By Isle of Wight Observer
Historic England has launched a new interactive map celebrating nearly 300 years of the nation’s coastal history – and Islanders are being invited to help complete the picture.
The map showcases hundreds of historic seaside landmarks across the country, from Victorian piers and lidos to 20th-century amusement parks and beach huts. It’s part of the Missing Pieces project, which invites the public to share personal memories, photographs, drawings, and audio recordings of coastal places that hold special meaning.
Whether it’s a childhood holiday spot, a local landmark, or a quirky seaside structure that brings a smile, every contribution helps build the story of Britain’s coastal heritage.
Baroness Twycross, Heritage Minister, said: “Our seaside communities play a huge role in telling our national story. I encourage everyone to contribute to the Missing Pieces project to preserve the history of our coastal towns and breathe new life into their future.”
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, added: “The full richness of the heritage of our seaside places cannot be captured without the first-hand accounts, images and memories of those who’ve experienced them.”
Some of the obvious Island heritage landmarks already on the map include Norris Castle, Osborne House and Ventnor Botanic Gardens. However, there are also some less well-known gems, including the drinking fountain on Princes Green in Cowes, which was donated in 1864 by George Robert Stephenson, cousin of famous civil engineer, Robert Stephenson, to mark the wedding of the then Prince of Wales to Princess Alexandria of Denmark.
Islanders can share their stories and snapshots via iw.observer/seaside-stories.