History of Royal Essex Cottage

The Essex Cottage, as Royal Essex Cottage, formally belonged to King Henry VIII's chief minister Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, who was bequeathed the cottage by the King. Other residents circa 1900 include Blunt James, proprietor, before Mrs Kemp. It was mentioned in the Doomsday Book and, up until 1854, was owned by Baron Worsley.

Essex Cottage then became the first tea room to open in Godshill and played an important role in building Godshill's reputation as the best place for cream teas on the Island.

Queen Victoria used to partake of afternoon tea during her trips by horse and carriage from Osborne House. Who knows - she may have been accompanied by Mr Brown! Her daughter, Princess Beatrice, entertained the King and Queen of Spain at the cottage on their visit to the Isle of Wight. More recently, Prince Edward visited us with his production company, while filming a documentary on the Island.