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| Sophie Dawes daughter of a famous local smuggler, fled to London when her father died. She then eloped with Duc de Bourbon, eventually ending her days with him in Paris - causing great scandal at the time. Her family weren't all bad her cousin built the local chapel. | St. Helens probably has one
of the largest village greens in England. Surrounding the green are a collection of mainly
terraced Victorian houses. But, nearer the shore are larger, more grander houses Including
a mock Tudor castle. The main town is not very interesting but the St. Helens side of Bembridge harbour has the Duver, a collection of well established sand dunes, home to many rare plants. Also on the Duver are the remains of Ancient church where the Saxon Bishop Wilfred sent his priest Hildila to convert the Islanders to Christianity; who were incidentally one of the last in England to convert. The Norman's added a priory to the church which was eventually swept into the sea. The monks farmhouse remained which is now called the Priory it became a large Victorian pile which employed many servants. The Duver makes a nice day out for a family whose children would be happier in rock pools rather than amusement arcades. It is served by a small restaurant in the summer months.. |
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