History of the Isle of Wight
- Rosemary Fugeman
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 8
A small Island with a big history
The Isle of Wight boasts a rich and fascinating history, shaped by dinosaurs, Roman and French invasions, and visits from infamous royals.
The Island was separated from mainland Britain and the European continent at the end of the last Ice Age, as rising sea levels carved it into its current form.
Long before human settlement, dinosaurs roamed the land — their fossils still found today. As time passed, small villages began to emerge, but the Island remained vulnerable to invasions. Known to the Romans as Vectis, it was conquered by the future emperor Vespasian, with local chieftains surrendering without resistance.
Some of the native elite embraced Roman culture, building lavish villas — at least seven have been discovered, including notable examples in Newport and Brading, where original mosaics are now on public display.
Following the Roman era, the Island saw waves of newcomers, including the Jutes and Vikings. Later, the French, thenuring the English Civil War, King Charles I.
In the 19th century, Queen Victoria chose the Island as her royal retreat. She purchased the Osborne estate and, by 1846, Osborne House had replaced the original building. Designed by Prince Albert, its magnificent gardens and elegant rooms are now open to the public.
The Isle of Wight also played a critical role in World War II. Operation PLUTO (Pipe-Lines Under The Ocean) was a bold effort by scientists, oil companies, and the military to supply fuel from the Island to mainland Europe via underwater pipelines. Today, visitors can learn more about this project at the centre in Alum Bay, near The Needles — one of the Island’s most iconic landmarks and popular attractions.
You can see my Isle of Wight Illustrated map here
Best wishes,
Rosemary x
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