Area Guide

History

Formally a village, Lee on the Solent gained its name during attempts to develop the area in to a seaside resort in the 19th century. The town's development began with Charles Edmund Newton Robinson. Charles persuaded his father, art curator and collector, John Charles Robinson, to provide the funds for the purchase of the land.

Over the course of ten years, between 1884 to 1894, the town was established beginning with the Marine Parade pier and railway. The railway was removed in the 1930s and the pier which was damaged in World War II was demolished in 1958.

The Lee Tower complex was built in 1935. It was situated on the seafront next to what was then the old pier and station. The white v-shaped Art Deco building had a 120-foot tower, cinema, ballroom and restaurant. The Tower was demolished in 1971 and the land now forms part of the promenade and remembrance gardens .

Daedalus was a base for seaplane training and was established in 1917. Lee on the Solent has long been associated with flying and seaplane trials took place as far back as 1915.

This is just a taste of the history of Lee on the Solent. If you have knowledge or memories about Lee on the Solent and think it should be included above, please let us know by contacting us at: help@leeonsolent.co.uk