Parkhurst, Isle of Wight explained

Country:England
Map Type:Isle of Wight
Official Name:Parkhurst
Coordinates:50.7167°N -1.3048°W
Population:5,047
Population Ref:(2011 ward)[1]
Unitary England:Isle of Wight
Lieutenancy England:Isle of Wight
Region:South East England
Constituency Westminster:Isle of Wight
Post Town:NEWPORT
Postcode District:PO30
Postcode Area:PO
Dial Code:01983
Os Grid Reference:SZ491910

Parkhurst is a neighbourhood northwest of the town of Newport, Isle of Wight. It has few amenities, but a large residential population.

It is notable for housing H.M.P. Isle of Wight, on three sites, formerly three separate prisons: the well-known Parkhurst Prison itself, Camp Hill, and Albany. Parkhurst and Albany were once amongst the few top-security prisons in the United Kingdom but were downgraded in the 1990s.

A number of well-known criminals were accommodated in the Parkhurst prisons, including John Duddy, Graham Young, the Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe and the Kray twins.

The prisons caused the construction during the mid 20th century of housing estates to accommodate prison workers and their families, and much of the area is characterised by these poor-quality estates, now largely in private ownership but still in need of repair.

Parkhurst also adjoins Parkhurst Forest, a large Forestry Commission owned woodland which includes plantation woodland and a large area of ancient woodland, and is well used by local people for recreation.

Parkhurst is situated on the A3020 road and is served by frequent buses on Southern Vectis route 1.

Notable people

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Newport Ward population 2011. 19 October 2015.
  2. Rousby, Clara Marion Jessie.