Isle and Empires: Romanov Russia, Britain and the Isle of Wight

by Stephan Roman

The tumultuous story of the Romanovs and their enigmatic relationship with Britain is brought to life in Stephan Roman's Isle and Empires, as he explores the misunderstandings, suspicions and alliances that created an uneasy partnership between two of the world's most powerful Empires. The Isle of Wight was at the heart of this relationship, an island off the south coast of England that intimately linked the British royal family and the Romanovs. Peter the Great drew inspiration for the first Russian naval fleet from his sailing trips around the Island, and Alexander I was immortalised by a hilltop monument built for him on St Catherine's Down. Alexander II's beloved only daughter, Grand Duchess Marie, spent many years at Osborne House infuriating and irritating her mother-in-law, Queen Victoria. In contrast to the Isle of Wight's imperial and royal connections, Russian revolutionaries also made it their home, establishing a summer colony of radical political thinkers and writers in Ventnor. In August 1909 the Island hosted the Russian Imperial family during their visit to Cowes Week, then the most glamorous yachting regatta in Europe's social calendar. A new era of Anglo-Russian collaboration was dawning and seemed destined to become a dominant force in 20th century global politics. The Tsar's visit to Cowes was deliberately intended to set the seal on this new alliance. Less than ten years later the Romanovs had been overthrown, with the British government and royal family accused of betrayal and complicity in their deaths. Isle and Empires is a journey into a world of Imperial glory and power, family rivalry, wars, intrigue and alliances. It is also a story of Russia's revolutionaries, spies and terrorists, and the refugees fleeing Tsarist oppression who found shelter and safety both in mainland Britain and on the Isle of Wight. These events reverberate to the present day and much of what happened when the Romanovs ruled Russia continues to set the pattern for the current relationship between the two countries.

Genres: History

320 pages, Hardcover

Published July 5, 2021

About the author

Stephan Roman studied History at the University of Oxford, where he specialised in European and British history. He then trained in Library and Information Science at the University of Sheffield.

He has extensive experience in the field of international cultural relations, where he held senior positions at the British Council in Europe and North America, South Asia and the Middle East.

He is the author of ‘The Development of Islamic Library Collections in Europe and North America’ and became a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 2012. He was awarded the Romanian Order of Merit
for Services to Culture in 2004.

Reviews

[Elma Voogdt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isle and Empires tells the story of the bond between the British Royal Family, the Romanov’s of Russia and the Isle of Wight. Not only that, it also tells the personal story of the author’s family. In this way we learn how the Russian population had a hard time at the time of the revolution and had to seek their salvation elsewhere. An ordeal because it didn’t get any easier as a refugee. Still, an impressive personal story from the author.

The basis of the story revolves around the Isle of Wight, home to the British royal family. Queen Victoria had her holiday home there, the famous Osbourne House. But before that, Isle of Wight was already visited by Royalty and aristocrats. Peter the Great was one of the first to get there. He learned a lot about shipbuilding there. The book tells the story of Anglo-Russian foreign relations from the 17th century. In different time periods the relationship between the countries and the island is told. However, the book also offers a great wealth of history. This way we learn a lot about the different Tsars of the Romanovs, the British Royal family. The author has done good research. Especially the depth in the history of the Romanovs was instructive and interesting.

The book has a separate chapter entirely devoted to the visit of the Tsar Nicholas and his family to the Isle of Wight. Every day the events pass by, with a lot of attention for the local regatta races. These stories also help us get to know the Isle of Wight better. The story about the murder of the Romanov’s is impressive, but also so horrific when you read in the book that it could have turned out differently.

The author has a smooth way of writing, it all comes across very visually, as if you’re watching a movie. It makes the book accessible, for the advanced reader, but also for the reader who is new to it. The book contains a lot of characters, but the open way of writing makes it easy to switch between the characters. The book is nicely illustrated with a number of photos, including the author’s own grandparents who fled Russia after 1917.

The book not only pays attention to the bond between the British Royal family and the Romanov’s, but there is also time and space for literature, especially the books that originated or were written on the Isle of Wight. Politics is also not forgotten, both from the English side and from Russia. This is how we learn something about the Duma. Duma is a representative body in Russia. Dumas can be found both in present-day Russia and in Russian history. Duma, simply referred the lower house of the Russian parliament.

In summary: A great look into the history of Russia’s relations with Britain from the time of Peter the Great to the Revolution and the end of the Romanov’s Dynasty. The book was captivating, educational and at times impressive. Well worked out. It is therefore definitely recommended for anyone interested in history and Royalty.

[Vicuña · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lively and very accessible account of a fascinating relationship between two major powers. I recently read a book about Queen Victoria and the Romanovs; she referred to them as ‘the horrid Russians’ and her negative views certainly influenced attitudes towards the nation and people.

Stephan Roman starts with a very personal account of his familial links and background. The story then moves to an in depth account of the complex cultural, political, Royal and other relationships between the two countries. This is a story that’s filled with intrigue. There are marriages arranged to ensure that various European monarchies remained secure, including the British royal family. I always felt that given the close relationship between Tsar Nicholas and Britain, there was an appalling betrayal of familial loyalty when he and his family were refused refuge at the time of the revolution. It was unforgivable and totally selfish and the this book helps the reader understand just how closely the two countries were linked. Stephan Roman writes in a way that makes this exciting story read more like a thriller. It’s packed with action and the people, spies and traitors, royals are brought vividly to life. I really enjoyed this book recommend it to anyone interested in social history. It’s a remarkable and fascinating review of lost opportunity, mistrust and betrayal on both sides and gives context to Britain’s current complicated relationship with Russia. An unexpected treasure and my thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my attention as I love history, especially when it centers around England. My knowledge of the history of the Isle of Wight was spotty, at best. I'm so glad I found this wonderfully written book. The authors writing style makes it come alive and flows seamlessly while imparting fascinating details. The ties to Russia all the way back to Peter the Great and Queen Victoria's attitude towards them made me realize how much I wasn't taught in school. How different things would have been if The Romanovs had been given refuge in England.
From the first page to the last, this was an absorbing read and a great way to learn more history. My thanks to the publisher, Medina Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Joyce Yarrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immensely impressed with the author’s depth of knowledge and his ability to distill the complexities of history – in this case the different strands of the Anglo-Russian relationship during the period of the Romanovs—into a form that is accessible to the average reader. I learned how the violence of the Russian Revolution was rooted not only in the anarchist literature written in England and especially on the Isle of Wight but also fed by the Britain’s acceptance of the emigres who fled the suppression, the pogroms, and hopelessness of living under feudalism in Russia. I found this journey into the world of imperial power, intrigues and hidden alliance to be a fascinating and enjoyable read.

Stephan Roman’s writing flows quite naturally and there are moments of wit and humor that let us relax a bit amidst the intensity.

[Georgina Heatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am half way through and am absolutely loving this insightful look into the relationship between Russian and England. Having great knowledge of the Victorian and War years of history in the UK, it is enlightening to see this through other eyes.
I have been reading lots of this while sat on the beach in the Witterings, looking over to the Isle of Wight and this book has inspired me to visit later this summer, to see Osbourne House.
Having worked at Hampton Court Palace, I had a little knowledge of the Romanovs arriving in London, so I am so pleased to be learning more! Thank you for your knowledge and sharing your family connections Stephan!
@georgina_dorothy_

[Jean-Luc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling and detailed look at the Anglo-Russian foreign relations since the early 17th century and more specifically the role that the magnificent island of Wight played in the relations between the Romanovs and the British monarchy after the construction of the royal summer residence of Osborne House in East Cowes and the annual presence of the royal family on the island starting in 1851 and until Victoria's death in 1901. A death that actually took place in Osborne House.
A meticulous and richly detailed portrait of the various family ties linking the imperial and royal houses as they met and vacationed on and off over the years on the island. This fascinating tapestry of monarchical relationships and family shenanigans should definitely please anyone interested in European royalties and the ever expanding web of relationships created by the queen's never-ending matrimonial endeavors to link numerous members of her large family to various royal houses on the continent. An engrossing read full of delicious anecdotes and a delightful look at an island that I personally consider to be the most enchanting and interesting place in the English Channel.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Medina Publishing for this terrific ARC

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will admit, I've read nearly book that covers the Romanovs in Russia, from Catherine the Great to the Revolution. However, I knew next to nothing about the Romanovs outside of Russia. Isle and Empires is an easy to read but fascinating book showing the relationship between several generations of Romanovs and British royals, mainly centred around the Isle of Wight. (I also know very little about the Isle of Wight other than it is quite small.)
It is an interesting lens to use to examine the relationship- I would imagine as an author it becomes much more manageable to focus in on one place. As a reader I thought I might get bored, but it was the opposite- each generation was so different to the next, each chapter felt quite "new". This is one of those rare books that will work well for someone who knows royal history closely and someone who knows nothing! There is quite a bit of little-known information, but also a solid introduction to anyone new. And when Romanov books so often feature the violent and salacious parts of the past, it is refreshing to see them relaxing!

[Judy Ugonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very accessible, readable and entertaining account of Russia's relations with Britain from the time of Peter the Great to the Boslshevik revolution. It draws on a large and eclectic range of sources to provide not just the bare history but many fascinating details that link a huge cast of characters to this long story - and the author has a talent for describing his characters in an entertaining and enlightening way.
The focus is on the relationship between the British Royal Family and the Romanovs and all the way through the book, the Isle of Wight features directly or indirectly culminating with a day by day account of the final visit of the Russian Imperial family to the island in August 1909.
Even though the story ends, as we all know, in the Romanov tragedy and there are many low and doomful points in this history, there are moments of humour. The book is nicely illustrated with a number of photos including the author's own grandparents who were refugees from Russia after 1917.
Highly recommended.

[Moniek Bloks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Isle of Wight is perhaps best known for its connection to Queen Victoria but it also lies at the heart of the relationship between Russia and Britain. From Peter the Great to Nicholas II and his family, the island is linked to many generations of the Romanovs. Osborne House, now a former royal residence, is located on the Isle of Wight, and it was here that Queen Victoria died in 1901. Just eight years later, the island played host to the Tsar and his family during Cowes week, one of the longest-running regular regattas in the world, with the intent of sealing a new alliance.

sle and Empires: Romanov Russia, Britain and the Isle of Wight is an unexpected and surprisingly look at the Romanovs and their relationship with the British through the eyes of an island. It is very well-researched and quite in-depth, especially the parts about 1909 Cowes Week. The author really manages to make the atmosphere come alive and you can almost feel yourself walking with the Grand Duchesses. I already wanted to visit the Isle of Wight, but now it just makes me want to visit even more.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russia and Britain have always had a complex and complicated relationship and in this comprehensive and wide-ranging exploration of that relationship the author delves back into history to examine the many connections between the two empires from the time of Peter the Great until the Russian Revolution. Although the book looks back to those early days the focus is primarily on the last visit the Romanov Imperial family made to the Isle of Wight in 1909 and the charmed happy time they spent there in one of their last almost “normal” times before the tragic events that were soon to unfold, and when the existing strong family ties between the two royal families turned out not to be strong enough to save them. Accessibly written, meticulously researched, richly detailed and with many accompanying photos, I found the book illuminating and thought-provoking and especially poignant in knowing how their end could have been avoided if those family ties had taken precedence over political expediency. An excellent read.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Isle of Wight is remarkably full of surprises. Roman's detailed book presents even more of them. Although his emphasis is on the visits of Imperial Russian royalty to the island during the 19th century, he also mentions other Russians who stayed there. These other Russians were mainly the fathers of Russian socialism, which eventually led to the downfall of the Czars in 1917. I found it strange to think that both Russian royalty and revolutionaries must have occasionally been staying within a few miles of each other on the small island south of the mainland of England. I must admit I read most of the book, but gave it up when I saw that the author's emphasis was on the royal visitors rather than their, in my view, much more interesting fellow countrymen.

[TKP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always a fan of history books where the author is able to distil complex knowledge into something that people who have no understanding of the subject can easily understand. This has been a complex issue of history which I have wanted to learn about properly for a while but all the books I found assumed a knowledge base and wrote from that basis of knowledge.

This book is not like that. It assumes you know nothing but also that you are not stupid so it imparts knowledge in a way that is easy to understand and it allows you to expand your knowledge on it. The book reads like a soap opera on speed. There is always something going on and everything links together in a way that is organic. The author drops little hints along the way that, if you pay attention to them, fit into the bigger picture.

I enjoyed reading this book, it reads as escapism but you are always brought crashing down to earth with the realisation that this actually happened.

4/5 stars