NORTHWOOD HOUSE
Built for George Ward on the site of an earlier Belle Vue in 1799, Northwood House has been central to the history of Cowes through good times and bad.
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COWES HERITAGE and
COMMUNITY GROUP
Registered Charity: 1192247
Northwood House
WALLED GARDEN
Now the grassed area between St Mary’s & Park Rd, this shows the once large and well tended walled garden. Cowes UDC employed gardeners and for many years kept the garden productive.
ROUND HOUSE & PARK LODGE.
The Round House was one of the two Toll Gate cottages in Cowes. The other building was the gatehouse at the entrance to Northwood Park and House
HERBACEOUS BORDER NORTHWOOD PARK
A feature of the House gardens, this beautiful display is now maintained by the hard working volunteers from the Friends of Northwood House.
FOR A SHORT TIME THE REGISTRY OFFICE WAS IN NORTHWOOD HOUSE
The Library, the room off to the right was a very pleasant setting for Registry Office weddings. Today services and receptions are regular events in the main part of the building.
NOW REMOVED “YACHT RACING ON THE SOLENT 1873”
This oil on canvas by Arthur Wellington Fowles ,is one of several maritime based painting which once hung in Northwood House. When the Isle of Wight Council relinquished ownership this was one of the many artefacts “saved” – now hopefully stored under the correct conditions.
THE ICE HOUSE
Surrounded by a clump of trees away from the house, this is a fine example of how ice was provided for the wealthy before refrigerators.
WALNUT TREE
This was one of the many fine trees in the park, sadly it succumbed to disease and is no more. The Trustees and Friends of Northwood House are keen to ensure this rich natural heritage is maintained and more is added to it.
PRINCESS BEATRICE AT NORTHWOOD HOUSE
In 1929 the Ward family trust made a Deed of Gift to the people of Cowes. Cowes Urban District Council, became custodiands with their offices in the building. The official event was attended by the Island’s Governor, Princess Beatrice, seen here receiving a bouquet.
CROQUET ON THE LAWN 1916.
During the First World War Northwood House became a Convalescent Hospital. This picture captures a moment of relaxation away from the horrors of war.
CONVALESCENTS AND NURSES ON THE STEPS LEADING TO THE PARK
This more formal picture taken on the steps in what is now the car park.
COWES URBAN DISTRICT COUNCILLORS & EMPLOYEES..
From 1929 until the Isle of Wight Council’s hurried exit in 2010 the house and its grounds were council managed: Cowes Urban Dkistrict Council, Medina Borough Council and finally the Isle of Wight Council. Latterly it had become a bit of a financial burden for the council and there was a real possibility that it could become a hotel. Fortunately a group of volunteers took ownership and have proved hugely successful managers.
FLORA
A plaque by this statue states “THIS STATUE ORIGINALLY GIVEN TO THE TOWNSFOLK OF COWES BY GEORGE STEPHENSON TO MARK THE OCCASION OF THE MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCE OF WALES IN 1863. IT HAS BEEN REDISCOVERED, RESTORED AND RE-ERECTED BY THE EFFORTS OF LOCAL CHILDREN AT LOVE LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL. IT WAS UNVEILED ON 3rd MAY 1980 BY MR AND MRS WILFRED WARD WHOSE FAMILY PRESENTED NORTHWOOD HOUSE TO THE TOWN IN 1929.
EGYPTIAN CORNER
This celebration of ancient Egypt was part of Victorian Egyptomania; this uses symbols for decorative effect rather than historic accuracy.
The Basement
Taken in 2010 as part of Cowes Heritage’s Northwood House Exhibition.
Well worth a visit as part of the hidden but essential part of a great house.