|
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 21
* * * * *
RYDE.
>> _The best may of seeing this populous town, by those who have
little inclination, or perhaps less time, for perambulation is,
from the Pier, to enquire first for_ BRIGSTOCK TERRACE--_walk on
for about five minutes still westward--returning, pass by the_
CHURCH, _and round the_ TOWN-HALL, _and Market-place_, ST. JAMES'S
CHAPEL, _and the Theatre;--look into the_ ARCADE, _a little
below;--traverse the street nearly opposite the theatre, which will
open the eastern part of the town, where there is a handsome_ NEW
CHURCH--_and the very agreeable Environs in the direction of Appley
and St. John's, which ought to be visited if time could be spared,
going first on the beach, and returning by the high-road, a circuit
of about two miles._
* * * * *
[Illustration: RYDE, ISLE OF WIGHT.]
Ryde now ranks the first town in the island for the number of its
elegant _modern_ erections, both public and private; and if building
should be carried on with an equal degree of spirit for a few years
more, it will also be considerably the most populous. It occupies two
sides of a lofty hill, falling with a regular descent to the sea on the
north, opposite Portsmouth, from which it is about five miles across.
This short passage, from its perfect safety and general convenience,
proves a great local advantage, being performed several times a-day by
superior steam-vessels in about half an hour. But besides these
established means of conveyance, large-sized wherries (most excellent
sea-boats,) are in constant attendance to take parties across on
moderate terms, or for hire by the day upon any aquatic trip, even to
Brighton.
The town used formerly to be distinguished into Upper and Lower Ryde,
from having several fields between, but now it is only the difference of
position which calls for any term of distinction; for where the green
meadows then formed the separation, is now the most closely built upon;
and at the beginning of this century, Yelf's Hotel stood a new and
isolated object.
The principal streets are very open, clean, and well-paved; regularly
disposed, most of them crossing each other nearly at right angles.
Several of the handsomest run parallel almost in a direct line to the
beach, thus affording the very desirable advantage of an interesting
sea-view.
* * * * *
THE PIER being the first object to interest a stranger, and having
contributed more than anything else to the advancement of the town, is
well entitled to priority of notice.
Up to the year 1814, when it was constructed by a company in
subscription shares of �.50 each, landing or embarking was rendered
generally a miserable task, except during very favorable weather,
at the moment of high tide. The practice then was, to cram the
passengers promiscuously into a common luggage-cart, till it was
drawn out upon the almost level sands sufficiently far for a large
wherry to float alongside, into which they were then transferred,
and conveyed to the sailing-packet, perhaps lying off at some
considerable distance. The reader will readily believe that this
united cart and boat process of reaching the vessel or shore could
not be very inviting at the best of times; but it was really
terrific to weak and timid persons during the concurrence of a
heavy rain, and the tide perhaps at its lowest ebb!--to say nothing
of the horrors of a dark and squally night.
The length of the Pier is now nearly half a mile (being double the
extent it was originally), having had 500 feet added in the year
1824: the same augmentation again in 1833; and in 1842 it received
the crowning addition of a most spacious and well constructed HEAD,
which was rendered everyway more convenient for passengers landing
or embarking. This last improvement must afford a most delightful
accommodation for the gentry who prefer the pier for their usual
promenade; and where, from the great extent it stretches out into
the open sea, those invalids who are precluded from exercise, may
more conveniently enjoy the invigorating sea-breeze. It is firmly
constructed of timber: has four or five landing-places at different
distances to suit the state of the tide: a strong railing on each
side; and is furnished with several open and covered seats.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|