The Isle of Wight County Press has been bringing Islanders the news since 1884. We've delved into our archives.

125 years ago, in August 1899:

Princess Henry of Battenberg opened a new block at the Royal National Hospital for Consumption at Ventnor. The block accommodated 21 patients.

The Island hosted the Portsmouth Volunteer Infantry Brigade's encampment for the first time. The brigade, which consisted of five regiments including the IW Rifle Volunteers, was visited by Princess Henry of Battenberg and the Duke of Connaught, also being reviewed by Queen Victoria at Osborne.

Around 150 children from Shorwell, Kingston, Billingham and Chale enjoyed tea and sports at Billingham Manor on the Bank Holiday.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded on the three-year-old son of a gunner stationed at Fort Redoubt, Freshwater, who died after he tumbled over the cliff near the fort.

100 years ago, in August 1924:

King George V and his illustrious racing yacht Britannia were victorious during Cowes Week's first day of racing.

Sir Thomas Lipton's Shamrock suffered disaster when a crewman from Essex fell overboard and was lost.

The Marchioness of Crewe had £1,700 worth of jewellery stolen during a sensational daylight robbery at Nubia House, Cowes - the home of Sir Godfrey and Lady Baring. The well-dressed robber, thought to be in his 60s, was discovered in the hallway by Lady Baring, coolly explained he was on business to see Sir Godfrey but did not have time to stay, then promptly made his escape.

75 years ago, in August 1949:

During Cowes Week, the Duke of Edinburgh went sailing in a 14ft dinghy called Kiwi, which was given to him and Princess Elizabeth as a wedding gift by the Royal New Zealand Navy.

A statue of Lord Chief Justice Fleming - the Island's first chief justice and the man who sentenced Guy Fawkes to death - was moved from its home in the courtroom at Newport Guildhall during renovations. Inside the statue, a perfectly preserved copy of The Times from September 1856 was found.

Seaview Horticultural Society won first prize for the collection of fruit at the first News of the World National Garden Show at Olympia, London.

50 years ago, in August 1974: 

The rector of Wootton, The Rev G. Rayner, writing in the parish magazine The Bridge, described raising the school leaving age as one of the greatest blunders by political parties of both colours. "Anyone with common sense would realise that as children develop much earlier than 50 years ago, it might be good for them to leave school as early as their forefathers," he wrote. "I don't see any good reason why teachers should have to cope with, or taxpayers pay for, rebellious schoolchildren."