East Cowes

Isle of Wight

An aerial view of the east side of Cowes harbour, showing the 

Red Funnel terminal at East Cowes with the British Hovercraft 

Corporation work behind it. Note the hovercraft on the apron and 

near the terminal. Probably  from about 1970. (Collis)

East Cowes Green and Paddling Pool, with the Breakwater 

and West Cowes in the background. (Dean)

St James Church, East Cowes around 1905. (Stengel)

An unusual view taken from the Convent of the Holy Cross, East 

Cowes across the harbour, undated but probably 1970's. (Dixon)

The Convent of the Holy Cross, East Cowes. (Dixon)

Norris Castle, East Cowes from the sea, 1904 

It has now been converted to a private house

Norris Castle, again taken during the early part of the century.

Frank James Cottage Hospital, East Cowes dated 1929. Like many similar hospitals this has now closed and the site is to be redeveloped, although it is at present derelict.

The Folly Inn, further along the Medina towards Newport, in 

the 1960's. There is now a pontoon for visiting yachtsmen. (Dixon)

The Medway Queen pictured at Island harbour around 1966, at this time it was used as a night club. It was subsequently replaced by the PS Ryde and left to rot in the river. She was subsequently saved by a group of enthusiasts and moved to the Medway for possible restoration. This paddle steamer dates from 1924 and was involved in the Dunkirk rescue, Medway Queen website . Ironically, its replacement the PS Ryde is now rotting and probably has little chance of restoration. (Dixon)

Finally, a bit of a novelty. For many years there was a shell house at East Cowes, across the mouth river from the previous pictures. This was described as ' the work of the late Mr. Frederick Attrill, who passed to his last rest towards the end of the year, 1926 at the age of 88 years. He was still at work on his shells up till a few weeks of his death. There is over 200 feet of shells, the largest number of which were collected at Woodside, Wootton, I.W., about 4 miles from East Cowes. Several thousands of shells are used in its construction, as well as many choice ornaments collected and sent from all parts of the world, and the various colours blending together, make the work one of dazzling beauty. It has taken Mr Attrill ten years of continuous work'.