COWES HERITAGE and
COMMUNITY GROUP
Registered Charity: 1192247
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.
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
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.
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.
During the First World War Northwood House became a Convalescent Hospital. This picture captures a moment of relaxation away from the horrors of war.
This more formal picture taken on the steps in what is now the car park.
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.