Isle of Wight churchyards reveal secrets and mysteries

But these burial grounds can hide a wealth of intriguing stories.

I will relate just a few of these tales.

In Ventnor Cemetery (situated in upper Ventnor) can be found the grave of John Morgan Richards, an American businessman who lived in Steephill Castle in St Lawrence.

His business interest involved cigarettes, and he went a long way in popularising the habit of smoking.

The grave of John Morgan Richards, an American businessman who lived in Steephill Castle, St Lawrence. (Image: David White)

In the marketing of his brand Allen and Ginster, were Richmond Gems, Carters Little Liver Pills and Dr Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People (the gullibility of some members of the public)!

Upon his death in 1918 the Times obituary quoted him as “A pioneer of doubtful benefits"

His surviving daughter, Pearl Craigie, who also lived in St Lawrence, was a published author writing under the name of John Oliver Hobbes.

Taking a look at the churchyard of St Edmunds in Wootton, a grave can be seen, set into the east side wall of the church.

This is the grave of Benjamin Smith and Ann Longdon. This is an interesting story of true love, when Ben first set eyes on Ann.

Coming from a wealthy family, Ben had inherited a brewery, but to marry a common seamstress was unacceptable to his wealthy family and friends.

But true love overcame and Ben decided to ignore the conventions and live openly with Ann. During their time together Ann produced five children.

However in 1834, sadly Ann died and a grieving Ben threw himself into politics.

All their children went on to lead successful lives.

Ben died in 1860 and was interred with his love. Ironically, although not married, owing to conventions of the day, Ann was eventually buried bearing Ben's surname.

The memorial of Ben Smith and his partner Ann. (Image: David White)

The next church is that of St Andrews in Chale. Looking around the graveyard, one may find many interesting graves, such as the one of the Captain of The Lotus that ran aground off Rocken End near chale in 1862.

The Captain, William McNeil, perished along with 11 of his crew.

Captain William McNeil's grave. (Image: David White)

The cargo consisted of rum and sugar, and it was said that rescue services had been too drunk to achive an efficient rescue operation.

It was also stated that the ship itself had been in such a poor condition that come the storm the vessel could not withstand the seas and just broke up.

Moving on to Ryde Cemetary, one can find the burial sites of the Carter family.

Their history is one of a mixture of fact, fiction and folklore.

Edward Carter was born in 1812 and during his marrage had six daughters and one son. He was a moderately wealthy landowner, besides having considerable stocks and shares investments.

The grave of Edward Carter. (Image: David White)

It is also fact that he was an important member of the then prestigious Victoria Yacht Club in Ryde (now called The Prince Consort).

When he died, things took a strange turn. Following his death, the family house at Upton Cross near Ryde was locked up, and kept in its original state, never to be opened or touched again.

It was a Victorian time capsule of dampness, cobwebs and history. Up until the 1960s it remained untouched.

Of course legends abound of hauntings and bizarre stories, and one semi-fictional book was even written on the subject (now it seems out of print).

One story is that two of the sisters who survived remained recluses, eventually locking up and moving into the Upton Lodge house on the opposite side of the road.

The lodge house at Upton, Ryde. (Image: David White)

Above, the lodge house, and inset, the coach house

Eventually a mysterious fire destroyed the abandoned time capsule forever, but the stories did not finish there.

It was said that years later, when the remainder of the estate went up for sale, the adjoining coach house revealed original Victorian carriages.

There are more stories to come from the Island's churchyards!