Ventnor Town Council - Town History
In the early 19th century Ventnor consisted of two farms and a mill, (now the site of the Winter Gardens) and several fishing shacks.
 | The area was cut off from the rest of the Island by the high downs and the only communication was by rough cart tracks. Even now, although links are very much improved, the location still contributes to a feeling of splendid isolation.The population in 1830 was put at seventy seven. However, Ventnor was quick to develop following the recommendation of a well-known physician that its mild climate was good for the health. |
Due to this rapid development there was a lack of planning and Ventnor came together in a haphazard, irregular style that today provides much of its Victorian beauty and charm.By the mid 1860's Ventnor had a population of 5000, as well as a number of facilities and services. The three major developments of that time were the Royal National Hospital for diseases of the chest (now the site of the Botanic Gardens), the pier and the steam railway, which brought visitors in from Ryde and connected to many other island towns.
In 1888 the Ventnor and Southsea Steam Packet Company ran ships to the Pier during the summer and Ventnor was well served with rail and sea connections.
 | Ventnor continued to develop as a seaside and health resort, reaching its peak during the Edwardian period prior to the First World War. In 1939 the atmosphere of the town changed abruptly when it became part of Britain's front line against the threat of invasion. When France fell in 1940, enemy forces were only 70 miles away across the Channel. A radar station on top of St. Boniface Down was an early target for German aircraft and Ventnor suffered from a number of bombing raids. |
Since these times Ventnor has undergone many changes, along with other resorts which have had to compete with the introduction of cheaper holidays to the Mediterranean and beyond. This combined with the closure of the railway, the demolition of the pier and medical advances that led to the closure of the Royal National Hospital, all contributed to a period of decline.
Ventnor is now carving out a new niche for itself and looks to the future. Fortunately it has much to offer. A time encapsulated Victorian town set in a superb physical location. Ventnor is totally surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty, rich in local history, natural history and geological interest. Ventnor's history lives on in its buildings and landscape and is fortunate in having a town Heritage Centre and Historical Society, where visitors can explore the town's rich past. |  |
© Ventnor Town Council 2008
