We are recommending three outstanding  Chelsea restaurants.  All three have been recommended by one of our best friends in London.  I have also eaten in all three restaurants and remember the experiences even now.  I like the restaurants in Chelsea because the food is fresh and a high standard.  They are all neighborhood “club” destinations where all the locals go with their guests.  The restaurants are eager for this clientele, so the standard remains outstanding.  So, let’s see what we are recommending.

COMO LARIO is a stylish Italian Restaurant at 22 Holbein Place, London.  Their reservation number is 020.7730.9046 or 020.7730.2954   Sunday lunch is 17.50 pounds, and it is lovely.  When I ate at the COMO LARIO last year, I had lobster spaghetti which was absolutely out of this world.  The restaurant is lovely and beautifully decorated.

CARAFINNI’S RESTAURANT.  I loved this restaurant.  I think all the Sloanies were there in their fine suits and lovely dresses.  There is a warm, happy atmosphere;  and the food just sings FRESH.  I tasted my wife’s veal while I ate the most wonderful salad laced with shrimp–incredible.  I ate at CARAFINNI’S on another occasion with my friend HELEN CLAPP who knows good food as she is a premier cook herself.  On warm days, you can sit out under the awning and watch london pass.  I like to study the antique paintings in the gallery across the street and just dream about what I am about to eat.  Excellent menu.  Be sure to make reservations.

LA DETZIA at 53 Manor Street, Chelsea, is my favorite local restaurant.    It is like a local club of happy neighbors and regulars.  I used to eat at Riccardo’s on the Fulham Road, but recently I find myself preferring LA DETZIA.  Italian food, and the most wonderful Italian pizzas.  I ate here last year with my friend Caroline Stanley, and I was very happy with my food.  As I said, it feels like the local club where all the Chelsea locals require great Italian dishes.  And that is what you are served. Wonderful!

Well, those are three of the best of Chelsea.  I was pleased that my friend’s recommendations were three restaurants I have also visited, one of them with her.

Be  sure you make reservations.  Wonderful.

Bon Appetit!

Call or email me with some of your favorite places to eat in London.    TMooreSr@me.com

http://www.londonconnection.com

There are several good places in London where people-watching is great fun.  One of these places is on the steps in front of the National Gallery, overlooking TRAFALGAR SQUARE.  When I am in London and staying in Covent Garden, I often walk down St. Martin’s Lane, past the NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, to Trafalgar Square.  As I arrive at the northeast corner of the Square, I view the large 1830 equestrian statue of KING GEORGE IV.  When I was viewing some photos of Trafalgar Square emailed to me by my readers, I began to wonder WHY the King’s statue was placed here.  Well, there is an answer.  Let me tell you what I found out.  I find the information fascinating.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE is a name given to this large central London square in the 1840′s when a column commemorating Lord Nelson’s 1805 victory at the sea battle  at Trafalgar was erected. But from medieval times, the large open space had been the King’s Royal Mews.  In the 13th century, the King’s Royal Hawks were kept here, confined during moulting time or “mew time.”   In Tudor times, a larger facility replaced the medieval structures to accommodate Henry VIII’s great love of training his hawks.  But finally, in 1732, William Kent designed the new KING’S MEWS and organized the open space in front for public use.  There are excellent images posted here to show this arrangement;  St. Martin’s is in clear view.  Also, note how similar the old King’s Mews’s facade is to the facade of the National Gallery today.

BUT, IT WAS TO GEORGE IV THAT WE OWE THE REDESIGN OF THE SQUARE.  He decided to move the KING’S MEWS to Buckingham Palace upon the death of his father King George III and redesign the former site into a public space, later to become TRAFALGAR SQUARE.

The term Royal Mews was kept even though the hawks and their moulting were long gone, to be replaced with the royal stables for horses, coronation coaches,  royal carriages, landaus, and finally for the royal fleet of cars.

Therefore, it is very fitting that the EQUESTRIAN STATUE OF GEORGE IV be placed on Trafalgar Square.  This public space was his idea when the King’s Mews became the ROYAL MEWS and moved to Buckingham Palace.

Well, that solves that question.  Thank you, Your Majesty King George IV.

Fun.

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

I DON’T DRINK BEER OR WINE, BUT I LOVE A GOOD PUB.  I like all the people, all the chatter, the noise, and the animated conversations.  There is an atmosphere in a pub like nowhere else.   All my friends collect pub memorabilia of all sorts, so I spend some time “lifting” the ash trays, shot glasses, coasters with the pub’s logo, and match boxes.  I started out by asking if I could buy a shot glass or an ash tray, but I was always told NO.  So, I just did a robbery with no guilt and put bits and bobs in my pockets–later to be boxed and wrapped as Christmas gifts?  How’s that?

But, let me tell you about some of the pubs I enjoy where I pass time talking to friends and meeting new friends.  The pub I want to talk about today is YE OLDE WATLING PUB in the shadow of the world’s second largest dome–the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral.  When I head for this pub where Bow Lane intersects Watling Street, I understand that I am heading to a pub that will be stuffed to the gunnels.  There will be people playing pool, watching Sky Television, and listening to music.  But the mix is amusing.  This pub is so popular that half the people are outside stretching the atmosphere.

I always get a chuckle out of the bartenders who seem so blase about it all.  They have seen and heard it all, BUT I HAVEN’T, AND I ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT.  Ye Old  Watling Pub has an ancient history.  It existed before the GREAT FIRE OF LONDON, was rebuilt in 1668  after the Fire.  It was rebuilt in 1901 and then again in 1947 after the German bombers blew the area to bits.  The building sits on an old Roman road, and was built by Sir Christopher Wren as a hostel for his workmen building St. Paul’s Cathedral in the 17th centuries.  But, I guess no one really cares about all that when they are at the pub to sing and make merry.

The lucky visitors have seats, the rest just drink a pint and lean on each other.  The comradship and atmosphere is wonderful.  Some say go on Friday afternoon when all the local businessmen have left London and you can get a seat.  Hm!  I don’t go to the OLDE WATLING PUB to have a seat.  I go for the fun, noise, chatter, and friendships.  I have never gone to a pub without meeting someone who enjoys a good conversation.  I like the pub in the evening when the brass, old wood, and mismatched chairs delight me.  If you want a chair, good light, and no shadows and steam, go for lunch at the Ritz because pub-life will not suit.

I love YE OLDE WATLING PUB as much for the people who go there as for the pub.  I really enjoy it.  Sometimes I meet friends there, and sometimes I think I am invited to see to it that they get home safe and not too late.  But I love it all so much.  I have lots to talk about, and I really want to hear what my friends are doing and reading.  ALL AT THE PUB.

Reservations at the restaurant at YE OLDE WATLING PUB  020 7249 8935

Meet you at the PUB.  Let’s read poetry, act sophisticated,  and play like we understand what the author intended.  HA!

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

Certain things in our lives we never forget.  The Norman Chapel–St. John’s Chapel– in the White Tower on the second floor at the Tower of London is one of those memories for me.  When I was on a guided tour with my children’s school mates, we had a marvelous guide who knew every corner of the White Tower.  I wasn’t much impressed with all the armor and armaments in the Tower, but when I walked into the Norman Chapel, I was stunned  by this very special, original site.  I knew this was the “real stuff.”

When I have guests in London, I always encourage them to visit this chapel.  It is the oldest chapel in London and the most complete Norman chapel to survive since its construction in 1080.  The chapel is on the second floor of the White Tower, the oldest part of the Tower of london, built by William the Conqueror in 1077 in his great fortress by the Thames–all with Caen stone.

The chapel has a tunnel-vaulted nave with an east apse and grain-vaulted aisle.  It is so pure, original, awe-inspiring.  I always admire the chapel’s arms done in Elizabethan times glowing at the window.  I have been in the Norman Chapel all alone, not a visitor in sight.  Such a special site and no one visiting–certainly an original winding stone staircase can’t stop visitors, I hope.  Or, is it because only a half day is allocated on the itinerary for the Tower of London; the Norman Chapel just doesn’t fit into the schedule.  So, the most original part of the Norman Fortress is missed.  To me, it is the most impressive part of it all.

I recognize that St. Peter Ad Vincula Church on the Tower grounds,rebuilt by Henry VIII, where Anne Bolyn and Jane Seymour are buried, is a wonderful Tudor chapel and  is a real attraction, but a Norman chapel, 500 years older than St. Peter’s is the real jewel at the Tower–no double entendre here!

For those who are seeking really valuable visits must set aside an hour for the most inspiring experience.. For me, the Norman Chapel is one of the top ten sites to visit, right up there with Buckingham Palace.  William the Conqueror–he is all around you–a thousand years of history.  Where else can you get it all?   Nowhere except at St. John’s Chapel, White Tower, the Tower of London.

Impressive stuff here.

Thomas Moore    801.791.9918    TMooreSr@me.com

http://www.londonconnection.com

Last year, my friend Helen Clapp suggested that I read the biography of BARONESS BURDETT-COUTTS of the famous London banking company  COUTTS BANK.  I was in London when I finished the biography and called my friend to tell her that the biography amazed me. I had seen the  Burdett-Coutts name in biographies of Queen Victoria and the Duchess of Kent, and I knew she was the granddaughter of the founder of Coutts Bank which became the private bank of Queen Victoria, but I didn’t know much more than that.

I have decided that I will do a full post about this amazing woman later–about her friendships with Florence Nightingale (for whom she bought a dryer for the laundry in her hospital), Charles Dickens (with whom she shared a concern for prostitutes trying to work their way back into normal society), etc..  She was the first woman to be given a peerage and was lovingly called the QUEEN OF THE POOR.

She organized and served as the first president of the NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO CHILDREN in 1883 and served as its president until her death in 1906.  She was president of the BRITISH BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION from 1878-1906 which immediately endeared me to this kind lady.  Her contributions were far-reaching, and I will talk about her later.

My friend Helen told me she was going to show me two monuments in London which I had never seen or heard of.  Well, OK, but I had been roaming London streets for 50 years, and I had at least heard of most “monuments.”  Well, Helen was right.

The first place Helen took me was to Victoria Park, Hackney, in East London.  I knew of the rock concerts and the open stage in Victoria Park, but I did not know of a structure financed by Baroness Burdett-Coutts.  To my absolute amazement and delight, I was taken to this amazing structure, unfortunately fenced off from vandals these days, which dazzled me.  It was a drinking fountain, an elaborate Victorian structure built in 1861 for the public East End park because there was so little clean drinkable water in much of London.  She knew that the poor people of the area would appreciate this lovely gesture.  Today, it is a wonderful example of Victorian/Gothic architecture.  Both the beauty of the structure as well as the abundance of fresh, clean water were evidences of the kindness of this great philanthropic friend of Queen Victoria.

Well, I was really getting curious about the second monument.  Again to my amazement, I was shown a second monument built by Baroness Burdett-Coutts.  This time it was an obelisk with a memorial sundial–a really amazing shape.  It was built in St. Pancras Old Churchyard in 1879 in memory of the people whose graves had been disturbed by the encroachment of the Midland Railroad.

The Baroness’s influence reached as far as India and Africa with her desire to educate and eradicate poverty.  I knew all about Florence Nightingale, but again I see that great people come from networks where success breeds success.  Behind Florence Nightingale was Baroness Burdett-Coutts who was paying the bills.

I enjoyed  my visit to the “drinking fountain” and the “obelisk,”  but what I really enjoyed more was my greater understanding of the life and personality of this amazing Victorian crusader, friend of Dickens, Nightingale, Disraeli, and the Queen.  She and her husband left their entire fortune to public causes which still make major impact today.  Imagine, saving the bees was a concern even in 1878–and there was the Baroness!  Wonderful and farsighted.

Go to Victoria Park and St. Pancras Old Churchyard, and you will marvel at the kindnesses of this good woman.

Wow !

Thomas Moore

http://www.londonconnection.com

As children, we all sang the ditty LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN, FALLING DOWN, MY FAIR LADY….. I remember on May Day when I was five years old, we all gathered in front of the school, formed an arch, and all the students went under this arch singing LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN, FALLING DOWN………  I never thought much about the nursery rhyme’s history, but I certainly liked dancing with the girls in the first grade.

These days, my friend Maureen Walker often brings me back into central London over LONDON BRIDGE.   I have crossed it for years and even remember the dismantling of the previous bridge in the 1970′s to pack and send on its way to Arizona, USA.   THAT’S ANOTHER INTERESTING STORY.   The new bridge today is wide, very efficient, but lacks the beauty and excitement of the former bridges which crossed the Thames at this point FOR OVER A THOUSAND YEARS, but it moves traffic.

When the Romans built their fortifications in Londinium, they built a wood bridge to the south side of the River Thames.   In Medieval times there was another bridge built on this same spot–about the time of our nursery rhyme.  But it was during the reign of the Tudor Kings that London Bridge flourished with its shops, markets, and fine housing.  Those who were decapitated for treason in the Tower of London had their heads put on spikes and displayed on the south entrance to the bridge.  My namesake, Thomas More, found himself in this predicament.  And the rest of us have been trying our best ever since to keep out heads out of danger.

The practice of spikes-and-decapitations on London Bridge ended with the return of Charles II at the time of the RESTORATION.  There had been enough blood under Cromwell, and he wanted a return of jolly fun times.

Eventually, the houses and shops were removed from the bridge because of the weight on the bridge structure and also because of the necessity to open up the passage for greater commerce as the port of London became more and more important.

In the 1890′s a new Victorian bridge was constructed which was eventually replaced by the very busy bridge which we cross today.

The changing bridges of London’s history are evidence of the many faces of London over a thousand years.  Today’s bridge is not a bridge begging romantic promenades like the Chelsea Bridge, but the history of the site where the various bridges have served the busy port of London is a tribute to the well-managed growth of London.

So, many bridges have come and gone from this site, just like the rhyme says:  LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN, FALLING DOWN, MY FAIR LADY….

I have posted some amazing historical photographs which you will enjoy.  The image of the Tudor bridge with all its shops is incredible.  But the 1890′s photograph of children doing the LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN is charming and a direct antecedent to our social culture.  Nice.

Thanks,

Thomas Moore, phone:  801.791.9918, TMooreSr@me.com

http://www.londonconnection.com

A few hours ago, this photo flashed across my computer screen.  I am sure my readers have realized that I have great appreciation for Prince Charles and his many efforts to do his job.  His endless energy finds the Prince in discussions about architecture, pubs, wool, high rise buildings, protection of rare plants, our rain forests, SCHOLARSHIP, organic gardening–on and on.  I will march in his parade any day because he is a man with soul.  He is a man who can make a real difference through the PRINCE’s TRUST.  Let’s's  do what we can do to help him.

When this picture came across my screen, I knew I had to post it.  THE PRINCE OF WALES IN AFGHANISTAN March 24-26, 2010.  The news photo expresses clearly what I see in the man, and I wanted to share it with my readers.

The Prince certainly has my vote!   The only thing I hold against him is he has no memory/souvenir in Clarence House of the Duke of Connaught who lived in the house for many years.  I think he should remove the abalone box from the Middle East now in his office and replace it with one of the Rifle Brigade boxes that the Old Duke loved so much. I think I know how to solve that problem–Hm!

Thanks,

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

The public’s response to this blog has been amazing.  The company that holds the server for this blog reports that we had over 70,000 readers in February.  Gosh, it makes it all worthwhile.

Today, I received a post from the foundation that is promoting the RESTORATION OF THE MARY ROSE.  I called her immediately.  She invites my reading public to Portsmouth to see the Museum which exhibits the TUDOR ARTIFACTS from the MARY ROSE .  BUT, what was really fun was her email and pictures emailed to me this morning about THE RATTER that was on board the MARY ROSE when she went down in the 16th century.   Let me tell my readers about this amazing dog.

On board the MARY ROSE, there was one female mongrel, the only female on the ship, which was the ship’s ratter.  Apparently, cats were considered bad luck, so an aggressive anti-rat DOG was kept on board.  The skeleton of the ship’s ratter has been found!  His perfect remains were found in the carpenter’s cabin near the hatch.  So, the dog has been named “HATCH.”  Amusing.

Further, the remains of this 16th century sea mongrel have been preserved and were exhibited at the premier dog show CRUFTS 2010.  HATCH was the star attraction at the show.

Now this is an amazing story.  I really can’t tell you how exciting this is.

Thanks to my readers for all your contributions.  You are wondeful.  I hope my readers will come to Portsmouth to see the MARY ROSE  and HATCH, of course.  Might you send a contribution to their efforts.

Great information.

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

When I am walking along London streets, I notice that local residents and tourists never look up.  I am certain that most people know all the curbs, cross walks, cobblestones, trolley, and crosswalks in London; but they have never lifted their heads to see what is “up there.”  I remember my beloved LONDON GUIDE FRIEND HELEN CLAPP who told my friends to get their eyes out of the gutter–they’d see a lot more.  She was right.  When you are taking your wonderful walks around London, look up;  you will see flags, building friezes, capitals on columns, historical markers, and all periods of architecture.

One of my first discoveries after I was instructed to get my eyes out of the gutter was the fantastic weathervanes all over London.  They are fantastic.  Let me tell you about a few of my favorite vanes.  Some of them are very old.  What a fantastic subject for a coffee table book:  THE HISTORIC WEATHERVANES OF LONDON.  Why Not?

My guide friend Helen Clapp told me that the weathervane on Westminster Abbey was clearly depicted on the BAYEUX TAPESTRY of 1065.  The Dover Castle weathervane dates to 1365.   So the weathervane in England has a long tradition.  Let me tell you about some of them.

The FLYING FISH on the Billingsgate Fish Market is wonderful and dates from the 1870′s.  It is so loved that when the Billingsgate Fish Market moved out of London, the corporation had two copies made of the FLYING FISH to place atop the new building.

My favorite is THE DRAGON at Mary Le Bow.  It is the oldest weathervane in London and dates from 1679.

Last year I made my way to Abbey Road to pay homage to the Beatles.  As I was walking by Lord’s Cricket Ground, I noticed FATHER TIME which is a weathervane placed at Lord’s in 1925.

Don’t forget the sailing ships weathervanes over the Tower of London.  They are five hundred years old.

I love weathervanes.  They say a lot about the buiding they mark.  Out of my library window from our home here in Utah, I see a wonderful restored 1886 farmhouse  set among beautiful gardens with a weathervane on its old roof which tells me every morning about the winds outside.  It is a very large copper elk and is my friend.  I read a small ditty about weathervanes;  let me share it with you.

—–

WEATHERCOCK, WEATHERCOCK, UP IN THE SKY,

WHAT CAN YOU SEE FROM YOUR PERCH SO HIGH?

WATCHING THE CLOUDS, THE SUN, MOON, AND STARS,

THE PEOPLE, THE TRAFFIC, HORSES, AND CARS.

I ENVY YOU WEATHERCOCK YOUR WONDERFUL VIEW,

AND WISH THAT I COULD SOMETIME SIT THERE WITH YOU.

——

While you are in London, watch for the weathervanes.  I am sure they would enjoy your friendship and smiles.   I am sure you will find wonderful ones.

But above all, LIFT UP YOUR EYES;  London is a beautiful city, and there are far more beautiful objects than the curbs and gutters near your feet.  LOOK UP.  THAT IS WHERE YOU WILL FIND LONDON–UP THERE WITH THE WEATHERVANES.

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND.

TOM

http://www.londonconnection.com

Wow !  My readers do keep me in line.  OK, I do love the CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW.  It is simply that it has gotten so large and crowded.  But I have had several calls about getting tickets.  Also, there may be a few flats still available for your visit to the flower show.  Check out www.londonconnection.com

If you need help getting tickets, call from North America  011.44.870.842.2233

THE FLOWER SHOW IS 25,26,27,28,29 MAY, 2010

Place:  the grounds of the ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA, another fabulous setting and backdrop–17th century.  Spectacular.

The official website is   rhs.org.uk/chelsea

The wonderful part of the Flower Show for me is the unveiling of new plants.  I am an avid rose gardener, so I do like to know about David Austin’s new roses.  Ah, if you haven’t bought the book DAVID AUSTIN ROSES, I highly recommend it.  This coffee book highlights each of the most successful roses from this grower.  David Austin has an exhibition each year at the Flower Show, and it is a great attraction.

THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW is considered the premier garden show in the world.  That’s quite a claim, but it is truly spectacular and is part of London’s social season.

I was really pleased last year when Prince Charles was given an outstanding award for his years of gardening. In one of the Prince’s gardens at HIGHGROVE, GLOUCESERSHIRE, there are 30 plants that were considered extinct.  His devotion to the environment and to saving plant life is to be commended and appreciated.  The award was presented to him by his mother, the Queen, on behalf of the Royal Horticulture Society.    Really nice.

So, if you are in London late in May, THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW is certainly a wonderful attraction.

Thanks,

Thomas Moore   801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.co

THE LONDON CONNECTION has been in business for thirty years.  It is a family business, and we have tried to bring great happiness to our clients who are traveling to London for business and pleasure.  I know how difficult it is to feel secure to do business over the internet;  it is like talking to the MOON.  I thought you would like to see who is on this side of the phone.  We enjoy hearing from you, and we will do everything we can do to make your trip successful.  We think our flats are the best properties in London at very reasonable rates.

The first photo is a group shot of some of our family.  We are a family of five children and 13 grandchildren.  We enjoy being together and have to watch our diets–we love to cook and eat.  But we have great times together.  We love living in London as long as we can come home TO OUR MOUNTAINS IN UTAH as well.  For a family that likes the out-of-doors and skiing, Utah is perfect for us.  Our London team is much like our family as well, and we prize them as team players as well as friends.

Most of you talk and deal with Thomas Jr. or  TOM as he is known in the company.  But, he is THOMAS within the family.  He is the young man with the white ball cap in the first photo.  He is the young man you deal with most of the times while booking one of our London flats.

The second picture is of  Thomas Moore Sr. and two of his three daughters  The daughters look like their beautiful mother;  the two boys unfortunately got their father’s genes, and they remind me of it daily.

It is my intention to help you know who is on the other end of the phone when you contact us for housing for your trip to London.  Please know we are eager for your successful trips.

Off to London we go !   I hope we can help you.

Thomas Moore Sr.

http://www.londonconnection.com

I posted yesterday about THE HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW.  I have been attending flower shows throughout Britian and the United States for many years.  I thought my readers would like to see some of my gardens which are the result of years of LOOKING at mature gardens–most are in the Cotswolds.  During the past several years, my son and I have acquired several period buildings within THE ECCLES HISTORIC DISTRICT.  One is a charming, little farmhouse which was just begging for restoration and beautiful gardens.  Another is a 1925 Sears and Roebuck cottage which now has its fabulous vaulted ceiling returned and wonderful gardens and a small orchard.  The most difficult project was the restoration of the 1925 VILLAS which had fallen into total disrepair.  The Villas were built by Marriner S. Eccles, the first Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, in 1925.  He spent the winters in Santa Monica, California, and fell in love with little California villas like the ones he built in our historic district in OGDEN, UTAH.  The restoration was a pure effort of love–both the gardens and the buildings.  The main house where we live is very large building built by E.O. Wattis, builder of the Hoover Dam and founder of Utah Construction Company–the great builders of the dams and railroads throughout the West.   The house was designed by EBER PIERS who was a young architect studying the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright.  It eventually became the home of Marriner S. Eccles where the New Deal and the World Bank were created.  He was the most important financier in American Banking and a major personality in the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  He was not much of a gardener, so we have added to his reputation with fantastic plantings.  Afterall, it is now the Moore’s home.

Each of these restorations have been done under the guidance of the Utah Heritage Foundation and are gems in one of the most interesting NATIONAL HISTORICAL DISTRICTS in the United States.  I am pleased that our family has been involved in this massive project.  I am pleased that I have the opportunity to care for our very lovely, mostly English, gardens.  We have two assistantswho are master gardeners.  We plan the spring gardens, order 5,000 tulip bulbs, add roses, and choose vegetables which we mingle among the flowers.  They plant purple cabbages among the geraniums to texture and contrast, and they add artichokes among the roses.  Visitors state at the contrasts which are so pleasant, but not expected.

We have put 8 beehives in the gardens and plant rows and rows of lavender around the hives.  We have covered the fences with grape vines and squash plants near distant fences for lovely and lush leaves.  Last year, my gardeners and I decided we would line the large rose gardens at the farmhouse with red beets.  The contrast was spectacular.

THE VILLAS, THE FARMHOUSE, THE COTTAGE, and the Prairie-style house have all won state awards for the restorations and the gardens.

Come visit us if you are ever in the area.  We have an office filled with English historical documents and artifacts, and we would love to share our gardens. Great restaurants and fabulous skiing and summer sports.  The best biking and hiking trails in the West–hands down!

GO TO THE SPRING AND SUMMER GARDEN SHOWS IN THE LONDON AREA.   They are INSPIRING.

I hope you have enjoyed this read–England in Utah.  What else can an ANGLOPHILE  say?  Bring England home!

Thanks,

Tom

The Royal Horticultural Society’s HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW is about to begin.  THE DATES?  6-11 July, 2010  10 AM -7:30 PM daily

Contact for tickets  Phone:  011.44.(0)844.209.0357

This flower show is the world’s largest flower show.  The magnificent setting of Hampton Court Palace is a sumptuous backdrop for this splendid show–celebrating its 20th year anniversary.  Find out what you’ve always wanted to know about growing fruits and vegetables.  There are magnificent garden displays and fabulous flowers, but because the space at Hampton Court Palace is so vast, there are many displays of very different themes.  It is breathtaking– AND HELPFUL for gardeners like me.

A few years ago, I attended the Chelsea Flower Show in London.  I was invited by London friends to attend one day, but I took some friends on another day.  When I went back with my friends, I felt like I was riding the Tokyo subway.  It was overcrowed and very unpleasant.  So, I decided I would support the HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW instead.  What a great decision.  The displays were not so crowded, the variety was greater, and there was a more friendly and helpful atmosphere which I appreciated.  So this year, I recommend HAMPTON COURT.  I am attaching some photos from last year’s show which will give you an idea of the quality of this show.

The HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW is the largest flower show in the world, but I believe it is the most informative as well.    I get new ideas for my gardens in the States which reflect my time spent at Hampton Court.

If you would allow me, I will tell you about my US gardens which have been developed over the years and influenced by travels through the UK, enjoying English gardens–great and small.

If you are in London between 6-11 July, 2010, THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW is a perfect day out-of-London.  It is really wonderful.

Wonderful.

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

In the 18th century, sedan chairs were convenient and suitable for transportation in London.  Queen Charlotte used her sedan chair frequently when traveling from Buckingham House to St. James’s Palace when her clothing did not require her to take a royal landau.  When you are at Windsor Castle on your next trip, there are two very elegant sedan chairs in moroccan wine leather.  Both of these two very beautiful SEDAN CHAIRS were made for Queen Charlotte.  When the Queen died, her personal possessions were sold.  These two chairs left the Royal Collection.  In the 19th century, Queen Victoria bought them and returned them to Windsor as family items of great beauty.  When you are visiting the Castle, please keep an eye out for them.  They are in the great chamber where the magnificent collection of the Queen’s armor is on display.

The satirists of the 18th century loved to satirize the social etiquette of Queen Charlotte’s court.  I am attaching an amusing engraving of a lady on her way to St. James’s Palace with the required court feathers flying out of the top of the SEDAN CHAIR.

Robert Adams was the arbiter of taste during the fourth quarter of the 18th century in England.  Even he submitted a design for a SEDAN CHAIR for the Queen.

When a visitor came to London, he could hire a sedan chair with two/four carriers from a local agency, usually established companies on the entrances to a city.  Only one sedan rental shop exists today–on the outskirts of Bath.  In the 18th century, these shops were throughout the city–like London taxis today.

Queen Charlotte’s two SEDAN CHAIRS are at Windsor.  Another more simple one , yet very elegant, which belonged to George III is on display in a country house musseum.    Enjoy them when you are at Windsor.  They are very elegant.  They are like time capsules, taking one back two hundred fifty years.

I have seen them at Windsor for years, but I also saw one of them on display at the Queen’s Gallery when the Palace did an amazing  exhibition on  King George III which resulted in the most definitive publication on George III and Queen Charlotte’s contributions to the Royal Collection.

Nice.

Tom

http://www.londonconnection.com

The Queen’s MARKER and WARDEN were accompanied on the week journey by members of the two ancient Guilds of Vinters and Dyers who are granted the charter rights of swan ownership on the Thames.  The procession of 6 pennanted Thames skiffs with their “swan uppers” is rowed up the Thams and the MARKER “ups” the swans, checks them for injuries caused by vandals or by fish hooks and line.  As they pass beneath the towering walls of Windsor Castle, the Queen’s Swan MARKER gives the loyal toast:  HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, SEIGNEUR OF THE SWANS.

Swans were not native to England.  They were brought to England from France and owned by the King.  A game of swans could only be owned by the sovereign.  The Marker catch the cygnets, tag them, and do a formal count to be presented to the Queen.  All swans are caught, checked for health, and set free.  It is one of the most ancient medieval ceremonies, dating to the 1300′s.  Fabulous.

This yearly activity starts at 9:00 am on Monday of the third week of July.  This would be one of the most wonderful day-out-of-London activities.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.  Last year, the Queen attended the first day of the SWAN UPPING ON THE RIER THAMES.   I am attaching photos of two skiffs during the Upping.  The You Tube productions are wonderful.

I will be there this year.  A schedule will soon be published giving the sites where SWAN UPPING will take place along the Thames.

You can contact this number for all the details:  From the US  -  011.44.1628.523030.

Goodness, what a lot of fun.

Thanks,

Thomas Moore   Phone:  801.791.9918

http://www.londonconnection.com

WESTMINSTER PASSANGER SERVICE ASSOCIATION is the only riverboat company operating a scheduled service from Westminster Pier to Kew, to Richmond, and to Hampton Court.  Daily  sailing from Westminster Pier is operated between April and Octoer. The pier can be found next to Westminster Bridge, opposite the Houses of Parliament.

From the heart of London, following the Royal Barge Route of Henry VIII passing the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew and historic Richmond, you will transit the locks as the river winds and twists to the Royal Palace of Hampton Court which has stood on the banks of the river for more than 500 years.

This is a beautiful 3 hour trip–BEAUTIFUL!   I encourage my readers to enjoy this experience.  Remember, Westminster Pier in London straight to Hampton–a slow pace along the Thomas.  Fantastic.

http://www.londonconnection.com