One of the most striking aspects of the Isle of Wight is without a doubt its dear views across the Solent. Marking it out as a much-loved tourist destination throughout the 19th century, the Isle of Wight and its sea air was also popular with well known writers, poets, scientists, creatives and socialites of the time. Alfred, Lord Tennyson made his home at Farringford in Freshwater where he wrote many of his most famous works. One poem, Crossing the Bar, was thought to have been written as he crossed the Solent: Sunset and evening star,And one clear call for me!And may there be no moaning of the bar,When I put out to sea,But such a tide as moving seems asleep,Too full for sound and foam,When that which drew from out the boundless dTurns again home.Twilight and evening bell,And after that the dark!And may there be no sadness of farewell,When I embark;For tho' from out our bourne of Time and PlaceThe flood may bear me far,I hope to see my Pilot face to faceWhen I have crost the bar. — Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "Crossing the Bar" (1889)
