New Book Shows History Of Godshill In 99 Old Postcards

The Ventnor & District Local History Society’s latest publication, Godshill in 99 Old Postcards, is now available.

It is the third book inthe Society’s popular series, following Ventnor (published in 2023) and

Bonchurch (published in 2024).

Despite being a relatively small rural village in the early part of the twentieth century, Godshill’s attraction as a picturesque village made it a must-visit location and one of the most photographed spots on the Island.

A selection of cards taken from the Society’s archive held gives a snapshot of life and times in and around the village from the early 1900s through to the 1980s.

While Godshill didn’t changed all that much throughout the period, and largely remains the prototypical “chocolate-box” village, photographers captured whatever developments there were in the postcards they published.

These cards now allow local historians and collectors the benefit of the story they tell of Godshill over the years.

The cards presented are arranged in chapters covering Godshill from above, the country side around Godshill, All Saints Church, the Batswing, the Model Village, multiviews, the Old Smithy, pubs, thatched cottages, the railway station, Godshill School, tea rooms and Godshill Village.

The book is on sale for £6.50 (plus postage) through the Society’s online shop at

https://www.ventnorheritage.org.uk/shop/ or for £6.50 in the Ventnor Heritage Centre.

For further information contact Dr Jeffrey Mazo, VDLHS Deputy Chair, on

Jeffrey.mazo@ventnorheritage.org.uk.