RYDE, a market-town and chapelry, in the parish of NEWCHURCH, liberty of EAST-MEDINA, Isle of Wight division of the county of SOUTHAMPTON, 6 miles (E.N.E.) from Newport, and 77 (S. W.) from London. The population is returned with the parish. This place, anciently denominated La Rye, was at that period .a post for sentinels who guarded this part of the island, and in the reign of Richard II. was burnt and laid waste by the French. It is situated on the shores of the Solent, opposite to Stokes bay, and commands a fine view of Spithead and the Motherbank, with a more distant prospect of Haslar hospital and the town of Portsmouth; from an insignificant fishing hamlet it has, within the last thirty years, assumed the appearance of a neat, improving, and populous town; the original distinction into Upper and Lower Ryde is still preserved, but they are now united, the former comprising the more elevated buildings, the latter those near the seashore. The town consists chiefly of three streets, the principal of which is spacious and well paved; the houses are irregularly built, and are in general either in clusters or detached marine cottages; several handsome lodginghouses have been recently erected, and near the chapel is a fine range of well-built houses, called the Terrace; the facility and accommodation for sea-bathing, and the delightful walks and rides in its vicinity, the constant communication with Portsmouth by means of steamboats, and the rapid increase of residences on its eastern and western sides, afford every indication of its increase and prosperity. Assembly-rooms, libraries, and a small theatre, erected by the late Mr. Thornton, which is open during the season, add to its attractions. A fine pier, erected under the provisions of an act granted in 1814, at the expense of £12,000, is an object of general admiration; the entrance is through an arched gateway to a fine promenade one thousand seven hundred and forty feet in length, and from twelve to twenty feet in width, which is protected on each side by a neat iron railing; the admission to it is by periodical subscriptions, or a demand of twopence is made upon the visitors each time they enter the gateway, to which a neat porter's lodge is annexed; certain regulations have been established to secure the convenience of passengers, and all impositions are punishable by a fine to be levied by the acting magistrate for this division. The herring fishery affords employment to several persons. The markets are on Tuesday and Friday; and there is an annual fair on the 5th of July, for pedlary. Constables and other officers are chosen annually at a court leet for the manor, held at Ashey farm, and designated Ashey Court. The chapel, dedicated to St. Thomas, was origin ally built, in 1719, by Thomas Player, Esq.; a new one, erected in 1827, by George Player, Esq., is a neat edifice in the ancient style of English architecture, with a lofty tower and spire. A little to the westward is an episcopal chapel, erected in the same year, and licensed by the Bishop of Winchester; it is of modern architecture, and surmounted by a small cupola. There are places of worship for Independents and Wesleyan Methodists. A free school, recently erected by subscription among the inhabitants, is supported by voluntary contributions.