ELECTRICITY ARRIVED IN RYDE AND SEAVIEW FOR THE FIRST …

Ryde Mayor Alfred Millward set in motion the machinery to generate electricity for Ryde and Seaview on 1st October 1903.

The machinery to supply electricity to Ryde and its environs was supplied by the Isle of Wight Electric Light and Power Company’s works at Benett Street, which stills stands today.

Before the machinery was turned on, the process of generating electricity was explained by chief engineer Mr Wigham, who said that anthracite coal was used to produce gas for 3-cylinder engines, sufficient to provide power to illuminate 3,000, 8-candle lights or as many as 10,000 connected lights.

Mr Wigham told the dignitaries:

“Nearly all the machinery is of British manufacture. There was not a hundredweight of stuff in their undertaking that had not been made by British workmen, in British workshops, and with British capital.”

The chief engineer’s statement was met with cheers by all those assembled.

After starting the engine by turning a handle and switching on the current to Ryde and Seaview, Mayor Millward said:

“Perhaps it is to our advantage that there has been a little delay in bringing it into Ryde for we have the satisfaction of having the finest machinery in Great Britain. That could not have been the case had there not been some delay.

“Ryde with the electric light is infinitely better than Ryde without the electric light.”

After the Mayor’s speech, refreshments were then served to the guests in a room lit by electricity produced in the plant.

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References

1. ^{^} here (www.islandecho.co.uk)