April 1863

Isle of Wight Observer:-

Apr 4th 1863: FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE – The Right Hon Lord and Lady BURGHLEY arrived at their residence, Brookfield, on Tuesday; General SULLLIVAN has taken St. Ann’s House, Pelham-field, for seven years; Col. and Mrs. ARCHER have arrived at Hawthorne House, Strand; Lieut. ARDAGH, Royal Engineers, has taken Puckpool House.

Apr 4th 1863: LITERARY INSTITUTE -The concluding discussion of the season took place on Monday evening last, the subject being “Ought capital punishment to be abolished.”

Apr 11th 1863: THEATRE ROYAL – A grand amateur performance took place on Wednesday evening, on which occasion the dress circle presented a brilliant display of beauty and fashion. The performance commenced with the comic drama of A Wonderful Woman.

Apr 11th 1863: SERMONS IN STONES – As the weaker vessels require to be hooped-up, and as their graceful carriage runs upon horizontal wheels, the men of Ryde, in “defence not defiance,” are widening the pavement several feet in the principal street. This is a step in a safe, if not in a right direction. “Shin-plasters” will be at a discount, but what of that?

Apr 11th 1863: CEMETERY – Mr. ELLERY was appealed to as to the necessity of closing the old burial ground in Ryde. He considered under the existing arrangements, there was room for several years to come. The consent of the bishop and vicar had some time ago been obtained to hand over the old ground; it should be considered entirely in the hands of the Ryde Burial Board.

Apr 18th 1863: BUCKLANDS – This delightful mansion, the residence of Mrs. YARD, was, on Friday evening last, the scene of festivity and gaiety, about 100 of the nobility and gentry having accepted that lady’s invitation to a grand ball and supper.

Apr 18th 1863: TOUTING – The Ryde Commissioners in conjunction with the Ryde Pier Company, have agreed to pay £60 a year between them for the employment of an extra policeman, under the control of the Hants Constabulary force, for the purpose of putting-down touting, which has become an intolerable nuisance. However the cabmen and other touters may dislike their liberty to be curtailed, they cannot deny the fact that they have brought this police interference upon themselves.

Apr 25th 1863: ACCIDENT – We are happy to learn that Sir Augustus CLIFFORD has recovered from his late accident.

Apr 25th 1863: GREAT MISTAKE – On Wednesday afternoon a poor woman named BETTS, who died at Haylands, from whither the corpse was accordingly brought by sorrowing friends and relatives. No clergyman was in attendance, nor a grave dug. After considerable delay, GUY the sexton procured the services of Rev J.B. SMITH who read a portion of the service, then the body of poor woman BETTS being deposited for the night in the cemetery chapel.

Apr 25th 1863: ORGAN – About 18 months ago Mr. Edwin FLETCHER was entrusted to build an organ for Holy Trinity Church, and it was opened on Thursday last, with a full choral service. It is by far the largest instrument of its kind in the Isle of Wight. It is 19 feet high, 13 feet wide, and 20 feet deep. The front is carved in Gothic style and exhibiting 23 pipes. Placed in the gallery of the west tower, the clock-bell having been raised to accommodate it.