Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 20

The Wellington Connection: The Charge of the Light Brigade

The Duke of Wellington is connected to the Charge of the Light Brigade through his association with Lord  Fitzroy Somerset (at left), who was both his military secretary and his nephew by marriage. Field Marshal FitzRoy James Henry Somerset, Baron Raglan (1788 – 1855), was a British soldier who distinguished himself particularly in the Spanish parts of the … Continue reading "The Wellington Connection: The Charge of the Light Brigade"

BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS

Myself and many others (including Prince Charles, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Bowie and Anthony Hopkins) have been longtime fans of the British soap opera, Coronation Street. On 17 September 2010, Coronation Street (affectionately known as Corrie) became the world’s longest-running television soap opera, to date having racked up 58 years on air. Over the years, many actors started … Continue reading "BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS"

J.M.W. TURNER AT 70 – AN OLD ARTIST WITH SOME NEW TRICKS

Joseph Mallord William Turner was born on 23 April 1775 at 21 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London, the son of William Turner (1745–1829), a barber and wig-maker, and his wife Mary, née Marshall (1739–1804). From these humble beginnings, one of the greatest artists of the early nineteenth century rose to straddle the art world of … Continue reading "J.M.W. TURNER AT 70 – AN OLD ARTIST WITH SOME NEW TRICKS"

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE – Part Three

As we have seen, the British, both royal and non, love their dogs, so it should be no wonder that they turned their minds to the benefit of canines at large. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was formed in a coffee shop in 1824 by a group of men that included the anti-slavery activist … Continue reading "IT’S A DOG’S LIFE – Part Three"

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR ONCE MORE !

  CHRISTMAS REVELS VI – Four Regency Novellas Hannah Meredith Anna D. Allen Louisa Cornell Kate Parker   Come Revel with four award-winning authors for Christmas tales filled with laughter, tears, and love… Her Ladyship Orders a Christmas Tree – A pagan custom leads to an unexpected attraction. “The Play’s the Thing…” – Going off … Continue reading "IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR ONCE MORE !"

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE – Part Two

Queen Victoria owned many breeds of dogs over her long lifetime, including Pugs and Dachsunds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The Royal Collection © 2010, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II RCIN 2105644 Looty, the first Pekingese dog in Britain, brought by Captain Dunne, 99th Regiment, from Yuanming Yuan, the Summer Palace near Beijing, as a … Continue reading "IT’S A DOG’S LIFE – Part Two"

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE

Queen Victoria was a devoted dog lover and owner throughout her life and raised more than 15 different breeds of canines. Perhaps the most famous of these dogs remains Dash, who was her faithful companion during her childhood. The artist Sir Edwin Landseer first won Victoria’s favour when he painted Dash, a King Charles spaniel. Dash had been presented … Continue reading "IT’S A DOG’S LIFE"

THE 2021 COUNTRY HOUSE TOUR

For 2021, Number One London is offering an up-close look at six of Britain’s finest stately homes, each one showcasing impressive state rooms, private family rooms and perfectly preserved “downstairs” domestic spaces, all presented within a leisurely itinerary. Once we check-in to our hotel in the historic spa town of Buxton, the rest of the … Continue reading "THE 2021 COUNTRY HOUSE TOUR"

THE EDWARDIANS IN COLOUR

In 1909, the banker, pacifist and idealist, Albert Kahn, was one of the richest people in Europe. At that time, he decided to create a photo archive of and for the people around the globe. Kahn hired a group of young photographers and outfitted them with Autochrome cameras, sending them to various countries where he … Continue reading "THE EDWARDIANS IN COLOUR"

William Huskisson – England’s First Railroad Fatality

William Huskisson PC (11 March 1770 – 15 September 1830) was a British statesman, financier, and Member of Parliament for several constituencies, including Liverpool. He is best known today, however, as the world’s first widely reported railway casualty –  he was run over by George Stephenson’s locomotive engine Rocket. Huskisson entered the cabinet in April … Continue reading "William Huskisson – England’s First Railroad Fatality"