Inspirational Islanders: Jasmine Wroath, Brading Roman Villa

Born on the Isle of Wight, Jasmine’s lifelong passion for history was sparked by Sunday evenings watching Time Team. After studying Archaeology at Bournemouth University and later History and Education in Bath, she returned to the Island and joined Brading Roman Villa in 2006. Over nearly two decades, she has held a variety of roles before becoming Museum Manager in 2020. The museum is one of the finest Roman sites in the UK and boasts beautifully preserved mosaic floors as well as an extensive collection of Roman archaeology.

What is it about the Island that appeals to you as a place to live and work? 

The Island has such an eclectic mix of natural, creative and historical events or places to visit, which means that there is always something to do or somewhere to go and combining that with the opportunity to be on a beach one day and then go into the countryside the next makes it a great place to live and work.

Where is your favourite place on the Island? 

I don’t go as often as I would like, but a favourite place is St Catherine’s Lighthouse. Perched on the Island’s southernmost tip, the coastline there feels rugged and wild.

Where is your favourite beach on the Island? 

I grew up and live in Ryde, so I will always have a soft spot for the beaches at Appley Beach and Puckpool Park. When the tide goes out, the sand seems to stretch on forever, and the views across the Solent are hard to beat, whatever the time of year.

Where is your favourite place on the Island to go for a walk? 

I’m biased and would have to say that I really do love walking in the fields around the museum, especially in the summer when the grass is long, but I also like to walk from Compton Beach to Brook. I used to lead fossil hunting tours for school groups, so I spent a lot of time along that stretch of coast and enjoy walking there now with the family.

What is your favourite Island event? 

I love going to the Chale Show and watching the sheepdog trials. It’s a traditional country show with a great mix of local produce, crafts, livestock and community stalls.

If readers only had an hour on the Island, what would you recommend they do or where would you recommend they visit? 

Obviously, I would recommend Brading Roman Villa with a walk around the grounds, followed by any one of the museums on the Island, they are all worth visiting!

To find out more, visit bradingromanvilla.org.uk.