Mason's Guide (1876) - Niton

Passing several villas and mansions, a journey of three miles from St. Lawrence and five from Ventnor, would bring the tourist to the quiet village of Niton, situated in a hollow of St. Catherine's Hill. The village is scattered, the more modern portion being known as Sandrock, where there is an excellent hotel (The Sandrock Hotel), which has more the appearance of a villa than an inn, and commands, from its elevated site, a wide and extensive view. From this point may be traced the effects of the great landslip of 1799. It's extent is marked by the broken surface of the ground, which is literally bristled with rocks, and torn and upheaved in every possible rugged shape. THE CHURCH is a low antiquated pile, possessing no great attractions. The living is a rectory, held with the vicarage of Godshill and perpetual curacy of Whitwell. Rev G. Hayton, M.A., rector. In the parish register is the following entry:-

July the 1st, Anno Domino 1675, Charles II., King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, etc., came ashore at Puckaster, after he had endured a great and dangerous storm at sea.