Mason's Guide (1876) - Brading

Brading is a corporate and market town. Near the church there is an ancient town hall, and the stocks, neither of which are used. It is governed by a senior and junior mayor, and thirteen jurats, acting under a charter from the crown, and having a common seal with the legendThe King's Towne of Brading." It once sent two members to Parliament, but as in those days payment for such privilege was demanded, the inhabitants petitioned to be relieved, and their prayer was granted. At the upper part of the town may be seen the bull ring formerly used for bull-baiting, the favourite, but barborous sport of our forefathers. Here is a large Congregational Chapel, situated on the Mall, with a neat Cemetery attached; and a Bible Christian Chapel. Brading can be reached by rail from Ryde, Newport, Ventnor, Sandown, Shanklin, and Wroxall.

[Description(s) from Mason's Guide to the Isle of Wight (1876)]