Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 29

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DETECTOR LOCKS?

When Louisa and I visited the Victoria & Albert Museum in May, I saw the item above, labeled as being a “Detector Lock,” which allowed its owner to see if anyone had opened the lock in their absence. I had never seen one before, or knew that such a lock existed, so I did some … Continue reading "DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DETECTOR LOCKS?"

VICTORIA AND ALBERT – ART AND LOVE

Eight years ago (!?) Victoria and I were fortunate enough to attend the Victoria & Albert exhibition in London. Over the years, we have traveled the length and breadth of England together and have had some fabulous experiences, but the one experience we always come back to is this one. It stands alone. In fact, … Continue reading "VICTORIA AND ALBERT – ART AND LOVE"

A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: BOWOOD HOUSE

As part of the itinerary for the Georgian Tour this past April, our group spent a day at Bowood House, home to the Marquesses of Lansdowne since 1754. Actually, that’s a bit of a misnomer – the original Bowood House was demolished and the Grade I listed Orangery converted to a family home. Compare the … Continue reading "A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: BOWOOD HOUSE"

ALL THE RIGHT SNUFF

Many snuff-takers, following the example of Frederick the Great of Prussia, made it a hobby to collect snuff-boxes, Beau Brummell having had a very curious and extensive assortment. On one occasion, when dining at Portman Square, on the removal of the cloth, the snuff-boxes made their appearance, and Brummell’s was particularly admired. It was handed … Continue reading "ALL THE RIGHT SNUFF"

A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: LONGLEAT

As part of Number One London’s Georgian Tour, our group made a day trip to Longleat, family seat of the Marquesses of Bath. The house was built by Sir John Thynne and was designed mainly by Robert Smythson, after Longleat Priory was destroyed by fire in 1567. It took 12 years to complete and is widely regarded as one of the … Continue reading "A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: LONGLEAT"

GHOSTS and GOBLINS and WITCHES! OH NO!

By Guest Blogger Marilyn Clay Most of the things we associate with Halloween today, i.e. ghosts, goblins, witches and evil spirits, can all be traced to superstitious Celtic beliefs over 2000 years ago. The Celts had only two seasons: Winter and Summer. Winter began on November 1st and lasted until April 30th. Therefore the last … Continue reading "GHOSTS and GOBLINS and WITCHES! OH NO!"

PINTEREST BOARDS WE LOVE

Old Fashioned & Fantasy Clothing & Jewellry   London Has My Heart   British Cavalry – Lancers   For The Home   Vintage Photos   Interiors – English   Cottage Homes

PUB GRUB – IN PRAISE OF THE HUMBLE PUB PIE

  On visiting any pub in England one would be hard pressed not to find at least one meat pie on the menu. They have been a staple of pub fare since the medieval era, if not before. There  is something infinitely hearty and comforting about meat and vegetables swimming in a rich gravy wrapped … Continue reading "PUB GRUB – IN PRAISE OF THE HUMBLE PUB PIE"

ALL THE QUEEN’S HORSES

From The Horse-World of London by William John Gordon (1893) In the horse-world of London,  the highest circle, the most exclusive set, so to speak, is that housed at Buckingham Palace. To many loyal subjects the Queen’s (Queen Victoria) horses are as much an object of interest as the regalia; and as cards of admission … Continue reading "ALL THE QUEEN’S HORSES"

A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: BATH

Our Georgian Tour this year was a bit of a departure, as it was the first tour on which I opted for a period property as our lodging, rather than a hotel. Though I knew that the townhouse in Great Pulteney Street was well appointed, I was anxious to see how it would be received … Continue reading "A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: BATH"