National Gazetteer (1868) - Freshwater

FRESHWATER, a parish in the liberty of West Medina, Isle of Wight, county Hants, 2 miles S.W. of Yarmouth, its post town, and 10 W. of Newport.' It is situated at the western extremity of the island, and nearly separated from it by an inlet of the sea, known as Freshwater Gate, and by the river Yar; it is united on the southern side only by a narrow isthmus. The parish includes the hamlets of Easton, Middleton, Norton, and Weston. The varied features of this place render it an attractive spot.

On the S. is Freshwater Bay, on the W. Alum Bay, with the Needles, and on the N.W. Totlands Bay. The cliffs, which in some parts rise to a great height above the sea level, extend nearly round this part of the coast. Here are extensive caverns, open to the sea, and the resort of wild-fowl. On a westerly point of the cliffs stands the Needles lighthouse. The living is a rectory* in the diocese of Winchester, value £710, in the patronage of St. John's College, Cambridge. The church is dedicated to All Saints, and contains some ancient monumental figures. The parochial charities produce about £50 per annum, £27 of which are a school endowment. The Wesleyans have a chapel, and there is a free school. Scattered throughout the parish are numerous villa residences.

AFTON, a village in the parish of Freshwater, liberty of West Medina, in the Isle of Wight, in the county of Hants., 2 miles S. of Yarmouth. It is situated near Freshwater Bay, at the foot of Afton Down, which has an elevation of 500 feet, and on the summit of which are some tumuli.

EASTON, a tything in the parish of Freshwater, Isle of Wight, county Hants, 9 miles W. of Newport.

MIDDLETON, a tything in the parish of Freshwater, Isle of Wight, county Hants, 9 miles S.W. of Newport.

NORTON, a tything in the parish of Freshwater, Isle of Wight, county Hants, 4 miles S. by E. of Lymington, and 9 W. of Newport. It is situated near the source of the river Yar, which rises at Freshwater Gate. There are several seats, as Norton Lodge and Norton Cottage.

WESTON, a tything in the parish of Freshwater, Isle of Wight, county Hants, 9 miles S.W. of Newport.

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) - Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]