Discovering the secret life of Queen Victoria since 2018
I know I’m a bit late to this social media trend but I couldn’t resist joining in! There are so many niches that excite me as a historian so it was tricky for me to narrow it down to just 10 things. What are your 10 historical obsessions? Let me know in the comments section… Continue reading One history girl, 10 obsessions!
On 24th September 2025, it was announced that a ‘galloping gig’, believed to have belonged to Queen Victoria and used by her grandchildren/ great-grandchildren will soon be going up for auction. However, this isn’t the first time I have heard about this historical object, which has spent years in the private collection at The Grange,… Continue reading A ‘galloping gig’ (pushchair) once owned by Queen Victoria is set to sell at auction, 2025
Did you know that the United Kingdom’s first ever theme park was on the Isle of Wight? Did you also know that Queen Victoria visited its very first attraction? On 24th August 1853, Queen Victoria left her Isle of Wight home, Osborne House, and embarked on “another very pretty tour, round part of this dear… Continue reading A royal curiosity: Queen Victoria and the Blackgang whale
For Queen Victoria, Wednesday 20th August 1884 began like any other. The morning was “splendid, but very hot” as she took breakfast under a tree at her beloved Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Then, at 11:30 she received the news that the Abyssinian envoys had arrived with gifts from King John of Abyssinia.… Continue reading An elephant at Osborne: King John of Abyssinia’s unusual gift to Queen Victoria
Just as we have been experiencing recently, the 17th August 1899 had been a ‘very hot’ day on the Isle of Wight; and like any other summers day spent at her summer residence, Osborne House, Queen Victoria took tea with her granddaughter, Princess Helena Victoria “Thora” of Schleswig-Holstein. However, this day wasn’t the same as… Continue reading Queen Victoria attends a fête at Carisbrooke Castle, 17th August 1899
This week, 2nd-9th August 2025, we celebrate Cowes Week, a historic sailing event on the Isle of Wight. Join me, Shannon McInulty, as I explore the history of Cowes Week and its connection to Queen Victoria and the Royal family. Cowes Week 2025 © Queen.Victoria.Roses Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Club in West Cowes… Continue reading “The white sails of the yachts had such a charming effect” : Queen Victoria and Cowes Week
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert famously loved the great outdoors, particularly during their warm summer trips to the Isle of Wight; but did you know that they were also fond of winter sports, including ice skating and hockey? Despite receiving skating lessons from Erin tutor, Mr Talbot, Queen Victoria much preferred being pushed around the… Continue reading A royal hobby: Victoria, Albert and winter sports
On 9th December 1897, Queen Victoria made written instructions for her dressers detailing the items she wished to be placed in her coffin. Queen Victoria on her death-bed by Sir Hubert von Herkomer on 24th January 1901 Royal Collection Trust / ©️ HM King Charles III “I wish to be buried in a white silk… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s burial instructions
On 24th May 1854, Queen Victoria celebrated her 35th birthday at her beloved Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Like usual on her birthday, the Queen was woken by a band playing on the terrace. after getting up, Victoria and Albert went into the nearby children’s wing, where they were greeted by ‘mama, &… Continue reading Queen Victoria’s 35th Birthday at Osborne House
In 1897 Queen Victoria created twelve pages of written instructions for her funeral and burial. However, without her family knowing Victoria had also created a second secret list, which was to only be read by her physician and dresser, Sir James Reid and Mrs Tuck, following her death. In the evening of 25th January 1901,… Continue reading The unusual items buried in Queen Victoria’s coffin
“This was a terrible day, but one never to be forgotten! It dawned very dull & dark & unfortunately unlike yesterday, remained dull & dreary, & there was once or twice a little drizzle. — Slept fairly well, but awoke dreading what was before us. — Edward Weimar, Franz Teck & Dolly & Ernest Leiningen… Continue reading Queen Victorias Journal: The funeral of Henry of Battenberg, 5th February 1896
Upon the death of Queen Victoria the United Kingdom fell into a deep state of mourning. Shops dressed their windows in all black before putting up black shutters as a mark of respect. While ordinary people took time to grieve their monarch, everyone in the royal household was frantically organising the late Queens funeral and… Continue reading Chaos turned tradition: Queen Victoria’s final journey from her bed at Osborne to St George’s Chapel