Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2006 | Page 59

FEATURE

mill.
The Winter Gardens, styled in art deco livery
now proudly frequents the very spot where
wheat was ground into flour, ultimately giving
rise to the historical term ‘Mill Bay.’
The modern and well kept gardens designed
circa 1900 by Edgar J Harvey - the then town
surveyor - are a far cry from what was a more
natural featured waterfall cascading down
towards the sea.
Flour dust filled the salt laden air as far back as
1327 with the spring bringing life to the mill and
the mill bringing life to Ventnor, although the
town was then incognito.
Sitting at the zenith of the relentless falls,
a splendid view is laid out below which is
accompanied by the idyllic sound of running
water and a gentle breeze. Eyes closed, I drift in
time as my imagination runs wild. Ink drawings
of Brannon’s view of Ventnor mix with romantic
notions written in 1813 - then regarded as the
most picturesque spot along the coast - the
smallest of small villages consisting of no more
than a group of low thatched huts along the
shore. An old mill perched on a crag high above
the beach on which the stream dashed in a
delightful cascade towards the sea.
Disguised by name, the area was known as
Holeway with credit going to Roger De Hineton
of Holeweye in 1263. By 1617 the Bay and
Downland beyond was referred to as Vinter,

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speculating a link with the wine trade. “Beer and
wine you will be fine” as the saying goes and it
seems both have forged a part of Ventnor through
the life force of spring water.
With a deep intake of air I tackle the steep
decline towards the shore, echoes of childhood
memories fill my mind, particularly in 1976.
Beneath the falls and stood on a tiny stone
bridge which once bordered the Island paddling
pool before it was moved, the fresh water spray
cools the air and dapples my face.
At the base, sculptured as an integral part of
the initial design - now filled in, there was once
a small cave covered with algae and moss. As
small child I would climb onto the falls and into
the cave which was just big enough and I would
gaze back through a curtain of water which was
fascinating.
Taking refuge from the searing heat of 1976
and despite the drought, the spring continued to
flow unabated. Once, the stream maintained the
paddling pool and provided buoyancy for timer
canoes on the boating lake, now hidden under
the car park. Today it finds its way into Mill Bay
and the resort’s new harbour. I emphasize new,
as Ventnor has played host to a harbour before
which was replaced by the pier, and that in turn
has been replaced by a harbour again! After all
this, the spring keeps flowing! It is said that the
spring water is the result of a series of massive
landslides a few centuries ago. The spring passes

through large vents created in the chalky downs
above the town.
Untouched by human hand, the untreated
spring water has had a hand in making bread,
quenched many thirsts for bottled water and
provided an excellent raw material for Burt’s Beer.
Ventnor brewery has been around since 1840.
However, in 1844 James Corbould struck a
deal with the Ventnor Water Company which
stated the water would be supplied at a rental of
sixpence per year - now two and a half pence in
new money. Not bad considering the agreement
was set for a thousand years!
Rumour has it that the arrangement was a result
of a card game with an ample supply of whisky.
Sadly, Burt’s as a trading force ceased to exist in
1997, however the old brewery at Ventnor was
resurrected and is still producing some fine cask
ales including Scarecrow Best, Sunfire Bitter and
Hygeia organic.
It’s true to be said that the health giving
properties of spring water and the clean air lead
to the building of the Victorian Hospital for lung
complaints on the site of the current Botanical
Gardens. I can clearly see the benefits of fresh air
and water, however I am extremely pleased to
see that the health giving life force, compliments
of a Greek God have found there way into beer,
Hygeia Organic ale.

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