Victoria Terrace, Saltaire

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Leading off the township’s main street of Victoria Road, Victoria Terrace preserves a near anonymity in keeping with its quiet setting, its short row of cottages looking out over the grounds of Saltaire United Reformed Church.

Victoria was born at Kensington Palace, London, on 24 May 1819, the only daughter of Edward, fourth son of George III. Edward died when Victoria was a child, and with the death of William IV in 1837, she succeeded to the throne - a consequence of her uncles’ lack of heirs. During her reign of more than 60 years, the British Empire was at its most powerful.

Although never visiting Saltaire, Victoria was aware of its significance and of its products. On one occasion, she had a pair of alpaca fleeces sent to Saltaire for spinning and weaving into worsted garments.

Queen Victoria eventually died in 1901, at her Isle of Wight home of Osborne House. Built shortly before Saltaire, the Italianate architecture of the House is closely reflected in that of the village’s larger buildings. The most poignant memorial of Queen Victoria is to be found in the Royal Mausoleum, Frogmore, Windsor. Housing the mortal remains of Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert, the mausoleum is open to the public just a few selected days each year.

© Barlo & Shaw