Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 44

A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: WATERLOO 2017 – PART 2

                                         One of the reasons I wanted to return to Waterloo was to see the new museum and exhibits that were put in place for the celebrations of Waterloo 200. The photos above in no way … Continue reading "A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: WATERLOO 2017 – PART 2"

A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: WATERLOO 2017 – PART 1

  A few weeks ago, I was in London with my traveling mate, Denise Costello. We rented a flat in the King’s Road and settled in for a nice, long stay, our agenda pretty much wide open. Oh, we had things on our wish list, but they were arranged more as a list of suggestions than … Continue reading "A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND: WATERLOO 2017 – PART 1"

REMEMBERING THE DUCHESS OF YORK – PART 5

Frederica, Duchess of York, passed away on August 6, 1820, at Oatlands. For an account of that melancholy event, we turn to the Annual Register 1820 – “On Sunday morning, at nine o’clock, died her royal highness Frederica Charlotta Ulrica, duchess of York, in the 54th year of her age. The death of her royal highness … Continue reading "REMEMBERING THE DUCHESS OF YORK – PART 5"

King William IV’s Not So Happy Birthday Dinner

William IV was born 21 August 1765 (d. 20 June 1837) and became King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of Hanover from 26 June 1830. William, the third son of George III and younger brother and successor to George IV, was the last king and penultimate monarch of the House … Continue reading "King William IV’s Not So Happy Birthday Dinner"

REMEMBERING THE DUCHESS OF YORK – PART 4

  As I have mentioned elsewhere in this series, Frederica, Duchess of York and Beau Brummell enjoyed a singular friendship for more than fifteen years. Prior to his banishment from Court, Brummell was a constant visitor to the Duke and Duchess of York’s residence in Surrey, Oatlands. After his fall and his move to France, … Continue reading "REMEMBERING THE DUCHESS OF YORK – PART 4"

REMEMBERING THE DUCHESS OF YORK – PART 3

In this installment in the series, we turn to contemporary sources for a look at the social circle of Frederica, Duchess of York, and thereby for more glimpses into the personality of the woman herself. What better place to start than with Charles Greville’s Diaries: August 15th, 1818 — “The parties at Oatlands take place … Continue reading "REMEMBERING THE DUCHESS OF YORK – PART 3"

REMEMBERING THE DUCHESS OF YORK – PART 2

Though the Duke and Duchess of York agreed to separate about six years after their marriage, they continued to share the marital home, Oatlands, in Surrey, and apparently managed to live together in the house in various stages of harmony. Certainly, their friends were used to having both royalties present during house parties and other … Continue reading "REMEMBERING THE DUCHESS OF YORK – PART 2"

REMEMBERING THE DUCHESS OF YORK – PART 1

  Frederica Charlotta Ulrica, Duchess of York, died on this day in 1820 and today I remember the life of a woman who has held a special place in my historic heart for many years. By all accounts, Frederica did not have the sort of looks that would classify her as a beauty, but beautiful … Continue reading "REMEMBERING THE DUCHESS OF YORK – PART 1"

THE JOYCE HENDERSON CONTEST

Many years ago (decades), I was privileged to start up the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Romance Writers of America along with Tina Wainscott, Lynnette Halberg and Joyce Henderson, among others. Joyce was a sort of den mother to us all, not because she was any older than we were, but because she was such … Continue reading "THE JOYCE HENDERSON CONTEST"

A TOUR GUIDE IN ENGLAND – MORE SIGNS: PART 2

Seen in Windsor – Fudge! Bath – Doorbell