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Page 22
* * * * *
_PRINCIPAL BUILDINGS_.
The TOWN-HALL and MARKET-HOUSE affords the best proof of the public
spirit of the inhabitants of Hyde in regard to local improvements: for
this handsome edifice is on a scale to accommodate three or four times
the present population. It was first opened in the year 1831: and the
commissioners for improving the town endeavoured to establish a
permanent market for cattle, &c., to be held in the large open space in
front, but the attempt proved abortive--Newport lying so much more
conveniently for the general resort of agriculturists and tradesmen from
every quarter of the island.--It is remarkable, however, considering the
spirit of the inhabitants for public improvements, that it should have
been left to the year 1840, before the town was lighted with gas!
The ARCADE is an elegant piece of architecture, though it does not make
that imposing figure of its exterior, which the visitor would expect,
when previously told that it cost at least �10,000. It contains 14
shops, and a very large room for the exhibition and sale of works of
art: every portion being finished in the best style of workmanship.
This bold undertaking for a private individual, we are sorry to
say, has not yet realized a remunerating return. The mistake seems
to have been in fixing upon a site which had no local advantages to
recommend it for a fashionable promenade; nor likely ever to become
a much-frequented thoroughfare, popular and busy. Moreover, the
tradesmen generally find it more to their advantage to engage
respectable houses in the best streets, where they can profitably
let lodgings, and make a much more attractive exhibition of their
goods. These remarks will also serve to explain, why comparatively
so few persons avail themselves of the extensive accommodation
which the Market-house affords.
BRIGSTOCK TERRACE is a fine range of first-rate houses built according
to a very judicious, uniform design, furnished by the late Mr. J.
Sanderson. They command a beautiful marine prospect, as they stand at
the head of a sloping lawn-like field, interspersed with several oaks
and elms: indeed the terrace is the most conspicuous part of Ryde when
viewed from the sea.
On the west side of the town too is a very spacious square, comprising a
great variety of tastefully-embellished mansions; indeed in every
direction a number of elegant houses are constructing,--tenants being
found for most of them even before they are completed.
A very few years ago it was quite an easy task to point out by
distinctive marks all the most important houses--it was only to
name _Westmont_, and the two unobtrusive villas of the Duke of
Buckingham and Earl Spencer. The stranger could then have no
difficulty in discriminating these: but now, to give a List of all
the residences that are entitled to notice with an equal share of
pretensions, however judiciously described, would prove perfectly
futile, and only calculated to mislead the stranger.
CHURCHES and other public places of divine worship.--These of course
increase with the population; for only as late as the year 1827, the old
chapel, now distinguished by its graceful spire (and seen at the back of
the terrace), was so inadequate in its accommodations, as to require
being considerably enlarged: and in the same year another was commenced
as a private speculation by Hughes Hughes, esq., this is a long, low
edifice, remarkable for its neat interior: a third has since been
erected on the eastern side of the town, of a handsome design both
inside and out, and very conspicuous from its open situation and lofty
spire:--all three being episcopalian chapels of ease to Newchurch. The
Independents, Wesleyans, and Primitive-methodists have also their
respective chapels, and one for Catholic worship has been lately built,
of the most elaborate style of architecture, especially the interior.
THE FAMILY HOTELS, INNS, &C.--Of these there are several, of various
ranks, some of them vying in splendor and extent of accommodation with
the best in the county (see the List). The lodging-houses are of course
very numerous, and in every grade, from the humble _jessamy_ or _myrtle_
cottage at 20 or 30 shillings per week, to the lordly mansion at as many
guineas.
During the latter summer months, the theatre is usually opened by a
talented company of comedians. The shops are generally very imposingly
fitted-up and well stocked: and in the literary and fancy lines are
several excellent establishments--news-rooms, circulating-libraries,
bazaars, &c.
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