Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 21

The Death of Wellington – Long Live the Duke

An image of the arms of the Dukes of Wellington, shamelessly stolen from author Lesley-Anne McLeod‘s blog. Thanks, Lesley-Anne! On 14 September 1852 Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, KG, KP, GCB, GCH, PC, FRS died both quite suddenly and peacefully at his rooms at Walmer Castle, Kent. It is hardly necessary for me to … Continue reading "The Death of Wellington – Long Live the Duke"

THE 2020 TOWN & COUNTRY HOUSE TOUR

A mix of town and country, this tour includes a blend of residences  from London townhouses to grand stately homes in an array of styles, complete with glorious gardens and each one filled with fabulous furnishings and artwork from various eras. Your nights have been left free to enjoy London as you wish – attend … Continue reading "THE 2020 TOWN & COUNTRY HOUSE TOUR"

MEET THE NINOTCHKA BAND

  When I was in Bath a few months ago, I was fortunate enough to come across a violin player named Nik, who was busking outside of the Pump Room, playing a mean fiddle. Sandra Mettler and I sat on a bench, listening, for quite some time. I bought a CD off Nik and, once … Continue reading "MEET THE NINOTCHKA BAND"

THE HORSE GUARDS OPEN HOUSE DAY

In light of our recent post on Sefton, we’re re-running this post on our visit to the Horseguards from a few years ago.  One of the places Victoria and I were most anxious to visit on Open Houses Day in London was Horseguards. As you all know, neither Victoria nor I are strangers to Horseguards, … Continue reading "THE HORSE GUARDS OPEN HOUSE DAY"

THE STORY OF SEFTON

SEFTON served with the British Army for 17 years from 1967 to 1984, coming to prominence when he was critically injured in the Hyde Park and Regent’s Park bombings of July 20, 1982. Eight soldiers on ceremonial duty were killed in two IRA bomb blasts. The first blast, in Hyde Park, killed two soldiers and … Continue reading "THE STORY OF SEFTON"

THE REGENCY TOUR – MAY 2021

Regency England – a time like no other. The madness of King George led to his son, the Prince Regent, assuming the throne and ushering in a period of artistic achievement, social upheaval, architectural genius and reckless excess such as the world had rarely seen. On this Tour, we will walk in the footsteps of … Continue reading "THE REGENCY TOUR – MAY 2021"

THE WELLINGTON CONNECTION – TENNIS

Many people may be surprised to learn that the Duke of Wellington was a keen tennis player – so much so that he had an indoor court built at Stratfield Saye, where he and Prince Albert played a few sets during Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s visit to Stratfield Saye in 1845, which was reported … Continue reading "THE WELLINGTON CONNECTION – TENNIS"

Early Rumblings of a Regency From the Pens of Creevey, General and Captain Moore

 Thomas Creevey  Mr. Creevey to Dr. Currie. 22nd Aug., 1803. “… I saw a great deal of Sheridan. We dined together several times, got a little bosky, and he took great pains to convince me he was sincere and confidential with me. … A plan of his relates to Ireland, and it is … Continue reading "Early Rumblings of a Regency From the Pens of Creevey, General and Captain Moore"

ON THE SHELF – THE ROY STRONG DIARIES

In 1959, Roy Strong became an assistant keeper at London’s National Portrait Gallery and was appointed as its Director in 1967. Young, flamboyant and energetic, Strong worked tirelessly to bring the Gallery into the 20th century and to mount exhibitions that would appeal to a wide range of visitors, from those who knew little about … Continue reading "ON THE SHELF – THE ROY STRONG DIARIES"

A TOUR GUIDE IN VENICE: DOORS