Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2011/January 2012 | Page 69

Ryde Pier set to celebrate
Above: A very unusual picture
of the Duchess of Edinburgh
and Duchess of Connaught
together leaving Ryde Pier.
An advertisement for trips to
the Olympic Sailing Regatta at
Cowes dates it to 1908. (Isle of
Wight County Archives)
Below: In this print, dated
August 1828, a wooden paddle
steamer approaches Ryde Pier
with it tow-boat astern. Notice
the top-hatted Captain at the
stern of the vessel. (John
Hendy collection)

By Peter White
It is generally accepted as the oldest
surviving pier in the country, and it also
happens to be the second longest. Now
plans are being drawn up for Ryde Pier to
celebrate its 200th birthday in style.
Although Ryde Pier, which stretches
majestically out into the Solent some 681
metres, does not actually reach the 200-year
mi