Binstead

"BINSTEAD, a parish in the liberty of East Medina, Isle of Wight, in the county of Southampton, 6 miles to the N.E. of Newport. It is situated in a pleasant spot on the north coast of the island, about 1 mile west of Ryde, its post town. In the vicinity are some fine woods, and the ancient stone-quarries which supplied the material for the erection of Winchester Cathedral. Quarr, about a mile to the west of the village, was the site of the Cistercian abbey founded by Baldwin de Redvers, or Rivers, afterwards Earl of Devonshire, in the year 1132. It was dedicated to the Virgin, and was valued at the Dissolution at £184. The spot was well chosen, having a good sea view, and sheltered landwards by rich woods. The walls may still be traced, and inclose a space of about 30 acres. There are remains of the church and the refectory, the latter being now used as a barn. The founder and his lady were interred there. "

[From The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) - transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]