Ryde Architecture

THE BOULDERS
(Quarr, Binstead, Ryde)

The inhabitants  listed for this large property, were mostly long-term, with the occasional visitor.

Dr. and Mrs. James Cottle and family were the residents in mid-1863, they remained there until mid-1867.  The family had previously lived at Thanet House in Vernon Square, Ryde 1860-1862, then Longton House, Strand, and had moved to The Boulders by July 1863.  During their four years at The Boulders, they let the house for 3 months to Lieut.-Col. Burdett & family during the months of August to October 1866, after which the Burdett’s returned to Surrey.

On the 15 June 1867, Mr. James Horsey purchased The Boulders for his residence.  He lived there with his wife Ann until his death in December 1888. Prior to his retirement he had been a Patentee and was very interested in antiquities. His burial took place in Binstead Cemetery.  Mrs. Ann Horsey, widow, continued to reside at The Boulders until her death in September 1909.  The property and furniture were then put up for sale by Auction in October that year.

From 1911 the house was inhabited by Mrs. Helen Forbes Stuart Russell, widow of Robert Russell.  Mrs Russell was the first British Subject to be born in Wellington, New Zealand.  She lived at Quarrthorpe, Binstead, with her family, prior to moving to The Boulders.   Her married daughter Helen Louisa Russell Grimes and family remained at Quarrthorpe.  Mrs. Russell continued to live at the property until her death in 1925.

More about Helen Forbes Stuart Russell here

More about the Russell/Grimes family here

Sources: IW Observer, Fashionable List, Census
Image: Roy Brinton Collection of Property Catalogues
Article: Ann Barrett