ROYAL PLAYGROUNDS

Evening Star, Issue 19663, 16 September 1927, Page 8

ROYAL PLAYGROUNDS

OH THE ISLE OF WIGHT Of the crowds which flock into Cowes for the yachting week few seem to be aware that by simply crossing the River Medina they may spend pleasant hours in tho beautiful grounds of tho old Royal demesne of Osborne and see much that is interesting in the house itself, writes J. J. Bennett in tlij ‘Daily Mail.’ Apart from its charm as a beauty spot, the place is interesting because of its intimate associations with Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort. The rather exotic looking mansion was erected in the Italian stylo from a design by the Prince Consort, and was the favorite residence of Queen Victoria, whose long reign ended there. Visitors are not allowed to sco the room in which tlm great Queen died. That remains as it was when she passed away. The public may, however, see tbo room in which she lay in state, and also the State apartments. But tho really unique attraction lies some distance away in the woods. If litlc Princess Elizabeth’s nursery were thrown open there would be no lack of people keen to have a look at it. A sight somewhat akin to this, though associated with an older generation ot tho Royal family, is available to everybody at Osborne. This is the Swiss chalet in the woods, where Queen Victoria and her husband used to pass their afternoons watching their children at play. It is an exact replica of a Swiss house even to the rocks on tho roof. Surrounding it are the tiny gardens which were cultivated by King Edward and his brothers and sisters. Each plot is marked by the name of its past Royal owner, and the various sets of gardening tools, all plainly labelled, that they used are carefully preserved. Here ono may see also little _ forts that were built by the Royal children many years ago to “play soldiers’ in, and other reminders of the happy family life that once flowed pleasantly in this delightful spot. Many thousands spend their holiday within easy reach of Osborne without knowing, apparently. of the unique “sights” that lie within its gates, and may be seen by anybody.