|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 19
* * * * *
THE ROYAL-YACHT-SQUADRON
Make Cowes their port of rendezvous: they contribute largely to the
maritime gaiety of the place, and give particular classes of
tradesmen an extensive share of employment; but the town altogether
does not, it is said, derive that degree of fostering patronage
from their presence which might be expected. The _Royal Thames
Yacht-club_ often make this their summer-station.
THE REGATTA
Generally takes place in August, and is an exciting source of
hilarity with the inhabitants of Cowes, as well as numerous
visitors from every part of the island and opposite coast,--should
the weather prove favorable at the time. The sailing-matches are
now mostly confined to the members of the Royal Yacht-squadrons:
and it is to be regretted, that owing to the distance which they
sail, and the number of days engaged, comparatively little pleasure
is afforded to the mere spectator: there is however usually one
day's continued amusement--when sailing and rowing matches for
liberal subscription-prizes likewise take place between the local
watermen, &c.--excellent bands of music attend,--and in the evening
there is a brilliant display of fire-works, both from the shore and
from the yachts in various parts of the harbour. On these occasions
the appearance of the whole is animated beyond description; and to
a person from the country, the exhibition of such a numerous
assemblage of the most beautiful vessels in the world must prove a
lively gratification, for they are of every size and variety of
rig, from the stately ship of 4 or 500 tons burthen down to the
yawl of only 10.
* * * * *
Cowes lies extremely convenient for parties fond of aquatic trips:
for which purpose a number of experienced watermen ply excellent
boats: they are most frequently engaged in the short and pleasant
excursions to Beaulieu, Netley, Southampton (on the opposite
coast), and Newport; sometimes to Alum Bay, and even for a voyage
round the island.
The bathing here is considered very excellent: particularly so at
W. Cowes, from the boldness and pebbly character of the beach,
admitting the machines to be put in requisition in all states of
the tide,--a very great advantage. There are also hot and other
baths for the use of invalids, both at the machines and at certain
parts of the town.
* * * * *
_The Road from East Cowes to Ryde._
WHIPPINGHAM CHURCH stands near the second mile-stone, on the ascent of a
hill rising from the eastern bank of the Medina: it is perhaps the
neatest _old_ ecclesiastical structure in the island, and is frequently
attended by her Majesty and Prince Albert when residing at Osborne.
Close by are the Parsonages and PADMORE HOUSE, embosomed in groves, and
commanding an extensive prospect--the nearest object on the opposite
side of the river being the ancient though plain church of Northwood.
Altogether this is a very pleasing rural spot, and to visit it will make
the difference of only a few minutes in diverging from the regular road.
* * * * *
WOOTTON-BRIDGE.
Here we pass over an inlet of the sea, indifferently called Fishbourne
Creek or Wootton River; the cottages border the road on either side, and
have a remarkably clean and comfortable appearance. There are also a few
good houses: the Parsonage, though rather secluded, enjoys a charming
marine prospect; and _Kite-hill_ will be known by its antique aspect and
screen of lofty firs. But the pride of the place is FERNHILL, a
first-rate seat: the house is built in the light Gothic style, and
stands at the head of an extensive lawn sloping to the water,
interspersed with groups of trees and flourishing plantations.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|