Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 98

But Back to Masterpiece Theatre . . . . .

You'll forgive me for returning to a topic on which I posted as recently as Friday, but Masterpiece Theatre is truly getting on my nerves. On Friday I touched on the fact that it seems just recently to want to remind me of the Wellington Tour at every turn. Today, I have a new gripe - the way Masterpiece Theatre treats it's U.S. viewers like second class citizens.

I was doing a bit of gardening on Saturday. Now, before you get the wrong picture in your head, I live in Florida and so use the term "garden" loosely. Disabuse yourself of Capability Brown-like borders and vistas.


The reality, especially since I've been ignoring the garden of late, is more like this -



Except that it's more overgrown. So, there I was hacking through the underbrush, being bitten rather painfully on my neck by something rather large, when it dawned on me that the fact that Masterpiece Theatre airs shows like Downton Abbey and Sherlock earlier in Britain than in the U.S. was exceedingly unfair. Why make us wait to see them when they didn't have to? Surely our fan base is as large as theirs, or even larger. There are more of us then of them, after all.

And then I started thinking that it was additionally unfair that Britain kept all their good bits of history on their side of the pond, as well. I mean in that they are entitled. They own it all. They can do what they want with their heritage sites and stately homes and the like. But they've got so much of the stuff, large numbers of it going to rack and ruin at such an accelerated rate that English Heritage itself can't keep up. Therefore, you'd think they'd pack a few of the crumblier ones up and ship them over here and therefore share the wealth, if you will. I mean, if they could FedEx the London Bridge over here, then surely a moderately sized stately pile wouldn't be a problem? Once they arrived here, we could round up the HGTV hosts to reassemble them and then renovate and redecorate them according to historic designs. Instead of Property Brothers or Love It or List It or Income Property we could call the show The Castle Crew or even History Handyman or some such. Or we could get the neighbors in to redo the place for the new owners to the designs of Adams or Ackermann or Inigo Jones and then have a big reveal at the end of each episode. Think of the ratings.

And whilst we're at it, why don't they send a few Royals over here to head our government? Oh, I know the Royals no longer actually run the British government, but then there aren't that many politicians over here actually running the government either. Instead of our having to deal with cracked out mayors and sniping senators, there would at least be entertainment value in seeing what hats the Royals wore while at the same time they might drum up some business for American fashion houses. And really, the more we have to deal with the healthcare fiasco in this country, the more National Health seems like a jolly good idea.

And so my mind went, until I became aware of the bite I'd received on my neck, which was beginning to itch. It was a large bite. The welt it left was about the size of a rather large grape. It was so large that it made me wonder just what the deuce had bitten me, since I hadn't gotten a look at it. I doubt it was a brown recluse spider since I'm still alive and hope it wasn't one of those devilish insects that lays eggs beneath the skin of their victims. I also hope I'm still alive by the time Season 3 of Sherlock finally airs here on January 19th.

The Wellington Tour: Masterpiece Theatre

The Wellington Tour is still nine months away and so I do not dwell on it. Much. It would be folly for me to think on the prospect of seeing England again this far ahead of our departure. So I've decided that the best thing to do is to put the Tour as far from my mind as possible. You would think it would be relatively easy to accomplish this state of enforced amnesia, but it is not. Reminders seem to be round every bend. Rory Muir's new biography of the Duke of Wellington was just published in December and so I've been reading reviews of it whilst awaiting the arrival of my own copy (oh, Joy!). And then there are the gossip items one can't help reading lately regarding the engagement of the present Duke of Wellington's granddaughter, Sofia Wellesley, to ex-guardsman and current crooner James Blunt, pictured below. Lately, one can hardly turn around without encountering the Duke of Wellington. And there was the diorama of the Duke of Wellington's funeral procession, with rolls of handcoloured pictures of all the dignitaries and their carriages, which I found recently on eBay. It looked something like a thicker Etch-A-Sketch, the pictures moved along rollers that were controlled by the two knobs beneath the glass window. Alas, I was forced to stop bidding when the price flew above four hundred dollars, more's the pity. It would have been a grand addition to my future Wellington Museum.




And then there's Masterpiece Theatre, which seems to be on a mission to remind me of the Wellington Tour on a regular basis. I watch a lot of PBS, and thus have been treated to the spate of commercials and programs running up to the premiere of the new season of Downtown Abbey. PBS has been running Season Three episodes of Downton Abbey almost non-stop. Hubby has even gotten into the spirit of things, though unwittingly.

"Hey, Hon!"
"Yeah?"
"You watching your PBS?" (Hubby watches his shows in the living room - I in the bedroom).
"No. Why?"
"That woman's on again. You know, the one who's in every British program ever made."





I switched over to our PBS channel, where I saw the Dowager Countess of Grantham on the screen. "Maggie Smith," I yelled."It's Downton Abbey. I'm going there."
"Riiight."
"Downton is really Highclere Castle and we're going there on the Wellington Tour."
"Better you than me. My good man," answered Hubby.

In fact, I'm watching The Secrets of Highclere Castle - again - as I write this.  Once more I hear that Highclere Castle costs roughly a million pounds a year to maintain. And that within it's walls is the priceless Van Dyck of Charles I, visible in the photo below.







I wonder if the family will be at breakfast when we arrive . . . . . . Once more, I'm told that in 1839 Highclere House was remodeled in the Gothic style. And that Capability Brown redesigned the landscape, which features a ruin-like folly and various temples, including the Temple of Diana, below.




In fact, the more I think on it, the more I realize that what I want to see most at Highclere are the grounds.







In the photo above, we see one of the fifty-six Cedars of Lebanon planted by the first Earl. I'm glad that Victoria and I have blocked out an entire day for our visit to Highclere, so that we'll all have the time to take it in at our leisure. You can click this think for a map of the grounds.

This will also leave us plenty of time to visit the Tea Rooms



Highclere Castle Afternoon Tea MenuTea and CoffeeA glass of Sparkling Elderflower/ChampagneSelection of sandwiches that may include;Roasted Chicken and StuffingSmoked Salmon and HorseradishHoney Baked HamEgg and CressFreshly Baked SconesClotted Cream and Homemade JamA selection of cakes: Victoria Sponge, Carrot Cake or a Coffee and Cream Cake
 


and, naturally, the Gift Shop. But returning to the house . . . .





I do want to see Lady Mary's bedroom . . . . . . .





where Mr. Pamuk died. 




It's part of the tour, as is the gallery along which the ladies of the house carried the body.



I know, I know - with all that's happened on Downton Abbey, why do I keep going back to that episode? Could it be because it was strangely comedic?





Of course, I'll be tuning into Downton Abbey this Sunday since I can't wait to find out what Thomas the Footman has up his sneaky sleeve this season. That should keep me from thinking about The Wellington Tour. Much.

Why not consider joining Victoria and me on our Tour?  We'd love to have you with us as we experience all the fun of Highclere Castle, as well as the exciting feast of additional sites we have planned.

Video Wednesday: Debutantes of 1939

The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the Duke of Wellington, Viscountess Macmillan, Lady Bowman, Diana Tennant, Sir Martyn Beckett, Betty Morton, Peggy Cripps and the Duchess of Northumberland reminisce about the debutante season, Nazis, the Coldstream Guards, the Big Apple, the Kennedy Family, the Ritz Bar and all manner of things that recall a vanished way of life. Fascinating stuff. 48 minutes.

Click Here to View

A Pinterest Post: Juana Galán

This is one of my favorite Pinterest posts because Juana Galán (1787–1812), above, was fierce, feisty and would no doubt have been a favorite of the Duke of Wellington. During the Peninsular War, twenty year old Juana worked in a tavern in her home town of Valdepeñas, Spain, when she gathered the intelligence that the French were preparing to invade the town. As most of the men were away from the town already fighting in the war against Napoleon, Juana took matters into her own hands and rallied the townswomen in order to form a battle plan of their own.

On June 6, 1808, Napoleon's troops entered the town, whereupon the women, strategically placed in windows about the square, poured boiling water and oil over the heads of the soldiers who rode past. Juana, armed with either a baton or a cast iron stew pot (depending on which version you believe) then went into the street and beat the soldiers about their heads like there was no tomorrow. No doubt Juana had help in the pummeling, as a single person, man or woman, could not have taken on an entire regiment of French cavalry by themselves, however history credits Juana alone for the deed. The French fled and subsequently abandoned their aim of conquering the region of La Mancha altogether. Soon afterwards, the Spanish army were victorious at the Battle of Bailen against the French.

On May 2, 1810, Juana married Bartolomé Ruiz de Lerma,  with whom she had two daughters. She died during the birth of her second daughter on September 24, 1812.


 You can find all my Pinterest boards here.

Happy Birthday to Annie Lennox

By Guest Blogger Spencer Blohm


On Christmas day the iconic Scottish singer Annie Lennox turned 59. So, in honor of her birthday let’s take a look back at the woman who gave us hits such as “Sweet Dreams” and “Walking on Broken Glass.”
            In Aberdeen, Scotland, at the end of 1954, Lennox was born into a lower middle class, working family. The Lennox family's financial status didn’t prevent her from exploring her interest in music through piano lessons at the age of seven, and she continued to pursue her interest in music throughout her youth and teen years until she eventually landed a place at the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 16. While at the academy she focused her studies on classical music and the flute, which was her instrument of choice.
            After finishing school she joined her first band, called Dragon’s Playground, in 1976, but left it that same year. The following year she joined a band called The Tourists as the lead singer. There, she connected with her bandmate Dave Stewart both musically and romantically. Though their romantic relationship was short lived, the two of them agreed they wanted to go in a more experimental direction with their music and decided to form their own group, called The Eurythmics.
            The duo released their first album, In the Garden, to little fanfare or attention in 1981. After two more years of recording and working to create a new sound, the two came back in 1983 with the album Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) and released the title track as the first single. Both the album and the single soared to the top of the charts in the UK and the US, making The Eurythmics stars. The two rushed to finish another album and managed to put out Touch later that same year. With this album came the smash hits “Who’s That Girl?”, “Right by Your Side”, and “Here Comes the Rain Again” - all of which made it into the top 10 on the UK singles chart.
 


            For their fourth album, the pair decided to tone down their electronic sound and go in a more R&B influenced direction. They worked with greats like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Elvis Costello on the album Be Yourself Tonight, which they then released in 1985. Driven by the singles “Would I Lie to You?” and “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves” (which featured Franklin) the album hit number 3 on the UK charts.
For their 1986 album, Revenge,Lennox and Stewart chose to go in a more rock oriented direction, a sound which continued to sell in the UK, but wasn’t received as well in the US. Then, as a more experimental counterpoint, they released Savage the next year. Savage peaked at number 7 in the UK but only made it to number 41 on the US charts. Their seventh album, We Too Are One, which was released in 1989, proved to be their worst selling in the US, but was oddly enough their second #1 album in the UK. Due to the intense pressure of recording seven albums in nine years, as well as the stress of world tours, the duo split in 1990 in order to pursue different interests.
            Lennox found massive success as a solo artist when she released her debut solo album Diva in 1992. The album went double platinum in the US and Canada, and quadruple platinum in the UK. The sales of the album were driven by her two hit singles “Why” and “Walking on Broken Glass,” both of which were top 10 hits in the UK. Following the success of Diva, Lennox took a three year hiatus from music to spend time with her children. She was back in 1995 with Medusa, which was yet another #1 album for her in the UK and certified double platinum in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe.
            The end of 90’s saw her reunite with Stewart to release another album in 1997 titled Peace which was successful both in Europe and North America. She then took a break from music to pursue humanitarian efforts including her heavy involvement with HIV/AIDS organizations. In 2003 she returned to music with a third solo album, Bare, which peaked at #3 in the UK and #4 in the US. The next year, she recorded “Into the West” for the film soundtrack The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The song won her an Academy Award for Best Song, as well as a Grammy and Golden Globe.
            Following “Into the West,” The Eurythmics released a successful greatest hits album, Ultimate Collection, in 2005.  Lennox, proving she was still a talented solo artist, then released her fourth solo album, Songs of Mass Destruction, in 2007, which she quickly followed by a greatest hits album, The Annie Lennox Collection, in 2009. Her legendary status was sealed when she was chosen to perform at both the Queen’s Jubilee Concert and the Olympics Closing Ceremony in the summer of 2012.

 



            During her years on the music scene Annie Lennox became a British music icon thanks to her unique sound, incredible talent, and androgynous good looks. The recipient of four Grammys, eight BRIT Awards, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and an appointment to Officer of the Order of the British Empire (above), Annie Lennox has proven herself one incredibly talented woman.

About the Author: Spencer Blohm is a freelance entertainment, music, and pop culture blogger for www.direct-ticket.net/. Because he has a pulse, he is obviously an Annie Lennox/The Eurythmics fan. He almost passed out from excitement when he saw her  come out during the Olympics Closing Ceremony on the front of a burning pirate ship. He lives and works in Chicago, where there are no pirate ships for him to commandeer for recreations.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

December 25th

My Own Heart - The London coach arrived today, bringing with it your gift of a partridge and a pear tree. You are too clever by half!
Yours For Eternity

December 26th

My Love - Two turtle doves! How simply smashing. I cannot wait to see you again that I might thank you personally. You are too droll.
For Ever and Ever

December 27th

Darling - There we were, my footman and I, dispensing bird seed when what should arrive at Blicking Hall but three French hens. You cannot imagine the look they brought to the footman's face. Truly, you shouldn't have.
Always

December 28th

Sweetheart - Four calling birds. How quaint. You should know that my lady's maid is making noises about leaving the Hall. The footman is none too happy, either, although the local carpenter is quite over the moon to have been hired to construct the aviary. Typically, work is scarce for him at this time of year.
Love

December 29th

Dearest - How could you do this to me? I do not mean to be short with you, but none of us here has gotten much sleep of late, what with all the billing, cooing, chirping and calling the birds are wont to do.
Yours
P.S. Thank you for the five golden rings.





December 30th

Dear - Now you've done it. Cook is quite put out by the six geese laying in her kitchen, and no wonder. You must end this. Accomplished cooks are difficult to come by in the country.
As Ever

December 31st

Dear Sir - I am most heartily sick of the sight of feathers. Your seven swans arrived today and are swimming in the ornamental fountain in the conservatory. Oldham has been snorting at me disdainfully all morning. Have you ever been snorted at by your butler? It's off putting, to say the least.
Happy New Year

January 1st

Sir - Is there a market for spare goose eggs? The eight maids you sent today are a welcome sight, what with all the seeds and feathers we have to sweep up hourly here. Once they have finished with that, the maids intend to walk to the village, where they are determined to help with the milking. Wherever shall they all sleep?
Please Cease and Desist





January 2nd

To Whom It May Concern - This daily gift giving business is no longer amusing. The entire village have followed the nine drummers drumming to our door. The staff are up in arms, save for the footman, who has not been seen since shortly after the eight maids arrived.
Stop it!

January 3rd

You black hearted scoundrel - the magistrate appeared at Blicking Hall today. It transpires that the villagers are being driven to distraction by the ten pipers and their constant piping. Perhaps you should have sent mimes.

January 4th

Could you not have sent the eleven ladies dancing to Almack's instead of to me? Do these outrageous gifts have anything to do with the betting book at White's? Is that idiot Brummell somehow involved? Have you a good receipt for fowl fricassee?





January 5th

My entire staff have deserted me, taking with them the maids, pipers, dancing ladies and, blessedly, the drummers. There is the tiniest bit of good news - I have been given to understand that some of them have made successful matches and are currently bound for Gretna Green. I was headed to my rooms with a bottle of port when who should arrive but twelve lords a leaping. And what lords they are - so handsome, so gallant, so utterly divine! How could I have doubted your intentions? Please give my regards to all in London, as I fear I shall be much too occupied here at Blicking Hall to partake of the Season.
Your Most Grateful Friend

Have Yourself a Stately Home Christmas

Each year, at the beginning of November, I start checking the mailbox for my invitation to spend Christmas at Stratfield Saye. Each year, I'm disappointed in this hope. All is not lost, however, as I've still been fortunate enough to spend a few Christmas's, and a New Year's Eve or two, in England anyways. Recently, Victoria and I were mulling over our choices for future holiday stays and we both thought it would be grand to really splash out and spend the hols at a stately home or three - even if none of them are Stratfield Saye.







Victoria suggested Castle Howard, above, in Yorkshire, which will be decorated and receiving visitors until 22 December. From their website: "Beautifully decked out each Christmas by the Hon.Simon and Mrs Howard, a visit to Castle Howard fills the festive season with sparkle and cheer. Approach the magnificent 18th-century house along the Christmas tree-lined drive.





"Inside, discover breathtaking interiors lit by candle and firelight, dressed with magnificent trees, a stunning display of traditional Howard family ‘twigs’, winter garlands and floral arrangements. Christmas at Castle Howard includes live music performances daily, audiences with Father Christmas and delicious seasonal menus in the restaurant and cafés. Remember to leave enough time to visit the gift shops, Farm Shop and Garden Centre where you can pick up that special Christmas gift."





Victoria also suggested Wiltshire's Bowood House, above, for which she harbors a soft spot in her heart, not least because it's home to the current Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne. Speaking of whom, here's the invitation to visitors from the Lady of the House: "For the second year the Marchioness of Lansdowne invites you to Bowood House Christmas Extravaganza.  See Bowood House decorated for a family Christmas and indulge in a fantastic shopping experience.  Come and see stunning stalls filled with handmade toys, Christmas food, antiques, evening clothes, indulgences, shoes, books, silk flowers, handbags, furs, puzzles, table decorations, candles, book signing by famous food writers and much much more." The Extravaganza has become a seasonal favorite - last year, the Duchess of Cornwall paid a visit.




While Bowood House itself closes to the public before Christmas proper, the Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort.offers a two night Christmas Break, which includes a Christmas Eve visit to Lord and Lady Lansdowne -




Two Night Christmas Break - Get away for two nights with dinner, bed and breakfast, as well as full use of our spa facilities. What the break includes:

Christmas Eve
Arrive in time for a Champagne High Tea, served between 3pm and 4pm, before heading down to Bowood House to join Lord and Lady Lansdowne for carols in the private family chapel, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Orangery. Return to the hotel for a delicious three course dinner. If you wish to attend midnight mass in the village church, transport will be available. Then it’s time to relax. Enjoy a nightcap or a complimentary hot chocolate before you head up to bed and remember to put your Christmas stocking on your door before you go to sleep.
Christmas Day
Start the day with a full Wiltshire Breakfast. Spend the morning relaxing or work up an appetite with a walk in the beautiful Bowood Grounds. Santa will arrive with gifts for all. Lunch will be a gourmet experience offering traditional Christmas fayre, with a menu designed and cooked by our Executive Chef. The afternoon is a time for a nap or to watch the Queen’s speech and if you’re peckish, you’ll be able to help yourself to a delicious rolling buffet in the evening.
Boxing Day
Enjoy a full Wiltshire Breakfast and then make use of the luxurious Spa facilities before you leave. If you want to postpone your departure, add an extra night bed and breakfast from only £170 per room.
From only £450 per adult, £200 per child. Prices are based on two people sharing a twin or double room, single supplement applies, upgrades are available at a supplement. Price per child is based on sharing with two adults. If two or more children, an adjoining room will be offered for £375 per child, subject to availability. For more information or to make a reservation please call Bowood Hotel Reception on 01249 822228.

Personally, I'd love to see Chatsworth House at the holidays. The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire first opened the House to visitors at Christmas as a way of making up revenues after a year of poor visitor attendance due in part to hoof and mouth disease in the local area. Now, decades on, the Chatsworth Christmas displays are a well loved tradition for visitors from near and far.








This year, from November 9 to December 23, Chatsworth offers Christmas displays on the lower
floors of the house. The theme for Christmas 2013 is 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe at Chatsworth.' In addition, each year the House hosts Christmas Market Weekends, seasonal floral workshops and twilight evenings.



The Cavendish family also own Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire and its there that you can enjoy a magical walk and discover the 12 scenes from the traditional carol come to life. Explore Strid Wood to find the 12 scenes – see 7 swans a-swimming, 3 real french hens and have a go on the drums. Nearby, the Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel and Spa offers its own fabulous Christmas Package. From their website:

With its signature puddings and wild moors, Yorkshire is a marvellously English place to spend Christmas. One of the county's finest properties is the 30,000-acre Bolton Abbey Estate in the Dales, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire; and, on it, the Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel and Spa is offering two- and three-night Christmas packages. A Champagne reception and dinner in the Michelin-starred Burlington Restaurant will warm guests up for some carol-singing,

Christmas Eve -
Champagne Afternoon Tea, this will be served in the lounges and will include a variety of delights19.00Drinks Reception in the Cocktail lounge 19.30Seated for a set menu dinner The Burlington Restaurant. We respectfully advise that the dress code for this evening is Jacket and Tie 22.30The Choir will leave to take their place in The Priory for Midnight Mass. We invite you to board the 1920’s Charabanc to chauffeur you to The Priory from 10.45 pm23.30Celebrate the First Mass of Christmas00.30Once safely back at the Hotel, and if you can fit it in, enjoy hot chocolate, marshmallows, brandy, mulled wine and mince pies as a bed time treat.
Christmas Day
Breakfast is served in the Burlington Restaurant.10.00Morning mass at the Bolton Priory for those wishing to attend, The Priory is approximately 1 mile along the river or road. Reception has information on other Church services.12.30Champagne reception in the cocktail lounge.13.30The Traditional Christmas Luncheon, served in the Burlington Restaurant.16.30Games or walk19.00-20.00A Christmas buffet will be served in the Burlington. Help yourself to as much as you can eat.20.30Christmas Pub quiz to be held in the Brasserie.

Boxing Day

8.00-10.00Traditional Breakfast will be served in the Burlington Restaurant.12.00 noonJoin the Airedale Beagles in the Devonshire’s front car park on their traditional Boxing Day hunt. Mulled wine & mince pies will be available to keep you warm!12.00 noonFor those of you who have chosen to go on the guided walk with Eddie, please meet in Reception at 12.00 noon, to see the Beagles & returning at approx 3.30pm to 4.00pm.Packed Lunch will be provided.12.30–14.00For those not attending the walk, a Boxing Day lunch is served in The Burlington Restaurant.19.00-00.00Champagne Reception prior to Boxing Night Black Tie Dinner with wine package and Jazz Band in the Cavendish Room, this is when the prizes will be given to those who have won the competitions.
Three-night packages from £1,645 per room. Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel and Spa, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire (01756 710441; www.thedevonshirearms.co.uk)

The Wellington Tour - Devonshire House

No matter how many times I visit London, I always find new nuggets of historic trivia that are hugely interesting. I thought I'd do a bit of investigation recently in preparation for the St. James's Walk Victoria and I will be leading during The Wellington Tour in September, when I discovered some interesting facts.

Firstly, I did some research into Devonshire House, London home to the Dukes of Devonshire since 1697, when the 1st Duke purchased the home, then known as Berkeley House, from Lord Berkeley. You can get an idea of it's prime location on Piccadilly from Roque's map below.





The house burned down in 1733 whilst undergoing renovations, allowing the Duke to rebuild in a contemporary style better suited to entertaining on a grand scale. The prime example of such an entertainment came over a hundred years on at The Duchess of Devonshire's Ball, a fancy dress entertainment held in order to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee on 2 July in 1897. The Duchess encouraged guests to take their inspiration for fancy dress from history, literature and mythology. Thankfully, the Duchess hired photographer James Lauder of the Lafayette Company to be on hand to photograph the 200 costumed guests in front of different backdrops over the course of the evening.

The Duchess of Devonshire as Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra




The Ladies Churchill as Watteau shepherdesses.





Princess Henry of Pless as the Queen of Sheba




Unfortunately, Devonshire House (below in 1905) was demolished in 1920, when it was sold by the 9th Duke of Devonshire in order to pay death duties. Today, an office building stands on the site.








The new bit of trivia I learned is that the gates from Devonshire House were saved and moved to the entrance of Green Park off Piccadilly. I can't tell you how many times I've walked past, and through, these gates, never realizing their history.


  Another piece of London history I've walked past numerous times is the Porter's Rest above, located just down the street from the Green Park Gates as you walk towards Apsley House. As E. Beresford Chancellor tells us, there is a plaque on the object that reads "At The Suggestion Of R.A. Slaney Esq. Who For 20 Years Represented Shrewsbury In Parliament This Porter's Rest Was Erected In 1861 By The Vestry Of St. George Hanover Square For The Benefit Of Porters And Others Carrying Burdens." You can be sure we'll be pointing this piece of street furniture out to everyone on the Wellington Tour - who knew?  Click Here For Complete Details of The Wellington Tour  

Americans and Stately Homes: A Fascinating Book

An Exuberant Catalogue of Dreams: The Americans Who Revived the Country House in Britain is the title of a glossy new book by author Clive Aslet.


Clive Aslet in Chicago

Victoria here, reporting on a recent dinner sponsored by the Royal Oak Foundation and the Woman's Athletic Club of Chicago.  As part of the US-wide lecture series made possible by the Drue Heinz Trust, Mr. Aslet told us many stories about the wealthy characters who "rescued" so many British houses, even some castles.  There were many familiar names among the Americans, such as Consuelo Vanderbilt (1877-1964), perhaps the most famous of the heiresses who gained a title (Duchess of Marlborough) while her father's fortune helped to renovate a great estate (Blenheim Palace).

9th Duke of Marlborough, the Duchess and their two sonsby John Singer Sargent, Blenheim

I was surprised -- both at the talk and reading the book -- at the number of men who also restored, revived, or outright built stately houses.  For example, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was born in Scotland and came to the U.S. as a young teen.  He made the equivalent of billions in steel, oil, and railroads.  He rebuilt the 12th century ruins of the Castle in the Highlands, while contributing much of his fortune to libraries, universities, and other philanthropies in both the U.S. and Scotland.


Skibo Castle, Sunderland, Scotland, now a private club


Exuberant Catalogue of Dreams is a compendium of amazing stories and pictures, many from Country Life magazine. I love everything about English country houses and stately homes, so I relished every word.  It begins with a quote from P. G. Wodehouse: “Damme, they all seem millionaires in America,” from the Earl of Emsworth in Something Fresh, 1915.


Jacket Front: William Waldorf Astor andNancy Astor at Cliveden (Getty Images)


The individuals covered start with San Franciscan Miss Flora Sharon (1858-1924) who married Sir Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh  (in 1880) and took over Easton Neston on Northamptonshire. It ends with Sir Paul Getty  (1932-2003) at Wormsley Park in Buckinghamshire, now the home of his son and family, a famous cricket grounds, and a summer opera venue. 


Wormsley Park

A number of the individuals covered have Chicago connections.  A member of Chicago's Woman's Athletic Club pointed out to Mr. Aslet that Mrs. Gordon Selfridge was once a member of the very club in which we all sat.  Selfridge (1858-1947), gaining renewed fame from the Television Series Mr. Selfridge, was associated with the famous Chicago firm Marshall Field and Company before he moved to London and founded the department store that bears his name.  A co-founder of Field's was Levi Leiter (1834-1904), whose daughter Mary Victoria Leiter (1870-1906) married Lord Curzon, and became Vicereine of India and chatelaine of Kedleston in Derbyshire. .


Lord and Lady Curzon in India

This is just a tiny fraction of the engrossing stories you will find in Clive Aslet's An Exuberant Catalogue of Dreams. I hope you still have time to put this on your list for Santa!!
 

Have Yourself a Luxurious London Christmas

In case you're feeling the need for a little luxury this holiday season, we've rounded up some gift ideas that might come in handy whether you're on the giving or receiving end of things.

This year, Harrods, that venerable institution dedicated to conspicuous consumption, has chosen
the classic British steam train as the theme for their holiday windows.




   Of course, what Harrods is famous for are it's hampers and this Christmas, Harrods offers it's Decadence Hamper at a mere twenty thousand pounds.     

Filled with everything one might need for an over the top culinary Christmas, the Decadence Hamper includes such staples as goose foie gras flavoured with truffle, Beluga caviar, table top decorations, a variety of cheese, mince pies, meats, jams, puddings, a Christmas cake and enough high end wines and liquors to make Mr. Carson envious. The hamper also includes Christmas crackers, but we doubt they can compare to those offered this year by Tiffany and Co.



 
The Tiffany and Co. Christmas Cracker, £180,000,  is available at the Bond Street Store and includes eleven pieces of Tiffany jewelry: a circlet diamond necklace in platinum, a pink tourmaline ring, Cobblestone earrings in platinum with diamonds, a yellow diamond ring, 8.75 carat aquamarine ring in platinum and a Marquise diamond cluster bracelet.

Should you prefer your jewels to come complete with historic provenance, you may want to turn to one of London's venerable auction houses. Here's a little something we found from the Sotheby's Fine Jewelry auction that took place on December 13th in London -                                                                         Diamond tiara, circa 1900 - The centre designed as two wreaths, each swing-set to the centre with circular-cut and pear-shaped diamonds, between two modified rectangular panels of open work floral and foliate design, set with circular-cut and rose diamonds, inner circumference approximately 290mm, central motif detachable and can be worn as a brooch or pendant, the panels can be worn as brooches. Sold for 18,750 GBP                 
Should selecting gifts for everyone on your list become overwhelming, head to Selfridge's, where this year they are offering shoppers their very own Elfridge.




The festively attired elves have been sprinkled about the Oxford Street store to guide shoppers through departments, find the perfect gifts, gift wrap and carry packages and hail taxis.




Of course, you'll need to put all of those pretty packages under a tree and for inspiration on that score we direct you to The Goring Hotel and it's 2013 Luxury Christmas Tree Collection.  This year, the trees have been created by iconic British brands including The Real Flower Company, Olivia Von Halle and Honeyjam. You can read more and see all of the trees here.






Once your shopping has been completed, reward yourself by booking in for Claridge's Timeless Christmas offer that includes:
A two night stay in Claridge'sWelcome bottle of champagne and festive treats in room on arrivalOvernight stocking delivery filled with edible delights for the younger guestsEnglish breakfast on Christmas DayHorse-drawn carriage ride through Mayfair on Christmas morning with refreshments5-course Christmas Day lunch in Claridge's BallroomBoxing Day breakfast                            
From £860 per room per night (including all taxes).