The Isle of Wight’s long and colourful history has produced a large number of outstanding personalities, people who through sheer force of character have left their mark on the Island and are remembered for their deeds, or misdeeds. A possibly greater number still have no record behind them, perhaps through not being in the public eye. Even in our own day we have all met characters who are worthy of remembrance, but who are destined to remain unsung.
This book features some of the more famous Isle of Wight characters such as late seventeenth century governor Sir Robert Holmes and renowned architect John Nash, but it also relates tales of lesser known Isle of Wight residents.
The Reverend Sidebotham of St Helens had a wife who would have been more at home on the big screen than judging marmalade competitions at a local fete. Mae West look-alike Mrs Sidebotham was renowned in the village for her chauffeur-driven car, entourage of close family and Hollywood-style dress-sense. The church was packed every Sunday with those curious to see what this curious lady would do next!
James Harrington was one of Charles I’s ‘Grooms of the Bedchamber’ during the latter’s imprisonment at Carisbrooke Castle, and was essentially one of his gaolers. Because of his close proximity to the king, Harrington had to prove to be a strong, trustworthy Parliamentarian to avoid the risk of sympathising with Charles. Unfortunately for Cromwell his fears came true and Harrington and the king grew to be great friends. This chapter explores their relationship, as well as Harrington’s life and achievements after Charles’ hanging at Whitehall, including his political allegory ‘Oceana’.
One of the most interesting stories in this book concerns an early nineteenth century fisherman’s daughter from St Helens, who rose through the ranks of coarse society to become the mistress of one of the richest men in France, the Duc Du Bourbon. Chapter six describes this ascent into wealth and the reasons behind her downfall some years later.
Colourful Characters of the Isle of Wight goes on to relate the lives of many more interesting individuals, including John, Lord Cutts successor to Sir Robert Holmes in the role of Governor of the Isle of Wight; Henry Wriothesley, Third Earl of Southampton and favourite of Elizabeth I; and H. W. ‘Raich’ Doe, ‘Yarmouth’s most colourful character’ and master storyteller.
