Visit to Barton Manor
Monday 15th June 2026
We had a wonderful afternoon on Monday 15th June, visiting Barton Manor.
Sarah Burdett, from the East Cowes Heritage Centre gave us an introduction to the history of Barton Manor. Barton Manor was one of seven model farms around Whippingham that Albert used to develop new farming techniques. Dawn, the owner, then walked us around the grounds and through the field meadow and woods to the beach, to see evidence of the Mulberry Harbours used in the D-Day landings.
Prince Albert took a deep personal interest in the estate, using his own architectural designs to build its expansive model farm and layout its renowned gardens. Alongside the Farmhouse were state-of-the-art chicken coups, pig sties, stables, cow sheds, a granary, a dairy and more, with over 100 workers employed on the farm at its peak.
We walked around the out-buildings that remain today, saw the ponds that Albert installed and the avenue of cork oaks planted by Albert. When Victoria and Albert were staying at Osborne, the food for large gatherings was sometimes prepared in the kitchens at Barton Manor and transported in insulated boxes to Osborne.
When King Edward VII gave Osborne to the nation he kept Barton Manor and regularly visited with family.
