Brading was founded ( reputedly) by King Alfred, its name being derived from the meaning “town under the hill“.
Bull Ring (outside of the New Town Hall).
The boundaries at one time reached as far as “Westridge” Ryde, Carpenters, St Helens. Gatten and Lake at Shanklin. Winford, Newchurch and Alverstone.
Brading stands on the little river Yar which rises in the hills in the extreme south of the Island and flows through Godshill and Newchurch, past Brading to the sea at Brading Harbour, between St. Helens and Bembridge. The level meadows now to be seen east of Brading were formerly part of this harbour; for Brading was once a port. Even until about the 1890’s small boats could navigate the channel to the quayside at Brading.
Sited in the east of the Isle of Wight, Brading lies 3 miles south of Ryde, 2 ½ miles south-west of St. Helens and 1 ½ miles north-east of Sandown.
This ancient little town is pleasantly built up a hillside towards the parish church. Beyond rises Brading Down with an elevation of over 400 feet above sea level. These chalk hills afford wide views from Spithead to the English Channel, and are justly claimed as being one of the finest vantage points on the whole island.
Access to the Town is easy. Off the ferry and onto the train, alighting at Brading station with a short walk to the centre of the Town. It offers much to the visitor and when used as a holiday base, Bembridge airport, Sandown airport. Bembridge harbour, Whitecliff bay, the Downs, the attractions of Sandown and much more, all are within easy reach.
In the town there are Pubs, Wax Works, Dolls Museum and so much more!
Come and visit us! And in the meantime browse through our website.
There is much of interest.
Webmaster. Russ Lea
