Brighstone

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Brighstone is a village on the Isle of Wight. It is located seven miles southwest of Newport, near the island's southwest coast.

[edit] Origins of the Name

The first known written mention of the village as a settlement was in the Domesday Book (under Weristetone). Since then its name has steadily evolved over time.

Notable name changes from written sources include;

Weristetone 1086

Brihtmiston 1212

Brichtestone 1257

Brighlestone 1276

Brixton 1399

Its name was once again changed in the 1820’s after a petition by the villagers, who were keen to avoid associations with the recently opened Brixton Prison.

[edit] Village Amenities

The centerpiece of the village is St Mary’s church, built in 1190 during the reign of Edward I. To this day is has a thriving congregation who play an active role in the community of Brighstone

The village has two pubs; The Countryman which lies midway between Brighstone and Limerstone, and the centrally positioned Three Bishops. The Three Bishops was originally called The New Inn. Upon reopening it was renamed, after a suggestion by the then vicar. The name signifies the fact that three former vicars of St Mary's have gone on to serve as bishops.

The village has a church aided Primary School, a Doctors Surgery, complete with dispensery and also boasts of two convenience shops, a tea room, a National Trust run gift shop, a post office and a small village museum with free admission.

Behind the village 'Wilberforce' hall there is a recently built Scout,Guide and Community centre. This also acts as a summertime YHA hostel, helping to attract greater numbers of holiday makers to Brighstone, from which they are able explore the rolling downlands and stunning coastline of the West Wight.

The village also has a cricket club which plays its matches at Brighstone recreation ground. They play various touring sides from around the south of England during the summer months

[edit] Local Legends

Whitgar

History states that in 544AD, as a result of a family feud Whitgar (the last independent Jute king of the Isle of Wight)was defeated and killed in battle with Stuf (both Stuf and Whigtgar being relations of Cerdic and Cynric). After the battle Whitgar's body was buried in Wihtgarabyrig (Carisbrooke Castle). However it is a popular village belief that Whigtgar escaped the battlefield.

Brighstonian’s claim that Whitgar spent several years wandering the west wight’s downlands, lamenting the loss of his beloved kingdom. Whilst walking through Brighstone Forest (so the legend goes) Whitgar met, fell in love with and subsequently had 10 children with the daughter of a woodsman.

Many Brighstonians swear blind that they are directly descended from Whitgar. With locals still able to recount that “From the Whitwar (people from the Isle of Wight), at a time of greatest peril, Whitgar’s true air will come forth to reclaim freedom from foreign rule and lieag (caulkish for ‘lay’ or in some instances ‘comfort’) the ghost of Whitgar in peace.”

Indeed after visiting the village during the 1880’s Karl Marx wrote to a friend; “…… each person I met claimed to be descended from an ancient king. With each man thinking himself a king, and each woman a queen, everyone thinks themselves equal to his fellow. Never have I witnessed such a content community.”