The Project

As stated on the opening page, the aims behind this project is to collect, display and preserve for future generations, historical information about Wootton Bridge before it is lost in the sands of time. We are endeavouring to present for the enjoyment of all, memories of those who remember the village in earlier times, together with the additional research we have carried out. The photographs have been loaned by several people to whom our thanks must go for help in making this project a success.

We hope you enjoy this presentation of the village history and if you think you can help in any way please write care of

Webmaster

58 Downsview Gardens

Wootton Bridge

PO33 4LS

Welcome to our village

Wootton Bridge is situated almost at the mid point between the island's historical capital town of Newport and the Victorian gateway town of Ryde and has around 4000 people. It is situated at the head of the tidal picturesque Wootton Creek. Visiting yachtsmen need to keep a careful eye on the tide otherwise they may have to visit the nearby 18^th century Sloop Inn or the new Lakeside complex [complete in Spring 2008] with its superb view over the Mill Pond and surrounding countryside.

Visitors travelling to the Island from Portsmouth by Wightlink car ferry and turning right on leaving Fishbourne will approach the village down Kite Hill and over the small 19^th century bridge. A view of the village is revealed; to the left is the panoramic vista down the creek and on the right a view over the Mill Pond towards Havenstreet.

In the 19^th century the Mill Pond which at that time was tidal and controlled by sluice gates [still there] was use as a source of power for the nearby corn mill [unfortunately demolished 1962]. The Sloop Inn in Mill Square has records going back to the mid 1700s and in 1800s was use by smuggles for contraband French brandy with a tunnel connecting the opposite bank of the creek and nearby Ivy Hall.

The village history goes back a thousand years and we have St Edmund church dating back to that period.

There are many houses in the village dating back to the late 1800s onwards.

For those interested in history there are many articles within the "Library" section of our web site covering events in the village at the start of the 20^th century and a good selection of old and modern photographs