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The Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is situated off the central south coast of England and is separated from the mainland by The Solent. It was always regarded as an important maritime feature as it provides a natural 'defence' of Portsmouth, Britain's most important Naval base.
Often described as ‘England in miniature’ the island today has a population of 150,000 and is 147 square miles in area and has just under 60 miles or 100 km of coast line. From east to west between The Needles and Forelands at Bembridge is around 23 miles and north to south between Egypt Point at Cowes and St. Catherine’s Point is just over 13 miles. The Island was named ‘Vectis’ by the Romans when they invaded Britain in 43 AD and the name remains today on the island’s buses.
Perhaps the most famous resident was Queen Victoria who made the island a fashionable holiday destination from 1846 when her husband, Prince Albert, the Prince Consort & building contractor Thomas Cubitt built Osborne House at East Cowes. Osborne became her favourite holiday retreat and following the premature death of her beloved Albert in 1861, she spent most of her remaining life in recluse at the house. The Queen died at Osborne in January 1901.
Queen Victoria is not the only royal associated with the island of course as King Charles 1st was imprisoned in Carisbrooke Castle between 1647 and 1648 prior to his trial and execution in 1649.
We hope you enjoy browsing our website and that we can assist you in some way to enjoying the Island to the full!
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Island Explorer is a registered trade mark; UK 03029653
Island Explorer is a registered trade mark; UK 03029653
