This may be of interest to all the members. Lesley Abraham, Kite Hill Farm, Wootton Bridge. Subject: FW: Isle of Wight Council News Release: ONLINE DATABASES LAUNCHED TO HELP HISTORIC RESEARCH Researching parts of the Isle of Wight's history is now a lot easier thanks to new online information. Isle of Wight Council's Heritage Service has launched a range of Internet index databases that are accessible through the council's website - www.iwight.com The index databases allows visitors to look up a specific record, get the index number and visit Newport's County Records Office and request the information. It saves having to look through large amounts of historic records to get the information you are looking for. Among the index databases available include a list of apprenticeship indentures in Newport between 1689 - 1835 and a Cowes registry of shipping between 1786 - 1930. Isle of Wight Council's Heritage Service Manager Richard Smout said "The online index databases gives the public greater access while also providing an idea of what information is held at the records office. "It also helps cut down on the use of paper documents that are not of relevance to visits, which not only saves time for customers searching for records, but also helps protect our original documents from wear and tear. "Searching online also gives a fascinating glimpse into life here centuries ago. For example, one interesting database is those of alehouse licences awarded in Newport borough between 1766 - 1819. Many people on the Island probably didn't know there were pubs called The Pig and Carrot and The Shoulder of Mutton in Newport - all very different from today's pubs" Visitors accessing iwight.com to view the databases can also use an online guide to help them find the information they are searching for. The databases can be found by visiting www.iwight.com/library/record_office/ Issued By: Simon Butler, Media Officer Tel: 01983 823546 Fax: 01983 823109 Email : simon.butler@iow.gov.uk