Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 19

STRAIGHT NO CHASER – A CAPPELLA 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS MASH UP

Watch and listen here.

A DAY AT MOTTISFONT ABBEY

by Victoria Hinshaw Tucked away in Hampshire is a stately home I have long wanted to visit for several reasons.  The estate encompasses the ruins of an Augustinian priory  (the title Abbey was added later — and incorrectly, according to the NT); the gardens are renowned; and Rex Whistler painted some famous trompe d’oeil decorations in the … Continue reading "A DAY AT MOTTISFONT ABBEY"

HOW THE EDWARDIANS SPOKE

In this 60 minute documentary, dialect coach Joan Washington learns that the German government had made recordings of British prisoners during the First World War. Using these recordings, Washington takes us on a fascinating journey as she explores the history, the differences and the preservation of regional accents and dialects throughout Britain.

The Wellington Connection: The Royal Humane Society

I first became aware of the existence of the Royal Humane Society when I read about the first Duke of Wellington’s being asked to lay the foundation stone of its new building in Hyde Park in 1835. Oh, I thought, how sweet – the Duke of Wellington doing his bit for the poor dogs and … Continue reading "The Wellington Connection: The Royal Humane Society"

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A QUEEN

Creevey Papers 1838 December 15th.—Went on Wednesday to a Council at Windsor, and after the Council was invited to stay that night; rode with the Queen, and after riding Melbourne came to me and said Her Majesty wished me to stay the next day also. This was very gracious and very considerate, because it was … Continue reading "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A QUEEN"

AVAILABLE

A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: CHATSWORTH – THE PORTRAITS

A few years ago, Diane Gaston (Perkins) and I spent two entire days at Chatsworth House and we honestly could have gone back for a third. It’s that sort of House – you can’t help but to want more helpings of it. One of the many draws to Chatsworth is the vast collection of portraits … Continue reading "A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: CHATSWORTH – THE PORTRAITS"

THOMAS CREEVEY ON LADY DARLINGTON

From The Creevey Papers (Written while at) Raby Castle [Earl of Darlington’s], Feb. 16th, 1825. “. . . This house is itself by far the most magnificent and unique in several ways that I have ever seen. Then what are we to say of its being presided over by a poplolly! A magnificent woman, dressed … Continue reading "THOMAS CREEVEY ON LADY DARLINGTON"

THE CREEVEY PAPERS

Thomas Creevey I am a firm believer in using primary sources when doing research, my personal favorite resource being diaries and letters of the day. Prince Puckler Muskau, Princess Lieven, Horace Walpole, Lady Shelley, etc., etc., etc. all have a place on my shelf and I re-read them frequently. As we’ll be running a few posts … Continue reading "THE CREEVEY PAPERS"

Victorian Mourning Photography

There was a period of a few years when I couldn’t go anywhere without falling over mourning related items. In an antique shop in Nassau in the Bahamas (!?) I found a complete issue of the London Illustrated News covering the Duke of Wellington’s funeral. A drawing from the Illustrated London News of the Duke’s … Continue reading "Victorian Mourning Photography"