Bembridge
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| Bembridge | |
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| Population | 3,567 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| Unitary authority | Isle of Wight |
| Region | South East |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BEMBRIDGE |
| Postcode district | PO35 |
| Dial code | 01983 |
| Police | Hampshire |
| Fire | Isle of Wight |
| Ambulance | South Central |
| UK Parliament | Isle of Wight |
| European Parliament | South East England |
| List of places: UK • England | |
Bembridge is a village located on the easternmost point of the Isle of Wight. It had a population of 3,848 according to the 2001 census of the United Kingdom, leading to claims by residents that Bembridge is the largest village in England. The mean age of the population is 50 years old.
Bembridge is a local service centre, hosting both a primary and middle school (see Education on the Isle of Wight for more information), a post office, several shops, a local airport (with concrete runway), and Catholic, Methodist and Anglican Churches. It is also the location of a local fire station, (crewed by a team of retained firemen), and RNLI lifeboat station.
The RNLI station is particularly important, as extending into the sea to the east of the village lies the notorious "Bembridge ledge", a large rocky outcrop which poses a major threat to passing boats. Although it is private sailing yachts which are most at risk, a wide variety of boats commonly run aground here, especially in the often stormy weather conditions which affect the Solent during winter months.
Close to the lifeboat station lies a coastguard outlook. Positioned at a high elevation this offers views of the Solent meeting the English Channel to the east of the Isle of Wight. Boating enthusiasts can observe a range of shipping - most of it keeping a safe distance from the Bembridge ledge - here, especially during the summer. Adjacent is the Crab & Lobster pub, popular for its locally-caught seafood.
Bembridge Windmill, the only remaining windmill on the Isle of Wight is located to the west of the village. Dating from around 1700, it is a National Trust property generally open from April to October.
The Britten-Norman aircraft factory is located near Bembridge.
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