One of the more infamous residents was Molly Downer, who was a famous smuggler. She left her cottage to the local vicar who was so embarrassed he had it burnt down.

The earliest records show that Druids once practised their sacrificial rites in the local woodlands. According to Local folklore, a holyman was killed in a druid ceremony bringing about a 'great revenge' in the form of a flood. Probably a reference to the fact the Bembridge and the surrounding area became an Island at high tide - the wetland has since been reclaimed.

Having a harbour the village was mainly given over to fishing and smuggling until the Victorians came and turned it into a genteel resort. Little fishing remains today and the harbour is more famous for its sailing club, which has a class of dinghy named after the town called the "Bembridge Redwing".  Bembridge has long been associated with the Royal National Lifeboat Association and Bembridge's lifeboat is often busy during the sailing season.

There are two tourist attractions of note: Bembridge windmill, and the Maritime museum. The museum is more interesting and is owned by a local commercial diver.

Also, worth stopping at are the two pubs at the harbour, both serving excellent beer and seafood. There is also a cafe alongside the dunes.

Across the other side of the harbour is St. Helens which has attractive sand dune area called the 'Duver' which has the remains of an ancient church. There is also a cafeŽ open in the summer months.

Bembridge offers a quieter day at the beach than the traditional resorts of Sandown and Shanklin.

Maritime Museum....... (01983) 872223
Open........................Daily 10am - 5pm   Mar-Oct

Bus..........................1, 90

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