National Gazetteer (1868) - 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.

The living is a rectory* in the diocese of Winchester, value £80, in the patronage of the bishop. The old church, which was very small, was taken down and rebuilt upon an enlarged area in the year 1844. It is dedicated to the Holy Cross. There is a National school, erected in 1854. Binstead Cottage is one of the numerous villa residences which stud this delightful coast. Quart Abbey House, the seat of Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, Bart., is a handsome stone mansion, recently finished; and several others are in course of erection. John Fleming, Esq., is lord of the manor and chief landowner.

FISHBOURNE, a hamlet in the parish of Binstead, liberty of East Medina, Isle of Wight, county Hants, 2 miles W. of Ryde. It is situated on Wootton Creek. Ship and boat building is carried on here.

WESTCOTE, a hamlet in the parish of Binstead, in the Isle of Wight, county Hants, 3 miles N.E. of Alton.

WHEATLEY, a hamlet in the parish of Binstead, in the Isle of Wight, county Hants, 2 miles N.E. of Alton.

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) - Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]