During the Summer of 2019 the Isle of Wight is set to celebrate the magnificent Victorian era with an array of different events planned around the 200th Anniversary of the birthday of Queen Victoria.
Queen Victoria is very important to the Isle of Wight as she & Albert chose the Island to be their holiday home and they both spent many happy times at Osborne House which offered beautiful views of the sea, a perfect spot to bathe and magical grounds in which their many children could play.
"It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" said Queen Victoria of Osborne House, her palatial holiday home on the Isle of Wight.
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of HM Queen Victoria and HRH Prince Albert, a historical walk through East Cowes has been created and will be officially opened on the birthday HM Queen Victoria, 24th May.
The trail highlights the famous Victorians who visited East Cowes during Queen Victoria’s reign.
Queen Victoria brought a ‘Golden Age’ to the Isle of Wight attracting many famous artists, poets and people of society including Alfred, Lord Tennyson her Poet Laureate who chose to live at Farringford.
Victoria Celebrations
To celebrate this influential time many celebrations are planned – there will be lots to see and do if you are interested in the Victorian era. A recent book, The Freshwater Circle Through The Looking-glass, by Gail Downey Middleton illustrates the many connections between the Freshwater circle on the Isle of Wight, and Lewis Carroll’s famous stories. You may find out more about the Freshwater Circle during one of the Farringford House Tours.
During the Spring Bank Holiday 24th – 27th May, East Cowes celebrates with a Victorian Fair, Open Air Theatre and Procession.
Visit Isle of Wight have put together ‘Victoria’s Island Trail’ in which Farringford features. Alongside other attractions of Victorian influence - https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/things-to-do/victorias-island-trail
Also in May the Walking Festival have included some specific Victorian themed walks:
https://isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/2019/01/victorian-themed-walks/
Farringford House
Farringford do not plan a specific celebration but invite you to visit the House to see how Tennyson and his family lived, to find out about their influential visitors and to enjoy the beautiful walled garden and grounds which they hope will give you an insight into the Victorian way of life and what an important role the Isle of Wight has played in inspiring some of the most famous visitors with its magic.
'Victoria' on ITV
If you would like to enjoy a drama depicting life for Queen Victoria Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes will be back as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in series three of the ITV drama Victoria will return on Sunday 24th March 2019 at 9pm, with eight new episodes airing on Sunday nights. (source Radio Times) or on the ITV Hub https://www.itv.com/hub/victoria/2a4229