IOW Osbourne House

Woke up on the first morning to see that the weather outside was pretty Pants. As it would not be possible to lie on a beach we decided to visit Osbourne House. The estate was bought by Queen Victoria and redesigned by Albert as a family home for the family. The stayed here regularly during his lifetime, and Victoria virtually closeted herself here after his death. She died here in 1901.

Some garden views in the Osbourne Estate....

On the terrace are these rather lovely garden statues. The statue of the eagle is particularly famous as there is a portrait of Victoria's grandson Willhelm painted standing next to it. He is dressed in full British Military Uniform... not that surprising or famous??? The grandson in question was more commonly known as Kaiser Bill.

This is the view of Portsmouth from Osbourne House's Terrace. It hasn't changed hugely, apart from the rather alarming Portsmouth Statue of course!
Just a couple of miles from Osbourne is St Mildred's Church that was designed by Albert for use by the Royal Family. It was built in the style of Albert's homeland, not exactly an English Village Church. Sadly it was only completed shortly after his death. Victoria only ever used this doorway, so she could sit out of sight of the congregation, and even the Choir.