Island Eye

16/08/2025

Did you know that the island was the place of multiple experiments that helped to contribute to the invention of radio wave-based wireless telegraph systems?
Find out more about his various experiments and the famous people he met on our website!

15/08/2025

Robert Dawson was a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers charged with survey and production of maps to illustrate the changes. This map showed the proposed electoral borough constituency in the 1832 Reform Act.

At this period in history , the House of Commons chose county and borough representatives, much like how we today have representatives for different areas! Many boroughs had small electorates controlled by prominent landowners or families.
Urban populations were underrepresented in industrial towns and cities rising rapidly due to the industrial revolution. The new Reform Bill redrew parliamentary seats, enlarging or marginalising rotten boroughs and recognised industrial towns. This map shows the previous, unreformed boundaries in green, and the new reformed bounds , in red, for existing boroughs.
Some maps show parish or township boundaries in brown.

15/08/2025

Billingham, regarded as one of the most historical treasures of the Island, has been home to many famous people. The residence can be traced back to the year 1631!
A century later, Edward Worsley, the descendant of Sir Edward Worsley, from Gatcombe House, undertook extensive renovations to the residence.
The property was also used by the famous J.B. Priestley in the 1930’s!

15/08/2025

Great spots to visit for all the family!

15/08/2025

Featured on our new TikTok Account!

15/08/2025

Introducing the film star: The Britten Norman!
The Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander is a British light utility aircraft and regional airliner that was developed and constructed in the United Kingdom by Britten-Norman.
The Islander, which is still in production, is one of Europe’s best-selling commercial aircraft types.
In the last decade, the Islander became even more famous when its starred in the 2015 James Bond film: 'Spectre’!

15/08/2025

Did you know that this monument also known as the “Russian Monument,” was built to honour the visit of the Russian Tsar?
It was established in 1814 by Michael Hoy, a Russian businessman who found wealth in trading with Britain.
Following Hoy’s death, a commemorative inscription was added at the foundation, honouring the men who lost their lives during the Crimean War in 1857.

13/08/2025

Did you know that during the First World War, the fort was converted into an infantry training station? It had approximately 30,000 Duke of Cornwalls being trained there. Between 1939 and 1945, it also served as a depot for British and Canadian soldiers, and in 1945, served as a barracks for RASC watercraft troops. Truly golden knowledge!

13/08/2025

We’re officially the UK’s best family staycation destination!🏝

According to a new survey by holidaycottages.co.uk, the Isle of Wight has been crowned the number one spot in the UK for family getaways - beating popular favourites like Pembrokeshire and Hampshire. Over 12,000 staycationers voted, and our island came out on top for family-friendliness!☀️

holidaycottages.co.uk stated that our island has "plenty of fun days out for history lovers, beachcombers and thrill-seeking families alike."💬

Our island's pubs - including Caulkheads in Sandown - got a special shout out, as well as Sandown and Shanklin beaches, Dinosaur Isle, and our walking routes.🦖

13/08/2025

Our new Island Eye Instagram is up and running! If you want more ISE content find us at: IslandEyeHistory on Instagram.

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