Region
England
South East
Isle Of Wight

Find fascinating family stories in Isle of Wight archives online

Was the Isle of Wight your ancestor’s island idyll? Find out more about them from Isle of Wight family history records online at Findmypast. Identify cousins in Cowes and search for great uncles in Godshill. Whatever your family link to the Isle of Wight, your story starts here.

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A whistlestop history of the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight has a long and rich history with evidence of inhabitants since prehistoric times. There are nine major towns on the island. Ryde has the largest population.

The Isle of Wight’s location has put it on the frontline of various battles over the centuries, such as the Spanish Armada and the Battle of Britain.

Unsurprisingly, the island has a tradition of maritime industry and has been home to famous boat builders like J. Samuel White who built destroyers, other naval craft and lifeboats. The marine manufacturers Saunders-Roe produced flying boats on the island.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert craved quiet island life and created a private family home on the Osborne estate, away from court life.

The island’s Ryde Pier is the world’s oldest seaside pleasure pier. Famously, Jimi Hendrix gave one of his last performances at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival, an event believed to have had a larger attendance than Woodstock in the United States.

A sunny boat trip around the Isle of Wight’s famous rock formation known as The Needles.

Immerse yourself in Isle of Wight family history

Uncover the life-changing events in your Isle of Wight ancestors’ lives with the records they left behind.

Isle of Wight 1921 census: Collage of life in the 1920s

What was the Isle of Wight like in the 1920s?

Unravel family mysteries with the 1921 Census of England and Wales, only available online at Findmypast. This century-old snapshot of island life will help you piece together your ancestors’ incredible stories.

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Easy online access to Isle of Wight newspaper archives

Old Isle of Wight newspapers can unlock unseen chapters of your family story. Check local birth, marriage and death announcements, see if your ancestors made the headlines and more.

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If your lineage left the shores of the Isle of Wight, find your ancestors elsewhere in England. Delve into our vast range of family history records for every county, city, town and village in the land.

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