Ventnor

Ventnor, the principal town on the south shore of the Isle of Wight, 11 miles by rail S. by W. of Ryde. Situated amid the finest of the fine scenery of the Udercliff, it has a southern exposure, well sheltered from the north, and so possesses a mild climate, suitable for various classes of invalids. Hence from a small fishing-hamlet it has grown since 1830 to a favourite watering-place, with an esplanade (1848), numerous hotels and lodging-houses, and the National Consumption Hospital (1872). The beach is composed of beautiful yellow shingle; and fossils are found in great quantity in the vicinity. Pop. (1861) 3208; (1891) 5817. See works cited at WIGHT (ISLE OF).