This morning, I received this comment about a fantastic virtual tour of St Paul’s Cathedral. I am posting the comment showing the virtual tour address. This will make your bones shake; it is so incredible. Check it out. I will post a few images from the virtual tour.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
If you have been reading my blog over the months, you know that I have had a long and wonderful relationship with Badminton House. My family has visited Badminton House twice a year, and memories of Carolyn, Duchess of Beaufort are warm and wonderful. Everyone called her THE FLYING DUCHESS, an she was all of that an a lot more.
I was at Badminton House with my two sons when the Duchess was fight cancer. It was the last time I saw her, and I cherish the laughs and fun we had. She and the Duke were close to the Royal Family; in fact, the Queen Mother was the Duke’s godmother. There is a wonderful movie of this wedding. I will post a few “poor but fun” shots of that wonderful celebration at a church on Eaton Square. The previous Duke called MASTER was my father’s friend; he died without an heir, so the current Duke was heir nephew and heir. The current Duke has been involved in the art world in London for years an has been a successful businessman and has been able to keep Badminton House a private residence. I will talk about the Horse Trails in a few moments, but I want to post the wedding of the Duke to Carolyn Thynne from Longleat House. Wonderful.
The King and Queen an Princess Margaret attended the wedding:
Badminton House is a house with great history. The views over vast landscapes and small villages take you back to another century; it is as if time stood still for Badminton House. I love the walk from Worcester Lodge (the second name of the family) to the house is spectacular. This magnificent house has been the seat of the Beaufort family for centuries–it has that wonderful old world feel of horses, hounds, stables, fine furniture, the Duke’s flat flying–on and on.
Worcester Lodge
The Duke of Beaufort
NOW THE BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS – 4-7 May 2012 and 3-6 May 2013 And the public is invited to attend. Wouldn’t this be a fabulous day or two away from London? I’ say so!
A lot of information here. But, I am enthusiastic about this event and this great House and family. You will hear about all this from time to time. Fantastic. There are two Canaletto oils in the library; even the great painter was drawn to this fabulous site.
Thanks,
Tom
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Photo: Connor MacNeil
Leadenhall Market is one of the most beautiful “malls” in London. It sits on the site of the ancient Roman forum in the ancient city of Londinium. The market was thriving in the Middle Ages, but it was in Victorian times when the current over-engineered building was built as a meat market. Ten years ago the magnificent structure was refurbished as a shopping mall. You can see and feel the similarity to the mall in Milan which is older than Leadenhall Market. The recent refurbishment was very successful, adding to the many fine Victorian structures which add so much to the beauty of London. If you haven’t wandered through Leadenhall Market in the City of London, you must add it to your itinerary. It is actually magnificent. I can hardly picture it as a meat market during Victorian days.
Here is an image of the market during Victorian times with the meat in all the shop windows:
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
All HELL is happening all over the world these days, but the Brits are celebrating competitions for the best designed beehive. That’s exactly why Britain survives century after century–they concentrate on the important things in life. This article made me very happy.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
I couldn’t resist sharing these images of Highgrove, the residence of the Prince of Wales in Gloucestershire. Beautiful.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
What a fabulous image of the 1808 Drury Lane theater
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
While reading about the Restoration of the Stuart Dynasty and Charles II, I have run into information which has really interested me. I did not know that an earlier Banqueting House was built on the location of Inigo Jones’ Banqueting House. It was built by Queen Elizabeth I in 1581. James I pulled it down and built his own Banqueting House in 1606 which existed between 1606 and 1618 when it was destroyed by fire. I have found a drawing of the 1606 Banqueting House of James I. I had no idea that Elizabeth I and James I had Banqueting Houses which are the foundations of Inigo Jones’s glorious 1619 Banqueting House which we have today. How did I miss all this history in my long and getting longer life? Very, very interesting. I would like to find images showing the first and second banqueting houses. Here is a drawing of the 1606 Banqueting House next to the “Preaching Hall,” another name for chapel. Incredible history.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
So much of London’s historic sculpture is on the roofs of the city’s famous buildings. This is the sculpture no one sees. When I am with family or friends, walking the streets of London, I kindly remind them to take their eyes off their feet and look up. I understand that cobblestone streets, city curbs, “mind the gap,” and excessive traffic cause one to be cautious; but when possible look up and enjoy a world of great sculpture and architecture. We all know the London statues which are at eye level, but in many cases, we are missing the most interesting sculptures. I found these photos and descriptions and knew that posting them on this blog was a matter of urgency. I just can’t have my readers and visitors coming to London without seeing the only statue of Elizabeth I, created during her reign, which is tucked away and only seen if a good guide points it out. Let me show you a few of these hidden treasures!
Wow! What fabulous sculptures, never seen by London’s busy city. Where does one find history? Much is hidden, so let’s look up!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Over the past several years, I have driven by this odd building near the Liverpool Street Station, 8 Bishopsgate Churchyard EC2, near Liverpool Street Station. I am off to London this week, and I am going to visit this old Victorian Turkish Bathhouse now turned into a cafe. Look at these photos and enjoy the history. Haven’t times changed? This is intriguing. Enjoy!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Tower Bridge from the Thames River
St. Paul’s Cathedral from the South Bank
The London Tube
St.Paul’s Cathedral from the top of the dome/the lantern – Fabulous!
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Mayfair is rich with beautiful architecture. The buildings along South Audley Street are rich with late Victorian and early Edwardian architecture. T Goode and Co’s building is particularly lovely. Right on South Audley Street
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Many people visit the Victoria and Albert enjoying the collections and exhibitions without really enjoying the building itself. I want to post these magnificent images of the Victoria and Alberta’s architectural details in hopes of encouraging visitors to pay special attention to the beautiful detail of this building. Enjoy.
Prince Albert, the Prince Consort’s dream was a museum,arts, and science complex at South Kensington. This magnificent part of London is a result of the Prince Consort’s great dream. I wonder what London would look like if the Prince had lived past the page of 41.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
I could spend hours enjoying this beautiful engraving showing the old Royal Palace during the reign of Henry VIII, long before its destruction by fire. Very interesting
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
For those who follow London news, the words CLARENCE HOUSE are almost a daily part of our lives. At this moment, it is the residence of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (for a short time only), and the Prince Harry. For the last half of the 20th century, Clarence House was the residence of the beloved Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Prior to that, it was the residence of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh when Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, prior to the Duchess’s becoming Queen. The original Georgian house was built by Nash during the Regency and the official residence of William IV, when Duke of Clarence.
The house is open to the public during the same period as the Palace, during the summer. But tickets are limited to small groups and must be booked on the Royal Website long in advance. So, if you want to visit Clarence House for this summer, BOOK NOW.
Let’s have a look at some of the sumptuous interiors of this fabulous London residence. I have searched everywhere I could to find wonderful images. I hope you will enjoy them.
The west facade
The Main Entrance behind the high walls
The Prince of Wales’s private garden at Clarence House with the Queen Mother’s favorite magnolias
Clarence House mid-19th century when lived in by the Duchess of Kent, mother of Queen Victoria
Fabulous watercolor of the Queen Mother’s sitting room on the second floor
Amazing image of the Queen Mother’s second, most personal, sitting room. Fabulous
The Queen Mother’s sitting room on ground floor – much as it is today. Chippendale gilt suite of furniture–only Chippendale furniture ever bought by the Royal Family.
War Images of Windsor Castle, commissioned by King George VI in the midst of World War II. When he saw them, he said: ”It must have been a rainy day.” The King wished to record the appearance of Windsor Castle in case the structure was destroyed during the war. Now hanging in the Lancaster Room
The Prince of Wales’s dining room with the Landseer painting on the north wall.
The Prince of Wales’s sitting room and morning room after his recent refurbishment
The cross hall on the main floor after the recent refurbishment – housing the Queen Mother’s racing pictures and her many equestrian bronzes
The Princess Elizabeth by deLaszlo in the lounge of the Queen Mother – as now seen with the images of the Queen Mother’s beloved corgis. Sweet Peas were her favorite house flowers
A wonderful black/white image of the Queen Mother with the Princess Margaret in the living room of Clarence House in the 1950′s. Wonderful image. So much was to happen after this time. Wow
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the entire of this fabulous house, filled with paintings, carpets, bronzes, gilt boxes, furniture, and vermeil. Wonderful. Get your tickets now.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Look at these fabulous postcards of London at the end of Queen Victoria’s reign / the first of Edward VII’s reign. Who said London traffic is a new problem? Yikes! Some of the cards actually look older than 1902. They may have been sent in 1902, but I am certain the photos themselves are at least 5/10 years earlier. The tinted card is definitely after 1902.
Thank you, Kenneth Lewis, for sending these cards to me. I really enjoy this kind of exchange between author and reader.
This postcard dates to about 1902, not earlier
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
This early morning, I was reading the comments which were posted on this blog from readers of my published articles. I was particularly intrigued by comments by Albert Barnard, an organ maker who helped restore the organ in All Souls Church after the building’s heavy bombing during World War II. I was intrigued and returned an email asking Mr Barnard to write his history and I would post it on my blog. Until I hear back from him, I invite you to read the first phase of this interesting story. Albert Barnard, our eyes and ears are eagerly waiting to hear about your ventures with the All Hallows Church organ. Nice.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Look at this! Lots to study here. London Bridge, Middle Ages, ca. 1350 I am fascinated with this image.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Westminster Hall, a part of the Palace of Westminster complex, has been in the public eye in recent months. President Obama spoke to both Houses of Parliament in the Hall, and in 2002, the Queen Mother lay in state next to the location where her husband King George VI lay in state in 1953. This is a very ancient building with a great history.
The Palace of Westminster is Britain’s oldest royal palace. It was built between Westminster Abbey and the river by Edward the Confessor around 1050. William the Conqueror, once he had established himself at the Tower, took over Westminster, which remained the main royal residence until a fire in 1513 when Henry VIII moved the Court up the road to Whitehall Palace. Edward II was deposed here in 1327, Richard II was tried here in 1399. Sir Thomas More was tried here in 1535 and Guy Fawkes in 1606. There is a brass tablet marking the spot where Charles I sat during his trial i 1649. In 1635 Oliver Cromwell was installed in the Hall as Lord Protector while seated in King Edward’s Coronation Chair. Gladstone was the first person to lie in state in 1898, then George VI in 1952, Queen Mary in 1953, Sir Winston Churchill in 1965, and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 2002. In 1996 Nelson Mandela addressed both Houses of Parliament in the Hall. President spoke in the Hall while I was in London on my last trip.
If you are in London when Westminster Hall is open to public, I highly recommend this visit. Fabulous. Deep in the heart of British tradition.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
I thought you might enjoy this photo detail of Westminster Abbey – 18th century Great West Door
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
The Courtauld Gallery is in a wing of architect Sir William Chambers’ 18th century Somerset House. We all go to the Courtauld Gallery to see the marvelous collection of fine paintings–from works dating from the Middle Ages to the modern age. But one of the great treats for attending the Gallery is the building itself. And, one of the great bonuses of the Courtauld Gallery wing of Somerset House is the architectural details of Sir William Chambers. These details are absolutely beautiful and date from the 18th century. When you are at the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, don’t forget to enjoy the decorative details. They are beautiful. Thank you, Sir William Chambers.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
The 4th Plinth on Trafalgar Square was once considered to be the base for the bronze equestrian statue of King George III which is now found near Trafalgar Square at the Cockspur corner. This plan was considered appropriate because this King was the monarch at the time of the Battle of Trafalgar. There were other considers, but nothing was ever finally decided. Within the last few years, a new scheme has been carried out: rotating “artwork” on the 4th Plinth. I have been going to London for years, staying months and months at a time and wandering every street I could reach, and I have never understood this new art program. THEY ARE AN EMBARRASSMENT. When the sculpture has moved on to the next hideous lump on the 4th plinth, I gag! I listen to the people on the Square, and they are either laughing or gagging right along with me. I remember standing next to a lady from Cornwall who introduced herself as Vera. We had a nice chat about these “art” monuments, and she thought the chairman of the committee had to be the chief personality at some “stand-up” comedy show. Certainly, someone has got to stop these horrific JOKES which the public has to suffer month after month as one PILE replaces the next Pile. Nelson’s ship in a bottle–How’s that? A marble pregnant paraplegic–How’s that? A gilt rocking horse and child–Sound OK for the 4th Plinth? What about a blue cockerel–that should do it?
No one is asking for another equestrian royal bronze, but for goodness sakes, can’t we do something dignified, harmonious, and fitting to the setting! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY EMBARRASSING. This is a situation where a few screwy, ivory-tower, out-of-touch “Artsies” have gone mad at the public’s expense. The Mayor of London with his fluffy blond hair standing in front of the Blue Cockerel makes quite a hideous image! Do we all just laugh and go on our way?! I think not! The only pleasure I ever get from the pile on the 4th Plinth is the awareness that it will soon be gone. But then I am struck with the knowledge that another monster is on its way! Right, a gilt rocking horse! Right in front of that Grand Old Lady, the National Gallery. Sorry, it doesn’t work.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Prince Charles, were you taking a nap? Wow! Look at this.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
Last year, The London Connection contracted for two flats on John Adam Street to offer to our visitors to London. I had never known this area of London, but I was in for a real surprise! When I visited the flats before taking them on, I walked from Trafalgar Square, down Villiers Street to John Adam Street. I walked up John Adam Street and passed by the flat because I was almost in a trance because of what I saw in front of me: an entire parade of Georgian buildings–all in perfect order, just as they have been for over two hundred years. I saw Palladian windows, fanlights, exquisite pilasters, pillars, and balance everywhere! It was paradise. I pulled out my camera and started to take a few photographs of buildings that were dazzling! I really was in paradise. I almost forgot my appointment, but my tardiness was a result of the most wonderful short walk I had had in a very long time. I wrote about John Adam Street last year on this blog, but I wanted to add my pictures to help explain my enthusiasm for this fabulous, and somewhat unrecognized part of London–at least to me.
Enjoy the Palladian Windows
and the Royal Society Building, built in 1774, and designed by Robert and James Adam
And the doorways
And the balance and proportions
And the Parade of private Georgian houses still intact
And the Fanlights
This is an easy walk on a short street–the most rewarding experience. I eventually got to my destination and viewed two beautiful flats which our company offers on Adam Street. Really, the whole experience was exciting. In fact, great! I could just picture 18th century carriages and chaises going up and down the lovely street. Really wonderful. I am surprised it hasn’t been used in a film–it is all there and totally harmonious and original.
Thomas Moore email: TMooreSr@me.com Telephone: 801.791.9918
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