Compton, Afton and Brook

Heritage Site in Hampshire

England

Compton, Afton and Brook

Catching the breeze â 1978 A group of hardy bus enthusiasts enjoying a trip on a vintage open top bus climbing to the top of the cliffs just to the east of Freshwater.

Southern Vectis 702 is a Bristol K with ECW bodywork, new to the company in 1939 and converted for open top services in 1959. When this view was taken she was already approaching her 40th year of service with the company, and although seen here on a private charter, was still regularly used on normal services. In 2021, now affectionately called &#039;The Old Girl&#039;, she is still in service, although now only used for special private charter work. As such, she holds the UK, and possibly world, record for a bus in continuous service with the same operator.

This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=137652761" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=137652761">Link</a> — Catching the breeze â 1978 Credit: Alan Murray-Rust

Compton, Afton, and Brook are three charming villages located in Hampshire, England, collectively known as the Compton, Afton and Brook Heritage Site. Situated on the Isle of Wight, these villages are renowned for their picturesque landscapes, rich history, and cultural significance.

Compton, with its stunning coastal views, is a popular tourist destination. It boasts a beautiful sandy beach that stretches for miles, attracting visitors who enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports. Additionally, Compton is home to the Compton Bay, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), known for its unique geological features and rich fossil deposits.

Afton, a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and lush greenery, is famous for its association with the renowned poet Alfred Lord Tennyson. Tennyson resided in Afton for many years and drew inspiration from its natural beauty, as evident in his works. Visitors can explore the Tennyson Trail, a scenic walking path that takes them through the picturesque countryside and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Lastly, Brook is a small village situated along the coast, known for its charming thatched cottages and tranquil atmosphere. It is a haven for nature lovers, with its expansive meadows, woodlands, and the Brook Bay Nature Reserve. The reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it provides a habitat for a wide range of bird species and other wildlife.

Overall, the Compton, Afton, and Brook Heritage Site offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and explore the stunning landscapes that make these villages a truly special place to visit.

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Compton, Afton and Brook Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.671/-1.506 or Grid Reference SZ3585. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Catching the breeze â 1978

A group of hardy bus enthusiasts enjoying a trip on a vintage open top bus climbing to the top of the cliffs just to the east of Freshwater. Southern Vectis 702 is a Bristol K with ECW bodywork, new to the company in 1939 and converted for open top services in 1959. When this view was taken she was already approaching her 40th year of service with the company, and although seen here on a private charter, was still regularly used on normal services. In 2021, now affectionately called 'The Old Girl', she is still in service, although now only used for special private charter work. As such, she holds the UK, and possibly world, record for a bus in continuous service with the same operator. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust

Site of the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival 50 years later

View from East Afton Down towards East Afton Farm with the site in between. The photo was taken exactly 50 years after the first day of the Festival whose performers included Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Who, Ten Years After, Chicago, The Moody Blues, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Jethro Tull and Supertramp.

Paul Coueslant

Freshwater Bay

Freshwater Bay has formed in a break in the chalk cliffs. The rocks shown here are at the SE corner of the bay, viewed from the promenade - Stag Rock, Arched Rock & Mermaid Rock (right to left). A cave is also visible. A fishing boat is moored. Photo taken in June or July 1973. Arched Rock subsequently collapsed in 1992.

Ian Taylor

Walkers on Tennyson Down

Paul Coueslant

Grazing above Freshwater Bay

Paul Coueslant

Bus terminus, Freshwater Bay â 1978

Southern Vectis was the principal operator on the island from the 1930s having come under control of the Southern Railway in 1929. By 1978 it was part of the National Bus Company. Bus 673, a Bristol VR with ECW bodywork, is seen in the standard NBC livery of leaf green, and is representative of what was effectively the standard NBC double deck bus of the period. It is parked at the entrance to the Freshwater Bay Golf Club on Southdown Road waiting for its return to Sandown. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust