August 1859

Aug 6th 1859: FASHIONABLE LIST – The Grand Duke CONSTANTINE of Russia is hourly expected from St. Petersberg, and an extensive suite of rooms is engaged for him at the Pier Hotel and 5 Pier Terrace is also taken for his retinue; The Count and Countess de RICHMOND have arrived at Milton House.

Aug 6th 1859: ST. JAMES SCHOOLS – The annual treat was given to these schools on Wednesday afternoon. They assembled in a field at Haylands, the youngest being conveyed in a large wagon by Mr. OAKLEY. The ladies and teachers provided tea and cakes. The afternoon and evening was devoted to all sorts of rural games from cricket to swinging, altogether a happy gathering.

Aug 6th 1859: ADVERTISEMENT – For Sale by Private Contract, a Dwelling House with Coach House and Stables, on the Strand. Long lease. Small quit rent. Apply to A.B., no 6 George-street, Ryde.

Aug 13th 1859: PIC-NIC – The members of the Ryde Musical Union went out to Shanklin on a pic-nic excursion on Tuesday last. They repaired to the Chine where sports and games of all descriptions added to the delightful scenery of the place. We need not add that music was not wanting on this occasion.

Aug 13th 1859: PRINCE ALBERT AGAIN – This jolly old tub, which aught to have worked the 7.15 am passage from Ryde on Monday morning, was again ‘hors de combat’, at Portsmouth. To make the circumstance more vexatious there were an unusual number of passengers for transit.

Aug 13th 1859: ADVERTISEMENT – Miss GREENAWAY (from Madame Virginia’s) Parisian Corset Maker, Bedford House, Cross-street, Ryde. Respectfully annnounces to the Ladies resident and visitors of the Island, she always has on hand a large assortment of French Corsettes, Bodices &c. of the best kind.

Aug 13th 1859: HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY – We beg to remind our readers that the last exhibition of the Society for the season, will take place on Wednesday next in the grounds of Sir Augustus CLIFFORD, bart., Westfield. The subscription list is now open at the banks.

Aug 13th 1859: THE RUSSIAN INVASION – During the week the streets of Ryde have been over-run with Russian sailors, who seemed somewhat puzzled with the cleanliness and respectability of our town. Looking at the men, without prejudice, we contend they are a very inferior race and doubtless the Grand Duke has brought over the worst sample. During the stay of the Russian fleet it is but justice to say, the men behaved admirably.

Aug 20th 1859: LAYING FOUNDATION STONE – On Wednesday last the corner stone of the Schools in connection with the George-street Chapel, was laid by some ceremony by Rev. D. FERGUSON, late of Ryde, now of St. John’s Wood, the service commenced under a marquee erected on the spot, at half-past 3 o’clock and they subsequently adjourned to the Victoria Rooms for tea.

Aug 20th 1859: NOTICE – The wife of William STAPLES, of Ryde, having absconded, notice is hereby given that the undersigned will not make himself responsible for any debts she may contract. August 15th 1859.. signed .. WILLIAM STAPLES.

Aug 20th 1859: PEDESTRIANISM EXTRAORDINARY – The celebrated Mr. NALLY is now performing the wonderful feat of walking 1,000 half-miles in 1,000 half-hours, in a field near Ryde. There are heavy bets made against him, but we believe he will finish the feat.

Aug 20th 1859: JUVENILE BAND – We have had occasion before to speak of the merits of this little troupe, organised by Mr. YOUNG of the Trinity National School, and at the request of numerous visitors they go round the Island once a week, and enliven the trip.

Aug 27th 1859: ADVERTISEMENT – KEMP’s Original Royal Baths, Esplanade, Ryde. Sea bathing at any hour of the day. Established upwards of half a century. Joseph KEMP is returning thanks to the Gentry and visitors of Ryde for the patronage conferred upon him since he succeeded to the above business. He begs to inform that the Partnership with Mr. James WILLIAMS is entirely dissolved.