ISLE OF WIGHT HISTORY

The Isle of Wight as we all know is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK owing to its fascinating and alluring natural beauty and scenic views. However, not many of us know about the rich history and heritage associated with the Isle of Wight. Flair of roman culture, resorts and hotels of Victorian era, relics belonging to bronze and iron ages, significant historical sites and dinosaur bones and fossil remnants, the island is a gem belonging to prehistoric period.

Early history

The first to arrive were the Beakers in 1900 BC along with them their distinctive culture and art of pottery. They called the Island Wiht (weight) meaning raised or what rises over the sea. Then the Romans arrived in 43 AD and translated Wiht into the name Vectis from the Latin veho meaning lifting. The Saxons ruled the island in 530 AD by Cerdic and Cynric. After Cerdic’s death, the kingdom was divided into two parts between his nephews Stuf and Wihtgar. Wulfhure, King of the Mercians, overthrew King Stuf and his successors.

It was not until in 686 AD that the West Saxon King, Caedwalla of Wessex took over the charge of the Isle of Wight and forced people to convert to Christianity. For nearly two centuries the people of Wight lived peacefully until terror struck again. This time it was the Danes who arrived on this peaceful island and destroyed the serenity for nearly 100 years. Alfred the Great’s navy fought with the Danes and ousted them.

Middle ages

During the Norman Conquest, William, the conqueror passed the lordship to his relative William Fitzosburn. He founded the castle at Carisbrooke and again the lordship changed hands. De Redvers Family inherited the Island of Wight in 1101. The sole survivor of the family of De Redvers, Countess Isabella De Fortibus sold the island to Edward I in 1293. It was sold for six thousand marks.

After more than 150 years, Henry VI gave the title of King of the Isle of Wight to Henry Beauchamp, Duke of Warwick in the year 1444 at a ceremony held on the Isle of Wight. After the death of Duke, there was no heir to the island. Henry VIII was responsible for outfitting the island with armoury at Yarmouth, Sandown, East and west Cowes, making Portsmouth as the base of his naval operations.

During the rule of Queen Elizabeth I, Spain threatened to attack. As a counter attack measure, the outer fortifications of the Carisbrooke Castle were built in 1597.

Modern history

During the 19^th century, Queen Victoria made Osborne her summer retreat in consequence of the ease of accessibility due to coming of railways on the island. The Osborne house soon transformed to a permanent house for the Queen. The family treaded in the same path and her daughter made Carisbrooke castle her summer getaway. Also during the Queens rule, Marconi founded the world’s first radio station at the Needles battery. The Needles battery was also used as a test site for rockets- Black Arrow and Black Knight.

After the Queen’s death in 1944, the seventh Duke of Wellington was appointed as the Governor of the island. Earl Mountbatten as the first Lord Lieutenant succeeded the Duke in 1966. After his death, the Isle of Wight has not had any new Governor.