Britain's most glorious period is probably the Victorian era when Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 till her death in 1901. Engineering developments propelled the British Empire to become the world's most powerful trading nation. The British Empire covered a quarter of the world, so much so we can claim the sun never sets on the British Empire because we had territory in pretty much every corner of the world. Victoria had nine children and she married them all off to different European royal and noble families, earning her the nickname of Grandmother of Europe.
Beneath all this glory and power, Victoria was just like any other female, hugely in love with her husband, Prince Albert. They were married for 21 years till he died in 1861. If you've been to the V&A Museum or the Royal Albert Hall in London before, they are named after the couple.
During their marriage, the royal couple bought Osbourne House as their private home for rural retreat when they wanted to get away from the formal royal duties.
Osbourne House
Osbourne House is located on a little island called the Isle of Wight, about 10km away from south of England. A ferry ride takes between 40 to 60 minutes, 10 minutes only if you go by hovercraft. You can see the mainland from the Osbourne House gardens, and it's said this is why Victoria loved it here so much. Far away enough as a retreat, but near enough if royal duties require her back to reality.
Osborne House was expanded after the couple bought it, not surprising if you have nine kids and countless servants. You can't have princes and princesses cramped together in rooms! Albert was responsible for the design and created an "Italian Renaissance Palazzo" style. Not sure exactly what this means, but you get an idea from the images below.
The entrance floor captivated me as soon as I entered the house, it was so pretty. I noticed the subtle emblem that Albert had included in the design to represent themselves. Do you see it? If not, I'll let you know what it is at the end of the post.
Celebrations exhibition
The royal couple often came to stay at Osbourne House, particularly during their birthdays. When I visited, there was an exhibition called Celebration. It was about how they spent their birthdays here and the gifts they gave each other.
One particular gift that drew a lot of attention is this table with a dish as a top. The dish is a reproduction of an item from the late 16th century, and Albert bought it for Victoria's birthday in 1850. The dish later became very popular and if you're a tennis fan, particularly Wimbledon, you may (or may not) recognise it as the prize awarded to the ladies single champion. Not this one obviously, but one based on this.
Touring the Osbourne House
This is the Drawing Room, maybe known better as the modern day living room. It's decorated in an opulent yellow, said to be Albert and Victoria's favourite colour. The Billiards Room is round the corner, separated by some marble columns. Of course, back in those days there was no TV, and the royal family past time here playing the piano, cards, and reading, whilst the gentlemen would play billiards after dinner.
Like all grand houses, there's always a grand dining room. Osbourne House has two. This is the first one. The royal family must have had many happy dinners and memories here. Sadly, this was also where Queen Victoria's body lay in state after her death in 1901, before being taken to Windsor Castle to be buried.
This is the Queen's Sitting Room and is where Victoria worked. Although Osbourne House was the Queen's private home, being a queen means you're never really away from work. Both Victoria and Albert had their own desks in this room. That's how much they were in love with one another, and that's why Osbourne House became a sanctuary for Victoria in her latter years.
Forty years of mourning
After 21 years of marriage, Albert died suddenly in 1861, aged 42. Victoria was absolutely heartbroken and mourned him for the next 40 years. She wore black only, was rarely seen in public and spent a lot of time in Osbourne House. All of Albert's things and rooms were kept exactly the same as when he was alive. Victoria never spent their birthday months at Osbourne House again, the pain was just too much.
This is Victoria's bedroom. She died here in 1901 she was 81 years old. I imagine this would have been a relief for her. It would have been unbearable to lose and still love someone so dearly for half of your life.
The Durbar Room
Just when I thought I'd seen everything at Osbourne House, I arrived at The Durbar Room. As I walked in, it absolutely took my breath away. Truly a wow moment. I was not expecting it at all, and it was nothing like the rest of the house
During Queen Victoria's latter years she became fascinated with India. Curry became her favourite food, and she learnt to read and write urdu. In 1891, the Durbar Room was built at Osbourne House and was used as the dining room for state functions. The room is decorated in intricate Indian style carvings and plasters. Victoria built the Durbar Room at Osbourne House to bring a bit of India to her home because she couldn't go there due to distance and her aging.
And finally, do you remember the emblem that Albert added at the front entrance floor and did you manage to find it? Here it is... the V and A intertwined, representing the royal couple together as one. What a beautiful way to leave your loving mark in this world.
After thought
Visiting Osbourne House is one of the highlights when visiting the Isle of Wight. I had heard of it before, being Queen Victoria's private home, but I didn't know too much about her reign. I grew up under her great great grand daughter Queen Elizabeth's reign and it was interesting to connect the two together via Osbourne House. Highly recommend if you ever visit the Isle of Wight in England.
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