Leading heritage campaigners in Ryde have called for the restoration of “faded and no longer legible” plaques in memory of a shipping disaster in the Solent nearly 240 years ago, in which up to 1000 people died.

Hundreds of bodies washed up on the shore at Ryde and were buried there, after the sinking of the Royal George off Spithead.

Members of Ryde Social Heritage Group — joined by local Cllr Wayne Whittle — called for the plaques in the Royal George memorial garden, on the corner of the Strand (off East Hill Road) to be repaired, in the wake of the anniversary of the sinking of the ship on August 29, 1782.

It follows a letter in the County Press last week that drew attention to the plaques, installed on behalf of Southern Water during flood prevention engineering works five years ago.

Chairwoman of Ryde Social Heritage Group, Barbara Hunt, described the memorial as 'superb' but said: “Unfortunately over the last few years it has deteriorated to the extent that it is no longer legible.

Read more: Fading memory of this Isle of Wight tragedy

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She said: "It actually explains a lot of history about The Royal George and it is so important to keep our history of Ryde and beyond alive. As this is a memorial to the lives lost, it is distressing it has been allowed to get in such a poor condition.”

Cllr Whittle said Southern Water paid for the memorial, along with the reinstatement of the gardens. He said: “The question is who now takes responsibility for it? It is important all local memorials are maintained and kept in good order for our community remembrance and tourism, as heritage and history are a great attraction and inspiration for public interest.”

Ann Barrett, membership organiser and founder member of the Social Heritage Group, said the plaques focus on a very poignant and significant event in our history.

She said: “It is in a very appropriate position near to where many hundreds of the people on board were washed up on the shore at Ryde and were subsequently laid to rest. Apart from this place, there were a lot people interred in a pit in the churchyard of St Thomas's Church.

"I wholeheartedly give my support to this plaque being preserved for the people of the Island, as well as visitors and future generations to be able to read, so that those unfortunates from that ship are not forgotten.

“The Island has a wonderful history and many like myself are very passionate about it.”

The ship sank when it was intentionally “rolled” during routine maintenance whilst anchored at Spithead off Portsmouth. There were 820 crew on board and a further 400 visitors made up of families, including children and tradespeople.

A spokeswoman for Southern Water said they would look into the issue and report back.

By Peter Gruner