Wellow has an ancient history as a hamlet centre on Wellow Manor Farm. At one time there was a thriving community of farmers and farm workers and the village is said to have contained no less than seven shops.
The present Institute building was erected by an enthusiastic band of local villagers in 1893 on land donated by Mrs. White-Popham of Sandown. It was erected by Mr F T Long and the final debts owing were paid off by Mr James Preedy, whose picture may be seen on the main wall of the hall. The debt paid off amounted to £150 which was a large sum in those days and this fact is commemorated by a plaque in the hall. It was established as a literary institute at that time, a place where newspapers and other journals were read to local villagers, many of whom could not read. It was granted status as a Registered Charity.
Soon after the formal opening in 1894, a local branch of the Seeley Library was established in the Institute with a local librarian. Shalfleet Parish Council held their meetings alternately at Wellow Institute and at Ningwood School. This practice ceased during the wars but recommenced in 1948 continuing until 1962.
In its early days, there was a flourishing cricket team known as Wellow Park centred on the paddock fields of Wellow Manor Farm – this field being known locally as Parrack. Captained by Robert Lock, the former at Wellow Manor, it was probably the strongest team on the Island. It is recorded that in 1896 the Wellow Institute specially entertained the members of Wellow Park Cricket Club.
The familiar clock in the entrance gable of the Institute did not appear until 1907, when it was unveiled by the then Isle of Wight MP Sir Godfrey Baring.
