Ventnor

Isle of Wight

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Old postcards are sometimes poorly produced and grainy, I've done my best to scan them. Please click thumbnails for full size picture. Dates are from the card or my estimate (where possible).

Ventnor, says Mr. Thorne, “has been most affected by the popularity of the Undercliff. Forty years ago it contained about half a dozen humble cottages, and until the publication of Sir James Clark’s work, “On the Influence of Climate in the Prevention and Cure of Disease” its few inhabitants were nearly all fishermen. It was one of the most picturesque spots along the coast. The platform was broken into several uneven terraces. The huge hills towered up aloft. Down to the broad smooth beach the ground ran in smooth slopes, mingled with abrupt banks of rock, along which a brawling rivulet careered gaily towards the sea, and the few fishermen’s huts gave a piquant rustic liveliness to all besides. The climate seemed most favourable, and the neighbourhood most agreeable, to the invalid. In the open gardens of the cottages, myrtles and other tender plants flourished abundantly, and without need of protection even in winter; snow hardly ever lies on the ground; sunny and sheltered walks abound, and the beach is excellent for bathing. Ventnor at once caught the attention of the crowd of visitors; and it was one of the first places to provide them suitable accommodation. In the tiny fishing-hamlet soon sprang up hotels, and boarding-houses, and shops, and a church, and Ventnor became the capital of the Undercliff. Invalids came here for a winter retreat, as well as a summer visit. Speculation was stimulated. And now, as Fuller has it, ’the plague of building’ lighted on it, and it spread until every possible spot was planted with some staring building, or row of buildings.

Black's Guide to the Isle of Wight, 1870


Ventnor from the west from a watercolour by A R Quinton, postmarked 1925.	Ventnor from the west, probably around 1905.

An undated view from the Ventnor west cliff, probably prior to 1910. The building in the left foreground is now the Spyglass Inn.	Ventnor Esplanade 1911

Looking west from Ventnor pier 1933.	Looking east from Ventnor pier around 1910

Ventnor esplanade looking west 1908. The writing on the wall of the building in the centre says 'Hot and cold sea water baths'	The children's pond at the foot of the cascade, 1910.

Ventnor Winter Gardens from the 1930's	Ventnor cascade from the esplanade, probably from around 1910

Ventnor has a thriving Historical Society who publish a number of interesting booklets about the area and have an excellent museum. Click here for their web site.

Ventnor Approaches

Ventnor Town

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Ventnor

Isle of Wight

6 August 2005