Cowes
Cowes is a seaport town on the Isle of Wight, an island due south of the major southern English port of Southampton. It is located on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina facing the smaller town of East Cowes on the east Bank. The two towns are linked by a chain ferry. The combined population was 19,919 in the 1991 census, a figure that is easily doubled duting the regatta in early August (see below).
A high speed passenger ferry links Cowes to Southampton and a vehicle ferry serves Southampton from East Cowes.
Cowes is now renowned for sailing, Cowes Castle being home to the world famous Royal Yacht Squadron, which ranks amongst the world's elite yacht clubs. The town gives its name to the world's oldest regular regatta, Cowes Week, which occurs in early August. Later on in the summer, powerboat races are held.
East Cowes is home to Norris Castle, designed by John Nash (architect), and Osborne House, the former summer residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The Prince had a major influence on the building of St Mildred's Church in Whippingham, East Cowes, which features distinctive turrets imitating those found on a German castle.
History
Both Cowes and East Cowes derive their names from the time of Henry VIII, when fortifications called cowforts or cowes were built on the east and west banks to dispel a French invasion. In earlier centuries (when the two towns were known as East and West Shamblord; the East then being more significant settlement) the Isle of Wight had been a frequent target of attempted French invasions with some notable incursions.
It is believed that Cowes owes its reputation of 'yachting capital of the world' to the building of a small boat called Rat O'Wight on the banks of the river Medina for the use of Queen Elizabeth I. Later, when George IV secured his own interest in sailing in the town with the holding of the first Cowes regatta and the establishment of the Royal Yacht Club (known later as the Royal Yacht Squadron), the foundations of the reputation were firmly established.
Local industry in both Cowes and East Cowes has always centred on the building and design of marine craft, including the early flying boats, and sailmaking. It is is also noted as the place where the first hovercraft was tested. East Cowes was also once home to the manufacturer Saunders Roe, who built the flying boat The Saunders-Roe Princess.
Its industry and proximity to Southampton and the Royal Navy's home at Portsmouth made the Isle a frequent target of bombing during World War II.
Famous Residents
- Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
- John Nash (architect) - who lived at East Cowes Castle (since demolished), and is buried in St James's churchyard.
- Mark King - Internationally acclaimed guitarist and Principle founder of Pop Group Level 42
- Cliff Mitchelmore - BBC television and radio presenter/producer
- Lord Mountbatten of Burma (in childhood), later last Viceroy of India at Kent House, East Cowes
Quote
"I used to introduce my act by saying things like "Hello, London", or wherever else I was performing. Then I got into terrible trouble when I played a Ladies' Night in Cowes..."
- attributed to Bernard Manning