visit to
Osbourne House
@ Leaden Hall School

a report by Sammy Cole and Olivia Carey-Hock

On Tuesday 20th October, 2009, Year 6 visited the Isle Of White to view the historic buildings that Queen Victoria and her family lived in. We began by going to the Swiss Cottage; the children’s playhouse. Unfortunately, the bottom floor had been blocked off, so, with our heads drooped, we clambered up the stairs. We soon perked up, as there were so many artifacts and figures for us to investigate. Finally, we learnt that there was a museum holding some of Victoria and her children’s belongings. We hurried down the steps and peered around. Here are some of the things that we saw: lots of stuffed animals including a five legged deer and the smallest owl in the world - a Pigmy owl and a nine legged spider. We also saw the smallest steel scissors and penknife in the world (less than a centimeter tall!!)

We then began the ten minute walk to Osbourne House – where Queen Victoria and her family lived. The most important thing I will tell you is that it is yellow and absolutely MASSIVE! 66 windows were visible from where I was standing! Everyone was eager to go inside, but unfortunately, we had to have a toilet break and lunch first.

At last we got inside. An incredible sight met our eyes; the house was packed full of really interesting artifacts. I must say, I was bewildered about the amount of chandeliers there were. Lots of walls, doors, floors and plates had the letters V and A engraved on them (V and A stand for Victoria and Albert, as they married and were Queen and Prince). I found that most of the statues (there were a lot) were of Victoria’s children and animals. After a long, exciting day we wearily headed back to Leaden Hall.

It was a very busy day for all and I would like to say a big thank you to all five teachers who took us there and brought us back and looked after us when we were there. Thank you!

By Sammy Cole and Olivia Carey-Hock

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