Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
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July 1875

Isle of Wight Observer:

July 3rd 1875:  OPENING OF THE RYDE AND NEWPORT LINE – We are happy to see that the work of Mr. George YOUNG’s new line from Ryde to Newport is being rapidly pushed forward, and the line will be opened for traffic in August. Such a line has long been required, for the slow and cumbrous stage coaches are too slow and antiquated for these modern go-a-head days, and no doubt deter a great many from visiting the oldest town in the Island, and sorely tax the patience of business men.

July 3rd 1875:  GIFT TO THE POOR – On the 22nd of June, Mr BLACKALL SIMONDS (if he had lived) would have attained the great age of 91 years, and his widow commemorated the day by giving away 91 gallons of bread to the poor of this town – the most fitting way of celebrating the birthday of one who was always such a constant and generous benefactor to the needy.

July 3rd 1875: HAZELWOOD – The establishment of Hazelwood, a home in connection with the Ryde Young Men’s Christian Association, has been a great boon to many, and has been the means of recruiting the health of hundreds of those who, but for the aid it has afforded, would not have been able to enjoy the refreshing breezes of our Isle. This year 367 young men enjoyed the advantages of the home, some who were in very delicate health.

July 10th 1875:  ‘FOUND DEAD’ – On Sunday, the body of a man, name unknown, was found floating in the water near the pier and at once conveyed to the Dead-House at the cemetery.  E.F. BLAKE, Esq., held an inquest upon it at the Gem Inn, Hill-street. A verdict was returned (by the Coroner’s direction) of “Found Dead.” Several persons, having read an account of the inquest, attended from Portsmouth, and the key, eye glass, &c., were identified as the property of John THACKERAY, who had been missing ever since the 5th January last. He was slightly deranged in his intellect, but not so much so as to need his being placed under restraint. It is supposed that he committed suicide.

July 10th 1875:  EXTENSION TO THE ESPLANADE – To the Mayor we believe belongs the credit of suggesting that a carriage drive should be made along the shore to Sea View. The present road to Sea View is so extremely round-about that it is surprising this convenience was not carried out years ago. The Mayor proposed the following resolutions: “ That in the opinion of this meeting the extension of Esplanade at the Ryde to Sea View would be highly beneficial to all the localities through which the road would pass, to the neighbourhood generally, and especially attractive to visitors as giving them a two miles level drive by the sea-side.

July 17th 1875:  THE TOWN CLOCK – Alderman DASHWOOD recommended that Messrs. MOORE be instructed to repair the town clock and bells. The chimes had been out of order for the last year or two, and as Messrs. MOORE were the makers of the clock it was considered they would be the best parties to put it in order, and it was upon that ground that the recommendation was made. The Mayor seconded.  Alderman FUTCHER was not aware that the clock was out of order.  Alderman DASHWOOD said “I don’t think your hearing can be very good then, Mr. FUTCHER, or you would have noticed it.”

July 24th 1875:  COMMITTED TO PRISON – An application was made by Mr. HOOPER, for the committal of the Rev. Henry MASKEW, a chaplain in the Army, to prison. The debt had been owing five or six years. The plaintive is a Mr. A. WARNE, jeweller, of Newport, and the amount sued for £12. Mr. P.B. BURGESS, from the War Office, attended, and said defendant was receiving £365 a year salary, £18.5s for a servant, and £100 in lieu of a house. He held the position of a commissioned officer.  His Honour, being satisfied with the defendant’s position. Committed him for 14 days, judgement to be suspended for a fortnight.

July 31st 1875:  SKATING RINK: We are very glad to announce that an open-air skating rink is now in course of erection near the railway station and tramway, which will be opened about the middle of August. The promotors are Col. HALL and Mr. WEST, who have endeavoured to introduce all the latest improvements. Very smooth cement will be laid down, and in the centre of the rink there will be a beautiful flower bed, in the midst of which bands will be stationed. A club will be formed, as soon as arrangements are more advanced. The “Plimton skate” will be used.