10-08-2025
Yacht wedged between the Needles and more in Isle of Wight days gone by
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, in August 1900:
Horrendous rain and gales brought chaos to the Bank Holiday — labelled "Blank Holiday" — and caused extensive damage to corn fields and orchards.
The population on the Island at a recent census amounted to 78,672, showing an increase of 5,039 persons since 1881.
In an article on Distinguished Donkeys in a popular monthly, the writer gave particular praise to 23-year-old Ned the Carisbrooke Castle donkey. He said: 'Everyone who has watched him set to work to tread the wheel—that great wheel which draws up water from the well—knows how sagaciously he carries out his task.'
Read more:
Smugglers, shipwrecks and secrets at Bembridge summer exhibition
Thatcher, octopuses and UFOs - stories from the Island's past
100 years ago, in August 1925:
Princess Beatrice lent her garden at Carisbrooke Castle for an open-air performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream in aid of local charities.
Around the Cowes Week venues, it was noted that press photographers were more numerous than ever as they vied for the best exclusive pictures. Also, police had to be drafted in from other parts of the Island to help deal with extra congestion.
75 years ago, in August 1950:
The latest housing return from the Ministry of Health showed that 1,074 new houses had been built on the Island since the war.
After the victim toll of infantile paralysis on the Island rose to 28, an infectious diseases specialist recommended that all swimming pools should be closed and children's weekend cinema matinees stopped until the epidemic was stopped.
Four cottages in the High Street, Oakfield, Ryde, were gutted by fire, making seven adults and eight children homeless.
50 years ago, in August 1975:
Cowes Week witnessed the biggest-ever international entry to the Admiral's Cup race, with over 60 yachts battling it out daily.
A clergyman from Kent had a lucky escape when his yacht became wedged between the Needles rocks.
For more tales of the past, subscribe to our online archive, where you can read the County Press editions dating back to 1884!
