The Isle of Wight County Press has been bringing the news to Islanders since 1884. We've delved into the archives to find out what was happening in days gone by.
125 Years Ago
June 29, 1901
An officer and gunner at Freshwater Redoubt died instantly and three other men were mortally wounded when a gun exploded.
Concern was raised at the Newchurch School Board after some pupils were awarded prizes for 100 per cent attendance when they had not earned it.
100 Years Ago
June 26, 1926
A dangerous criminal serving ten years for burglary and blowing up a house with a woman inside, escaped from Parkhurst Prison by getting through double-locked doors and stealing a set of civilian clothes. Cecil Davidson, 41, who had been imprisoned two-and-a-half years previously, was free for a day before he was recaptured.
The Bishop of Winchester paid a flying visit to the Island and preached to a large congregation at St James’s Church, East Cowes.
75 Years Ago
June 30, 1951
The Island’s largest private residence, Appuldurcombe House in Wroxall, was in the process of being handed over to the nation for preservation. Described as one of the most beautiful Palladian mansions in the country, the war-damaged house had 52 rooms, 365 windows and seven staircases.
Film and radio star Petula Clark missed the royal premier of her latest film, The Lavender Hill Mob, to pop into ‘downtown’ Ryde where she opened a garden fete. The star said she was pleased to leave the smoke of London for the fresh air of the Island.
Eccentric sailing pioneer Uffa Fox returned to Cowes for the launch of the Flying Thirty-Five. The displacement of the new boat was about half that of a normal cruiser and was expected to sail at 20 knots.
50 Years Ago
June 26, 1976
The IW County Council reversed its decision to increase the speed limit on a stretch of Staplers Road, Newport. The council had decided to increase the speed limit to 40mph from 30mph, but back-tracked after hearing objections from headteachers.
A carpet was stolen from the south chancel of Godshill Parish Church after a locked door was forced. The vicar was on holiday when the theft happened.
For more tales of the past, subscribe to our online archive, where you can read the County Press editions dating back to 1884!
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