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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May 1863

Isle of Wight Observer:-

May 2nd 1863: BROOKFIELD HOUSE – The last of those beautiful rustic stone-built and reeded cottage ornées, erected for the Rev. Augustus HEWITT about 30 years ago in the Stonepits at Ryde and lately formed such pleasing objects in the landscape, embowered as they were in luxuriant foliage, was destroyed by fire on Thursday last. The other one was burnt down just two years ago, and has since been restored.

May 2nd 1863: RYDE CEMETERY – We heard many crude remarks made by Ryde Commissioners as to the mode of laying-out of the cemetery, and knowing their tendency to bungle, we consulted the best authorities, and amongst them the admirable work of Mr. LOUDON, the greatest English landscape gardener.

May 2nd 1863: GRAND BALL & SUPPER – The Town Hall was on Friday evening last, the scene of the gayest and one of the most brilliant assemblages ever held within its walls. Col. and the Misses CHAMPAIN having invited the elite of the Island.

May 2nd 1863: HORTICULTURE – As the bedding-out season is advancing, our florists are astir. Judging by their catalogues, DIMMICK’s collection appears unusually prolific and varied, and his plants are both healthy and strong. GUY’s catalogue is also extensive, the speciality of which, is geraniums

May 16th 1863: PHOTOGRAPHY – We have before us a most exquisite specimen of the art of photography, viz, the interior of St. Mary’s church, taken by our talented townsman, Mr. HUGHES, at the express desire of the noble foundress. The light and shadow is most superbly delineated, every scroll and inscription on the walls being brought out in admirable perfection.

May 23rd 1863: THE “EAGLE” SOARING – Mr. NEWMAN of the Eagle Hotel, Ryde, is about to shift his quarters to the Star at Newport; and by opening a first-class billiard room, to form a connecting link between the sporting men of our metropolitan town and the outports.

May 23rd 1863: CEMETERY SEATS – We are gratified to announce that Lady CLARE has, with her accustomed liberality, presented some seats for the use of visitors to the Cemetery—a great public convenience, which will doubtless be highly appreciated.

May 23rd 1863: WEATHER & CROPS – After a mild winter, the old desire of farmers that “a bushel of March dust is worth its weight in legal (silver) coin” was realised; but the month of April was unusually dry, so that the “Merry month of May” succeeded with a sere and sterile aspect.

May 30th 1863: FINE ARTS – To those who have the means and desire to ornament their walls with productions of the pencil possessing high merit, we would call their attention to the Water-colour Marine and other Drawings of Mr. FOWLES of Ryde. He does not exhibit his works for sale and therefore many patrons of fine arts may be unaware that such excellent specimens are to be obtained here.

May 30th 1863: PEDESTRIANISM – On Monday morning about 500 persons assembled at Play-street, near Ryde, to witness a spin of 150 yards, between two young aspirants to pedestrian fame. One an immense grown youth of 15, towering six feet in the air, I found very much out of condition. The other was a neat young fellow, aged 20, standing five feet three inches, in better condition but rather too fine.