Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 6

Osterley Park, An Adam Jewel

by Victoria Hinshaw Osterley Park was once a rural retreat but today it is in Greater London, reachable by  the tube (look for the Osterley stop on the Piccadilly line).  The original Tudor mansion was built in 1575 by Sir Thomas Gresham, banker and founder of the Royal Exchange.  The old house was built of red brick around … Continue reading "Osterley Park, An Adam Jewel"

London: Where Everything Old is Sometimes New Again

London never fails to surprise me, no matter how many times I’ve visited. I always see something new. Like these folks, out for a leisurely ride. In busy Buckingham Palace Road. And, if I’m really lucky, I get to see things that are old with new eyes. I usually stay in club rooms in Whitehall … Continue reading "London: Where Everything Old is Sometimes New Again"

PORTRAITS OF DOGS – FROM GAINESBOROUGH TO HOCKNEY

Recently, Victoria Hinshaw and I were fortunate enough to take in the Portraits of Dogs Exhibition at the Wallace Collection in London. From The Wallace Collection website: “The exhibition explores our devotion to four-legged friends across the centuries. Through carefully selected paintings, sculptures, drawings, works of art and even taxidermy, the exhibition highlights the unique … Continue reading "PORTRAITS OF DOGS – FROM GAINESBOROUGH TO HOCKNEY"

A DAY OUT IN WINDSOR

I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited Windsor many times, but one of the most memorable visit was that on our 2014 Duke of Wellington Tour. As our coach drew into Windsor, our tour group was greeted by the sight of draft horses delivering beer to a nearby pub. From that moment, we knew that … Continue reading "A DAY OUT IN WINDSOR"

LISBON’S NATIONAL COACH MUSEUM

Wow. On a recent trip to Lisbon, I made a point of visiting the National Coach Museum, as I’d run out of time to do so on a prior trip. Again, wow. I knew it was one of the largest and most comprehensive coaching museums in the world, yet I was still bowled over by … Continue reading "LISBON’S NATIONAL COACH MUSEUM"

SYON HOUSE

by Victoria Hinshaw The Percy family, now dukes of Northumberland, have lived at Syon House for many years. To follow the fortunes of the Percy family is to travel the twists and turns of British history.  From their arrival with William the Conqueror in the 11th century, they held a stronghold at Alnwick Castle in far … Continue reading "SYON HOUSE"

Wonderful Waddesdon Manor

I recently visited Waddesdon Manor with a mind to adding it to the itinerary of Number One London’s upcoming Town & Country House Tour. The French Renaissance château was built in the 19th century by Baron Ferdinand Rothschild and I’m pleased to report that it did not disappoint. The house, the collections, the gardens and outbuildings … Continue reading "Wonderful Waddesdon Manor"

HARTWELL HOUSE – HISTORY & HOSPITALITY

  Recently, I stayed at Hartwell House, an historic stately home hotel nestled in the Vale of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Being made to feel like the Lady of the Manor for a week was a unique experience. Given the choice of several beautifully decorated drawing rooms in which to relax and acres of grounds to explore, … Continue reading "HARTWELL HOUSE – HISTORY & HOSPITALITY"

The Battle of Vimeiro, Revisited

I first wrote about Vimeiro when Zebra Regency Romances published my novel Least Likely Lovers in August 2005.  In the story, Major Jack Whitaker, formerly of the 22nd Foot, was severely injured in the Battle of Vimeiro, (21 August, 1808) and has come home to England to complete his recuperation, hoping to return to the front beside … Continue reading "The Battle of Vimeiro, Revisited"

Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians

On a recent visit to London, Victoria Hinshaw and I went to see the Style & Society Exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. Over the years, Victoria and I have been fortunate enough to see many such shows at the Queen’s Gallery and they never disappoint. From the Royal Collection Trust website: “Discover what … Continue reading "Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians"