I.

Introduction

Wight, Isle of (unitary authority) (ancient Vectis), island and unitary authority, southern England, lying in the English Channel, and separated from Hampshire to the north on the English mainland by the narrow channels of the Solent and Spithead. The area of the island and unitary authority are coterminous at 381 sq km (147 sq mi). Newport is the administrative centre.

The Isle of Wight is two distinct places: in winter it is largely left to the local residents; the summer brings large numbers of holiday-makers, numbering as many as ten times the local population.