Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 40

THE WRETCHED LOVE LIFE OF SIR THOMAS LAWRENCE

On this day, the anniversary of the death of artist Sir Thomas Lawrence RA in 1830,  we begin a series by guest blogger Jo Manning that originally appeared in 2010 entitlted – The Wretched Love Life of Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830), extraordinary painter, elusive personality… Self-portrait, circa 1825   Master Lawrence takes very striking likenesses of ladies and gentlemen … Continue reading "THE WRETCHED LOVE LIFE OF SIR THOMAS LAWRENCE"

THE 2018 COUNTRY HOUSE TOUR

  Putting an `Upstairs, Downstairs’ spin on our Country House tour this year, Number One London Tours is offering an up-close look at six of Britain’s finest stately homes, each showcasing fabulous state and family rooms and well preserved servants’ quarters, allowing you to truly experience both worlds and to do hands-on period research. In … Continue reading "THE 2018 COUNTRY HOUSE TOUR"

BLOOMING AT HADDON HALL BY VICKY HINSHAW

Originally published in 2010, we’re re-running this post now because we think you may like to look at Haddon Hall’s glorious gardens on this cold December day. Victoria and Kristine revisited Haddon Hall this past September on Number One London’s Country House Tour and the gardens were stunning. Do check our new line-up of tours … Continue reading "BLOOMING AT HADDON HALL BY VICKY HINSHAW"

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

One of our favourite Christmas movies of all time at Number One London is Bridget Jones’s Diary. Taking our inspiration from the film, here are our Christmas wishes to you . . . . . May you always be surrounded by good friends   May you always find the perfect thing to wear   May … Continue reading "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

THE WELLINGTON CONNECTION – TOURISTS

As many of you know, I always make time to visit Apsley House when I’m in London, either dropping in on my own or scheduling the visit as a stop on one of my tours. In April 2018, we’ll be visiting Apsley House as part of the 1815 Waterloo Tour, but our group will be … Continue reading "THE WELLINGTON CONNECTION – TOURISTS"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE AUSTEN!

Jane Austen December 16, 1775 – June 18, 1817 By Victoria Hinshaw My dearest Jane, Here I am in the snowy midwest of the United States (that country born just after you), 242 years after your birth, expressing my thanks to you for all your talents and achievements.  I can only hope that somehow you … Continue reading "HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE AUSTEN!"

YOU MIGHT BE A REGENCY REDNECK IF…

  CHRISTMAS EDITION I write Regency historical romance because I fell in love with the era at the age of nine, and my love has only grown stronger since. I love the manners, the rules of proper conduct, the elegant clothes (especially men in breeches and boots,) travel in carriages and on horseback, the stately … Continue reading "YOU MIGHT BE A REGENCY REDNECK IF…"

THE DEATH OF PRINCE ALBERT

by Victoria Hinshaw On the night of 14 December, 1861, Queen Victoria lost her beloved husband Prince Albert. In the custom of the time, most of her subjects learned of his death through the tolling of church bells, traditional alert to crisis. In 2011, 150 years after the event, the BBC History Magazine carried an article about … Continue reading "THE DEATH OF PRINCE ALBERT"

HOW TO SCORE THE MARKLE SPARKLE

Meghan Markle made her first official appearance along with fiance Prince Harry in Nottingham on 1 December and her coat (Mackage ‘Elodie’ Navy Wool Coat US$790) and boots (KG by Kurt Geiger Violet Black Suede Over the Knee Boots £229) sold out on the same day. How did everyone find out what pieces she was wearing, so … Continue reading "HOW TO SCORE THE MARKLE SPARKLE"

CHRISTMAS REVELS IV – A REGENCY CHRISTMAS ANTHOLOGY

From  A Perfectly Unforgettable Christmas “Miss Howard has the right of it. I haven’t any brothers or sisters to insult anymore. I have to make do with Redford,” Lucien said with a half-smile in the butler’s direction. “I don’t have any either. Brothers or sisters, I mean. And my Papa is dead so I won’t … Continue reading "CHRISTMAS REVELS IV – A REGENCY CHRISTMAS ANTHOLOGY"