Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 23

HUGH GRANT READS THE WATERLOO DESPATCH

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VIDEO – BATTLE OF WATERLOO EXPLAINED

One of the best and most concise Waterloo videos we’ve come across –  

WELLINGTON’S WATERLOO BREECHES

After the Battle of Waterloo, the nation presented the Duke of Wellington (left) with Strathfieldsaye, an estate between Basingstoke and Reading The Duke, wishing to commemorate the event, planted a number of beech trees as a lasting memorial, which were known as “the Waterloo beeches.” Perhaps the Duke chose beeches due to the beech forest of Soignes, which lines … Continue reading "WELLINGTON’S WATERLOO BREECHES"

The Wellington Connection: Vauxhall Gardens

In the run up to the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, we’ll first take a look at the connection between Wellington, Waterloo and Vauxhall Gardens. The Gardens, known for it’s dark walks, supper boxes, fireworks, balloon ascents and other assorted amusements, also regularly cashed in on events that captured the public interest, including the Battle … Continue reading "The Wellington Connection: Vauxhall Gardens"

ON THE SHELF: THE QUEST FOR QUEEN MARY

Recently, I was reading a royal biography and, as so often happens, it led me to another title, The Quest for Queen Mary, by James Pope-Hennessy (2018). The mention of this book described how screamingly funny the Queen Mary book was in parts. Of course, I went straight to Amazon Books online and searched for it, … Continue reading "ON THE SHELF: THE QUEST FOR QUEEN MARY"

KENWOOD HOUSE – PART TWO

Victoria here, writing about one of my favorite places in London — Kenwood House.  I first visited many years ago and feasted my eyes on the stunning collection of masterworks in the Iveagh Bequest and on the justly famous Adam Library.  But I admit, the the rooms used as galleries, were — aside from the … Continue reading "KENWOOD HOUSE – PART TWO"

KENWOOD HOUSE – PART ONE

In 2014, Victoria and I visited Kenwood House together, just one of many visits each of us have made to Kenwood before and since. What’s so special about Kenwood House? Situated in Hampstead Heath, Kenwood is one of the last examples of a private estate remaining in London. Just inside the gate is this gardener’s … Continue reading "KENWOOD HOUSE – PART ONE"

A FIGHT WITH THE GENTLEMAN

By Guest Blogger Regina Scott Once more we return to the boxing square! If you missed part one of this series, you can find it here. And part two is here. As you can imagine, there were a great many gentlemen in the Regency period, but only one man known as The Gentleman. Gentleman John Jackson … Continue reading "A FIGHT WITH THE GENTLEMAN"

HORWOOD’S MAP OF REGENCY LONDON

Do you know about Richard Horwood’s map of London? Completed in 1799, it was the most detailed map of the City to date, displaying the footprint of houses, public buildings and parks, even down to contemporary house numbers. A description of the map reads as follows – Richard Horwood’s PLAN of the Cities of LONDON and … Continue reading "HORWOOD’S MAP OF REGENCY LONDON"

Queen Victoria’s sapphire and diamond coronet among 80 ...

  Queen Victoria’s sapphire and diamond coronet among 80 new works joining Jewellery at V&A from April 2019 From 11 April 2019, Queen Victoria’s sapphire and diamond coronet will go on permanent public display at the V&A for the first time as the centrepiece of the William and Judith Bollinger Gallery. Queen Victoria’s sapphire and diamond … Continue reading ""