The intriguing and complex relationship between Britain and Russia has long been a subject of huge fascination. Now, a series of historic walks have been developed by Medina Publishing and a number of local heritage specialists in order to emphasise the key role played by the Isle of Wight in Anglo-Russian relations.
These exclusive walks follow 2 official launches of a new book ‘Isle and Empires: Romanov Russia, Britain and the Isle of Wight’ which took place last week at East Cowes Town Hall. An enthusiastic response to launch invitations from Medina Publishing resulted in 2 evening events each with a capacity audience and attended by both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of East Cowes.
Guests were entertained with Russian music from harpist Theresa Ellis and the Gypsy Trio band Tzigane. An illustrated presentation and Q&A session with author Stephan Roman then took place, along with a book signing.
Isle and Empires conjures up the world of Russia’s lost imperial glory and the revolutionary terror which destroyed it. The book focuses on the relationship between the British and Russian Empires and the unexpected role that the Isle of Wight played in this story.
Island residents and visitors can now purchase tickets for the following walks:
• The Russian Imperial Tour of East Cowes: Shipbuilding, Royal Visits, A Romanov Refuge.
A Russian themed walk in East Cowes will see Stephan Roman, Sarah Lang and the renowned East Cowes Heritage Centre take groups on a journey of royal grandeur, looking back on the part played by the twin towns of East Cowes and Cowes in the story of the Romanovs.
Tickets can be booked from East Cowes Heritage Centre, but due to varied opening times, contact Medina Bookshop in the first instance – [email protected] or 01983 300014.
• Ventnor: Cradle of the Russian Revolution
Groups need not look further than Ventnor to delve into revolutionary Russia, with the expert guidance of Ventnor Heritage Centre and Museum. The haunts of radical writers and free thinkers such as Ivan Turgenev, Alexander Herzen and Karl Marx will be explored, tracing the steps of their summer colony, both physical and intellectual, as they planned the downfall of their Russian Royal counterparts a town away.
Tickets can be booked from Ventnor Heritage Centre and Museum, but due to varied opening times, contact Medina Bookshop in the first instance – [email protected] or 01983 300014.
