Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
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Visit to Osborne House 27 November 2011

The Group outside Osborne House
The Group outside Osborne House

 

Sunday 27 November 2011

The day bloomed bright and clear and Osborne House, the former home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, looked distinguished and grand in bright sunshine.

Members of Ryde Social Heritage Group gathered in the bookshop at 11am, to be met by Linda, our Tour Guide. We were fortunate to have such an interesting and informative guide, who spoke without notes, and gave us lots of interesting historical facts, but also details of family life, particularly since Queen Victoria spent such a lot of her time there.

The interior of the house was magnificently dressed for Christmas, with many trees a tradition which Prince Albert had introduced to England. The flower arrangers among us checked the Christmas arrangements in the fireplaces.

The Dining Room was the centrepiece of the tour, the dining table laid for dinner with magnificent glass and china.

Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any photographs inside the house, but you can see some images of the interior if you visit the Osborne House website by clicking on the link below.

We all had a most enjoyable visit to Osborne and then Carol and Shelagh invited us back to Shelagh’s home, which they had also decorated for Christmas with four Christmas trees and garlands down the staircase. A light lunch of soup and rolls was served with mince pies to follow, and an afternoon of socialising and chatter.
Related Website: Osborne House
Website URL: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/osborne-house/#Right