Brading, Isle of Wight, in 1843
Brading is a small town picturesquely situated on the slopes of two opposite hills on the south-east side of the island. Several of the houses are ancient, consisting of bricks supported by timber framework. The market-house and town-hall is a small structure. The church ia large and of considerable antiquity. It is a corporation, which was not affected by the Corporations Act of 1835. The corporate body consists of two bailiffs, two justices, a deputy steward, an indefinite number of burgesses, and inhabitants at large. The number of electors in 1837 was 338. The title to admission to the elective body is household inhabitancy. The population of the borough is about 2,000. The governing charter is I Edward VI. The population of the town and parish in 1841 was 2,701. Brading Haven admits small vessels when the tide is in. Sir Hugh Middleton attempted to reclaim the haven from sea by making a dyke, for which purpose he brought over workmen from Holland, but the sea broke in, and the attempt was never afterwards resumed.
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