Cowes From Calshot

The image portrays a historical perspective of Cowes from a bygone period. When observed from the vantage point of Calshot, the image captures a prominent Spit in the foreground, accompanied by a collection of boats and ships that are representative of the prevailing maritime vessels at that era. The town of Cowes is situated at a small distance, resulting in a slightly blurred appearance, and exhibits a vibrant seaside setting.

In the left portion of the background, there is a structure that bears resemblance to ‘Norris Castle’, an architectural creation by James Wyatt commissioned by Lord Henry Seymour circa 1795. As we shift our gaze towards the right, in the distant background, two discernible castle-like elements come into view, which plausibly correspond to the features of ‘Osborne House’. Based on the available evidence, it can be inferred that the image may be dated back to the mid-19th century, namely in the 1850s.

Upon further examination, the structure seen to the right has resemblance to ‘East Cowes Castle’, an architectural masterpiece crafted by the renowned architect John Nash in 1798. Regrettably, this notable edifice met its demise in 1963 when it was demolished. Proceeding in a lateral direction, our attention is drawn to the estuary of the River Medina. The coastal area of Cowes has a very stable appearance until reaching the easternmost section, when directly behind the prominent Calshot Castle can be viewed the historical Cowes Fort, commissioned by Henry VIII for the purpose of safeguarding the vicinity of Cowes, come into view. Situated in the background is the ecclesiastical structure known as The Church of The Holy Trinity. Located at a higher elevation on the hill, the structure in question is identified as ‘Northwood House’, which was constructed in the year 1799 for the esteemed London entrepreneur George Ward.

• Cowes from Calshot