Before the year 1830, Bembridge seemed to be shut out from intercourse with the world:  it was very rarely visited; possessed no facilities of communication; and had no charms to call the traveller aside from the routine track.  But owing to the WISE and spirited exertions of a resident gentleman, it was soon rendered a populous village.

Among the first improvements was the erection (by public subscription) of a handsome little church for the accommodation of the inhabitants, who before had no place of episcopalian worship nearer than Brading:  the next consideration was the establishment of a horse-boat, and other regular means of passage across the haven:—­land was sold off on eligible terms for building; several tasty villas were soon erected, and ample shrubberies formed:—­new roads were projected, the old ones widened and repaired, and travelling altogether rendered more agreeable.  A respectable Hotel was also built at the same time, near the beach.

The face of the country about Bembridge is pleasant enough, being agreeably checquered by grove and meadow, cultivation and open pasturage:  but it is THE SURROUNDING PROSPECT which yields the chief pleasure.  The situation of the Church and other principal buildings, is sufficiently evident to the visitor from St. Helen’s, or as he crosses the ferry.

The chalk precipices of Bembridge are named the Culvers, from the circumstance it is said, of their having been the haunt of immense numbers of wild pigeons; and they are now, as has been already mentioned (p. 21), resorted to in the summer months by prodigious flights of various sea-fowl.  There is a small cavern called HERMIT’S HOLE in the face of the cliff, about thirty feet from the top; the descent to it however is steep and narrow, and it is comparatively but seldom visited.

BEMBRIDGE LEDGE is a dangerous reef of rocks, stretching out into the sea a considerable distance:  a floating beacon-light called “the Nab” is always moored within a short distance, to warn ships of their position.

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YAVERLAND.  This is a straggling village near the sea-shore, between Brading and Sandown Fort.  The little parish-church and the adjoining mansion (now converted into a farm house,) exhibit a venerable appearance, and being surrounded by groves of magnificent elms, the whole presents one of the prettiest rural scenes in the island; and to the amateur of sketching, it must prove a treat.  The Parsonage too will be admired for its appropriate character and pleasant situation.—­Passing a few scattered cottages, our road will be on the pebbly beach to ...

SANDOWN,

Altogether an extensive village, containing several new houses built near the sea-shore, intended for letting as summer lodgings:  some of them are large and splendidly furnished:  and enjoy a beautiful view of the British Channel, the dazzling cliffs of Bembridge, and the range of coast for two or three miles in the direction of Shanklin.  There is a church, newly erected in the upper part of the village:  and a neat inn on the beach.