Name: Osborne
Address: York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6JT
Telephone: 01983 200022

The Great Victorian Show Tue 28 - Thur 30 May 2019

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A pair of visitors explore the grand corridor at Osborne.

Four girls gleefully explore the gardens at Osborne.

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Address

York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6JT

Queen Victoria's Birthday Table at Osborne in 1855.

200 Years of Victoria and Albert

This year we're celebrating 200 years since the births of Victoria (24 May) and Albert (26 August) in 1819.

Victoria and Albert were married for 20 years until the Prince's death in 1861. Many of the royal family's birthdays were spent at Osborne, and the exchanging of gifts on the 'Present Table' became an annual event.

From 24 May, follow our birthday trail to discover gifts exchanged between Victoria and Albert, and explore our anniversary exhibition taking an in-depth look at how birthdays were spent at Osborne.

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Things to see and do

What's On

The Great Victorian Show

Tue 28 - Thur 30 May 2019 10am - 5pm
Floristry: How To

Sat 1 Jun 1.30pm - 4pm

Osborne Timeline

1774-81Blachford Family

Robert Pope Blachford extends and adapts an existing house into a three-storey residence, with a walled kitchen garden and a brick stable block.

1844-5Victoria and Albert

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert lease Osborne House from Lady Isabella Blachford.

1845A Brand New House

The royal couple buy Osborne. Albert commissions architect and master builder Thomas Cubitt to advise him on an extension. Cubitt recommends they build a new house.

Find out more about the history of Osborne

1846Pavilion Completed

The first phase of building, the Pavilion, is completed. It houses the private rooms of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and the royal nurseries.

1848Household Wing Completed

The second phase is completed, including the wing for the royal household. The old house is demolished.

1851Main Wing Completed

The main wing, initially used by the royal children, is built on the old house site and is linked to the household wing by a long corridor.

Read a description of Osborne

1850sGardens and Beach

An extensive network of new walks and drives is created, including routes around the perimeter of the park and to a private beach.

1853-4Children's Swiss Cottage

A timber Swiss Cottage is built for the royal children in their own garden, nearly a mile to the east of the house.

1861Stables and Servant Facilities

Stables for 50 horses and carriages are completed to the south. The former stables are transformed into kitchen facilities and servants' accommodation.

1861Tragedy Strikes

Prince Albert dies unexpectedly at Windsor Castle, leaving Victoria overwhelmed with grief.

1887Indian Servants

The male dormitory, first built in 1850, is extended to accommodate the Indian servants introduced to the royal household.

1890-91Indian Wing

The Durbar Wing is built to provide a large reception or dining room, as well as a private suite for the queen's youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice, and her family.

1901Queen's Death

Queen Victoria dies at Osborne.

1902Given to the Nation

Against Victoria's explicit wishes, her successor, Edward VII, gives the estate to the nation.

1903-4Royal Naval College

Part of the grounds become the Royal Naval College Osborne. The ground floor of the Pavilion and the council and audience rooms are opened to the public. Other areas are converted into a convalescent home for officers.