About Brading

Some Historical Context and local information

establshed a little way out of town along Quay Lane. Some of the harbour wall remains today. However as the Brading Haven and the river Yar became even more affected by silting, so came the pressure to block off the river to establish valuable land. This was eventually successful in 1881 by building a harbour wall and the railway, So now Brading now takes it's place amongst the few other English towns as being a sea port without any sea!

During the 1800's the town of Brading used it's town status to hold a market and fairs which along with land taxes gave rise to the judicary required to administer these undertakings. In 1835 the town had a mayor and corporation (who were largely made up from bailiffs), 2 justices, 2 constables, 1 steward and a deputy steward plus a Hayward to keep some matters in order. Much of the law was administered locally and the town jail, whipping post and stocks still survive today in their location in the old town hall.

Brading is fortunate in having a lot of it's old artifacts and records available and these are

currently being made available to all on the Brading Community Archive Website.

The Brading corportion was abolished as part of the municipal corporation act of 1883 though many of the records from this time and before currently exist. The town trust has tbeen charged with the protection of community facilities, buildings and land to be enjoyed by future generations of Brading towns folk.

As well as historical interest, Brading is a hub for wildlife enthusiasts using the Brading marshes RSPB centre. The Brading Downs provides beautiful vistas of the Isle of Wight.