The Museum of Island History will celebrate Heritage Open Days later this month with a special display to mark the Tour of Britain cycle race.
Located in the historic Guildhall on Newport High Street, people can visit the museum for free on Sunday, 11th September, from 12 noon to 2pm.
A small display of cycling photographs will be on show alongside the 1885 Springfield cycling trophy, which was won by the Ryde cyclist, W.M.V Webber, in 1885.
The Springfield Cycling Tournament was held in Massachusetts USA.
Webber won the ten mile race and triumphed in the 20 mile contest. He was the first person in America to ride 20 miles in less than an hour. The feat was made more impressive as the bikes were Penny Farthings, also known as the Rudge ‘ordinary’ bicycle.
Also on display will be the current photographic exhibition of Newport featuring more than 100 photographs of the historic town.
Travelling around the Island could be difficult on 11th September with the final leg of the Tour of Britain cycle race taking place. Therefore, the museum will also be open free of charge on Thursday, 15th September, from 10am to 1pm.
This event has been funded by a grant from Historic England. The Heritage Service is a delivery partner for the Newport Heritage High Street Action Zone – Cultural Consortium. The aim is to create events and activities which centre around Newport High Street.
Newport Roman Villa
Newport Roman Villa will also be open free of charge to celebrate Heritage Open Days on Friday 16th September, from 10.30am until 2.30pm.
The well-preserved remains of this third century Roman house are worth exploring.
Find out more about life on the Island in Roman times, visit the Roman herb garden and view some of the Island’s fascinating archaeological finds.
Find out more about Heritage Open Days and what else is open free of charge on the official Website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
