The Caulk Heads
Situated on the east coast of the Island is Sandown which grew from a tiny fishing community in the mid 19th century to eventually become the main holiday resort on the island. The arrival of the railway in 1864 was to accelerate the expansion of the town and coupled to the fact that it boasts an extensive sandy beach and often records the sunniest place on the south coast, it’s no wonder that today Sandown is such an important part of the Island’s tourism.
Obviously with this came the need to provide places of recreation and refreshment for all these thirsty Victorian holidaymakers so inns and taverns began springing up and by 1869 7 had been established. One such place was the Ye Fort Tavern which today is known as the Caulk Heads, a name unique to the Isle of Wight.
The name ‘Caulk head’ is given to a person who was born on the island from a third generation or over. The name apparently originates from ship building where the seams in wooden boats were sealed using oakum. This process was known as ‘caulking’ and it is said a shipyard at Bucklers Hard in the New Forrest employed labourers from the island to do this work in the construction of early war ships and they became known as Caulk heads.
The pub today is ideal for families with children. There is an indoor and outdoor activity area as well as a large beer garden. The Caulk Heads features in our DVD; 'Another Island Pub Tour, Round 2'.
Obviously with this came the need to provide places of recreation and refreshment for all these thirsty Victorian holidaymakers so inns and taverns began springing up and by 1869 7 had been established. One such place was the Ye Fort Tavern which today is known as the Caulk Heads, a name unique to the Isle of Wight.
The name ‘Caulk head’ is given to a person who was born on the island from a third generation or over. The name apparently originates from ship building where the seams in wooden boats were sealed using oakum. This process was known as ‘caulking’ and it is said a shipyard at Bucklers Hard in the New Forrest employed labourers from the island to do this work in the construction of early war ships and they became known as Caulk heads.
The pub today is ideal for families with children. There is an indoor and outdoor activity area as well as a large beer garden. The Caulk Heads features in our DVD; 'Another Island Pub Tour, Round 2'.
