The Isle of Wight
Summary
From Vectiraptors to the Victorians
The Isle of Wight, separated from the Hampshire coast by the narrow waters of the Solent, offers a remarkably concentrated journey through millennia of human history and diverse cultural landscapes. From its internationally significant paleontological sites, the enduring legacy of Roman occupation at Brading Villa and its unique appeal to Victorian Royalty, the island has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the broader narrative of Britain. Our tour, led by expert archaeologist and Isle of Wight native, Dr Jamie Sewell, will explore the island's strategic maritime importance, evident in its coastal defences, and reveal how its relative isolation has preserved not only prehistoric burial chambers and fossil-rich coastlines, but also a particular character of English life that developed somewhat apart from mainland pressures.
What to Expect
- Admire the mosaics at Brading Roman villa which depict Orpheus, Bacchus and the goddess Ceres
- Hunt for cretaceous fossils amongst the soft cliffs and walk where dinosaurs once foraged
- Explore the fully restored Grade 1 Farringdon house which once belonged to Alfred, Lord Tennyson
