Brading

The Old Rectory Mansion in the 19th Century

The Old Rectory Mansion as it is today

The High Street early 20th Century

Bugle Inn

Between Ryde and Sandown is the historical town of Brading. 
Once a commercial port, it is said that it is the place where King Charles I first arrived on the Isle of Wight where he stopped for lunch at the Bugle Inn while on his way to Nunwell House. The quay side was situated not far behind the row of bulidings where the Bugle stands. The earliest record of the Bugle itself dates from 1373 which makes it a contender as being one of the oldest Inns on the Isle of Wight. 

Another clue that Brading used to be a port is the narrow Quay Lane which turns off the High street near the Church of St Mary's. On the opposite corner of Quay Lane is the Old Rectory Mansion which is reputed to be the oldest intact house on the Island. It dates back to prior to 1228 AD and was converted in 1499 into the existing Tudor structure. During it's life, the house has been used as a coaching Inn called the Crown Inn and was once owned by King Henry VIII. More recently in 1965 it became Osborn-Smith's famous Wax Museum and was one of the top attractions on the Isle of Wight and was one of the few places that opened every single day of the year. The attraction became 'The Brading Experience' under new ownership in 2001, but sadly closed in January 2010.

 At the other end of Brading High street is the Bull Ring. Here Bull baiting actually took place and the heavy iron ring which use to be used to tether the bulls to can be seen in front of the Town Hall.