Visitors will be able to take a free guided tour around numbers 3 and 5 to see round these remarkable houses and hear about their place in Ventnor’s history.
Number 3 was the honeymoon destination of Sir Edward Elgar and his new wife Alice in 1889, where they enjoyed good weather and returned to London with fond memories.
Rich history
The street has also played host to an Alan Bates feature film, been a staging post for German Jewish students to escape before World War II and in the 1920’s was briefly home to a Ventnor Congregational Minister who decided the street was far too draughty and conducted his ministry from Ryde.
There’s even an historic link between the street and this year’s Olympics closing ceremony.
Previous events proved popular
Over the years the organisers have built up a history of the street in the form of a book and website, and each year visitors bring new memories with them.
This Jubilee year they are particularly hoping to hear more about the 1953 Coronation celebrations in the street which were described by the local newspaper as the gayest in Ventnor after the High Street.
Refreshments available
The houses will be open for free tours from 1pm till 5pm on both days and there will be homemade cakes and cream teas available.
Alexandra Gardens is off Pier Street, just before it goes down to the beach past the Cascade.
