrs. Cottle & family were in residence 1860 till 1862 Perhaps longer.
March 1865 Mr. George William Woodley Mason took Thanet House, Vernon Square, for his residence. He died in December 1866 and the Misses Mason remained in the house for just another few months.
From 1867 Mr. and Mrs. James Stanfell Pott & family lived at the property till about 1870.
By 1875 Mrs. Cary and Mrs. Hooper were listed as the occupiers, and other persons were mentioned sometimes for a week or two, so it could be likely that they opened Thanet House to holiday-makers, or boarders. In 1879 and 1880, Mrs. Cary was the only person listed, other than a Major Henry Bethune who gave his address as Thanet House in a letter to the editor of the local newspaper on 24 August 1878.
1880 showed Colonel and Mrs. Dunsmure & family in residence till at least 1882.
The Fashionable List 5 December 1891 stated Mrs. Charlotte Augusta Hassard has taken Thanet House, Vernon Square, for her residence. She lived there with her two daughters, Anna Margaretta Hunter Hassard and Charlotte Augusta Hassard, also Anna & Allan Stephens her grandchildren. They had three live-in servants. Mrs. Hassard died at Thanet House 4 June 1904.
Advertisement June 1904 – To be Let, furnished, Thanet House, Ryde. Three reception, and six bedrooms; good position; views of the Solent. Apply ‘H,’ office of the Observer newspaper.
The property was put up for sale by auction in September 1904, but was not sold on the day, however, shortly afterwards it was sold by private treaty.
In 1906 Thanet House was inhabited by Mr. George and Mrs. Annie Long and family, and they were still living there in 1921. Mr. Long was a Solicitor’s Managing Clerk & Director of many companies. Mr George Long died in November 1935, but by that date, the Long family had moved to Queen’s Road.
Note:
So far, in all the documentation that has been read, there was nothing to indicate who were the owners of Thanet House, or who were only the lessee’s.
Sources: IW Observer & The Fashionable List
Image: Roy Brinton Collection
Article: Ann Barrett