Funding Secured to Repair Roof of Iconic Isle of Wight Landmark

Osborne House

An iconic Isle of Wight landmark is set to undergo ‘critical’ roof repairs after securing funding as part of Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.

Located in East Cowes, Osborne House was built between 1845 and 1851 as a holiday home for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The historic estate is one of three English Heritage sites sharing £10 million of investment to deliver restorative work.

Critical Roof Repairs

The funding will support essential repairs to the roof after some of the cornices and balustrading were damaged by extreme weather in 2024.

The Grade I listed former royal residence is among 74 heritage and faith buildings across England to receive backing from Historic England.

The funding forms part of the government’s wider £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund which aims to protect and restore historic buildings and safeguard their future for local communities.

Newport Guildhall

Heritage at Risk

A second Isle of Wight building, Newport Guildhall, also secured funding for an initial phase of work to deliver ‘urgent high-level’ repairs to the roof and rainwater system.

Designed by architect John Nash and completed in 1816, the Grade II* listed Guildhall houses the local town council.

Added to the Heritage at Risk Register in 2022, the building is assessed as being in ‘very bad’ condition, with a high level of vulnerability.

The first phase of work will focus on repairs to the roof and rainwater systems, helping to halt water ingress and prevent further damage to the building’s historic fabric.

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