COWES (EAST), a hamlet in the parish of WHIPPINGHAM,
liberty of EAST-MEDINA, Isle of Wight division
of the county of SOUTHAMPTON, f of a mile (S. B. by
B.) from West Cowes. The population is returned with
the parish. This village is situated on the eastern side
of the mouth of the river Medina, and owes its origin
to a fort, or blockhouse, erected by Henry VIII.,
for the defence of the' harbour, of which no traces
are discernible; Here is a custom-house, where
vessels arriving in the harbour pay the government
duties. .