“It’s royal background is incredible, owned by at least eight monarchs – Alfred the Great, Edward the Confessor, William the Conqueror, Henry VIII, Mary I, Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I.”

The house was largely rebuilt at the end of the 16th Century, but still retains parts of the older building.

Arreton Manor   Photo: Biles Co

King Alfred’s will shows he bequeathed Arreton to his son Ethelward in about 885AD.

It was owned by Edward the Confessor, considered the last king of the House of Wessex, before the Norman Conquest and after 1086 it was owned by William the Conqueror, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

  Photo: Biles Co

In 1131 the estate was given to monks who farmed there for almost 400 years until the dissolution of the monasteries when it was owned by the Crown again, starting with Henry VIII, followed by Mary I, Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I.

On September 1, 1628, Charles he reviewed the Scots Regiment of Mercenaries stationed on the island, and on another occasion he knighted John Leigh, the Crown Tenant of the Manor.

Arreton Manor  Photo: Biles Co

Charles later sold the property it to settle debts to the City of London.

The house was then in the Fairfax family for 230 years, but its connection with the monarchy continued into the 19th and 20th centuries.

Queen Victoria, whose royal residence Osborne House was at East Cowes on the island, often visited the manor, accompanied on occasions by Empress Frederick, Duke of Albany and Princess Beatrice.