May 1860

Isle of Wight Observer

May 5th 1860: MR. BENJAMIN BARROW – We can assure the gentleman that there is not the least occasion for him to keep a vicious runaway horse, in order to convince the inhabitants of the town that he possesses the strong nerves and cool judgement so necessary to guide a man in extreme emergencies.

May 5th 1860: SKELETONS – Two human skeletons were discovered on the piece of land opposite the Castle, where Mr. John MEADER, builder, was excavating for an inn. Doubtless they belong to two of the numerous Russians, Lacsars &c., known to have been interred there at different times. If they could be proved to have once formed part of the crew of the relic-making Royal George, how the bones would sell the curious. As it is they are interred and will remain undisturbed till improvement wants a well dug or a cellar made again.

May 5th 1860: BATHING – It has commenced this week, but the principle bathers are as yet little boys. Mr. KEMP, however, has taken the initiatory at Appley Marine Baths, having but lately succeeded in obtaining them.

May 12th 1860: BAND A LA PICCO – In the early part of the past week a band of orphan boys, from some institution in Deptford, entered the town and played several airs on common tin whistle-pipes in a very creditable manner, to the great amusement of the inhabitants who chanced to hear them.

May 12th 1860: FORESHORE – Watermen (not sailors) seem to be confident that the great wasting away of the shore, arises solely from its being “robbed” by the builders. We will not dispute with those “daily observers”; but it is certainly adverse to our calculating faculty to believe that the tidal currents are not the primary cause.

May 12th 1860: FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE – Mr. Hedworth LAMBTON has taken 3 Brigstocke Terrace for the season; The Countess METAXA entertained a fashionable party at dinner on Tuesday evening last; Mr. E. CARTER and family have removed from Portland House, Melville-street, to South-View, Upton.

May 12th 1860: PHILEMELA – A Nightingale and his mate have located themselves in some garden in Bellevue-road, which is rather unusual for this shy bird to do. During the greater part of the night his splendid music can be heard all over the town if the air is calm.

May 12th 1860: ARRIVALS – Nothwithstanding the unfavorable weather that has prevailed of late, several families have and still continue to arrive, and many houses are taken, amongst others Ashley House on the Strand; No. 11 Strand; Stratford House; Portland House; and Wykeham Cottage.

May 19th 1860: QUO WARRANTO – When the moustache movement commenced about half a dozen years ago, old fogies looked if they did not ask the question of the innovation. By what authority do you these things? The Rifle Volunteer movement has, however, entirely upset the antiquated notions, and now wearing a natural appendage is looked upon as a natural state of things. Many of our “braves” have greatly improved their appearance by the addition.

May 26th 1860: THE RIFLES – On Thursday the Volunteers marched to the park of Gwydyr House, kindly lent them to drill in by Mr. MEARS. There they piled arms while the band performed several first-rate pieces, after which the bugle sounded, and all were in a moment in their places. March was resumed to the seat of Captain BRIGSTOCKE, where with the Captain’s usual liberality, cake and wine was supplied to the gallant volunteers.