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Hatfield House and Gardens

Hatfield House,Flower

There is a lot of history and a lot to see at Hatfield House.  This is just a sample.   I’ve started with this flower because it is the most regal that I have seen.  You might also like to view the amazing interiors and some of its Elizabethan history by clicking here.

Inside the house are the famous Rainbow and Ermine portraits of Elizabeth I, together with a  number of ornate ceilings and artifacts.

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For instance, this is Lord Burghley who created and ran what was probably the first organized intelligence service.

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Hatfield House, Village

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. Access from Hatfield rail station is via a viaduct (I’ve always wanted to say that) that spans over a village.
Hatfield House, Old House and Garden

Further into the estate is the old house and gardens.
Hatfield House

This is the rear view of the newer house.
Hatfield House,Church

Across the green is the old church.
Hatfield House,Square

And, nearby is a path leading to the church which is open to visitors for part of the day.
Hatfield House,Tudor Cottage

In the church grounds there is this Tudor cottage.
Hatfield House,Inside Church

And, inside the church the ceiling is being restored.
Hatfield House,Gardens

There are a number of gardens and water features.
Hatfield House,Fountain

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Hatfield House, Group Statue

Meet the crew.  There are several statues but I thought this was the best and appears to feature Queen Elizabeth I herself.
Hatfield House,Shop

There is quite an extensive shopping mall with a gallery, large cafe and this.  A toy shop and gun shop side by side. What can I say, it’s the countryside.  Here are some flowers.
Hatfield House,Flower 3

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Hatfield House,Flower 2

If you like history then Hatfield House is steeped in it.  More  here.

Hatfield House and Elizabeth I

17 pics. Hatfield House is one of the most historically significant places to photograph near London and The Grounds ⇐,  Extraordinary Chickens ⇐,  Hatfield House Website ⇒.

Upon an autumn day being 27th November 1558 beside an oak tree near to Hatfield House which was her home at the time, Princess Elizabeth Tudor was told that she had become Queen Elizabeth I of England, following the death of her elder half-sister Queen Mary I.

Elizabeth’s accession had not been a certainty. Queen Mary I, also known as “Bloody Mary”, resented her own mother’s displacement as Henry VIII’s wife by Elizabeth’s mother Anne Boleyn. Queen Mary’s sobriquet stemmed from her attempt to return England to Catholicism by persecution of Protestants. Elizabeth was considered to have protestant leanings and likely to undo Mary’s efforts.

Fortunately Elizabeth was popular and had a number of powerful allies. Otherwise the whole future of Britain would have been changed and would have had a significant impact upon world history. Elizabeth’s reign of 44 years was known as a Golden Age with herself as “Gloriana” the virgin queen.

Portraits of Elizabeth started to include a variety of symbols which made them statements of intent and power and helped to establish the cult of Elizabeth. Here are two of them with some of the symbols explained, followed by images from within Hatfield House.

Elizabeth I Ermine Painting at Hatfield House

 

The Ermine Portrait shows Elizabeth holding an olive branch in her right hand signifying the offer of peace. Upon her left is an ermine wearing a crown as a collar and near her left hand the sword of state.

The ermine in the picture, with its black flecks, is a stylised version that indicates its heraldic significance that looks up to the queen.

An ermine is a stoat (short-tailed weasel) in its white winter coat. It represents purity and valour based upon an old legend that it would rather die than soil its white coat. Monarchs and peers had used the ermine to make cloaks. With several of the pelts sown together, the black tipped tails created a pattern of dark flecks. This then became an heraldic device of black flecks upon white.

Taken overall the message is that whilst Elizabeth offered peace, she was ready to use the sword, limited only by righteous regal purity.

Elizabeth I Rainbow Painting at Hatfield House

The Rainbow Portrait includes the Latin phrase “Non Sine Sole Iris” (No Rainbow Without Sun). Although in the last year of her reign, Elizabeth is depicted in her prime with flowery symbols of spring on her dress.

The dress is protected by a cloak that has eyes and ears both inside and outside. There is also a serpent on her arm that represents subtle wisdom and a powerful bite.

The rainbow in her right hand seems to have no colour. I have not found a commentator who explains this but does seem to be of significance.

Taken altogether this is Elizabeth as the source of nature’s beauty and light protected by an ability to hear and see everything and to act upon that knowledge.

One of the famous Queen Elizabeth I Armada paintings can be seen at The Queen’s House ⇐ in Greenwich. 

There have been many films depicting Elizabeth’s very dramatic life. My personal favourites are the 1998 film “Elizabeth” and the 2007 film “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” both starring Cate Blanchett and, I think, definitely worth seeing.

And, here is the house:-

Ornate Ceilijng at Hatfield House

 

Ornate Wardrobe at Hatfield House

 

Lord Cecil at Hatfield House

 

Ornate Clock at Hatfield House

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Grandfather Clock at Hatfield House

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Organ at Hatfield House

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Staircase at Hatfield House

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Ceiling at Hatfield House

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Library at Hatfield House

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Adam and Eve Painting at Hatfield House

There are a great many works of art in Hatfield House, this one took my interest because it shows that artists of the past had some curious notions or tried to create them.  In this picture of Eden there are people other than Adam and Eve and some of the animals are transparent.  Click on twice for a closer view.

Long Hall at Hatfield House

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Armour at Hatfield House

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Cicely Alice Marchioneess of Salisbury at Hatfield House

This painting of Cicely Alice (Marchioness of Salisbury) was painted about 1910.  I found it to be somewhat enigmatic.  Whilst I could not find any cause for it, if you click on twice to expand, it looks as if she is about to burst into tears.

Stained Glass at Hatfield House

More from the grounds ⇐.

Sculpture at Wisely

One of the events at Wisley Gardens has been the sculpture trail.  Here are just a few that I found particularly engaging and here are the Alice in Wonderland pieces.  A couple of clicks to expand.  Enjoy ~

Sea Horse in Rockery at Wisley Gardens

Sea Horse in Rockery at Wisley Gardens

 

Figure XVIII by Henriette Van der Does at Wisley Gardens

Figure XVIII by Henriette Van der Does at Wisley Gardens

 

The Dodo by Robert James Sculpture Ltd at Wisley Gardens

The Dodo by Robert James Sculpture Ltd at Wisley Gardens

 

Making Time by Lynn Warren at Wisley Gardens

Making Time by Lynn Warren at Wisley Gardens

 

Time to Go by Lynn Warren at Wisley Gardens

Time to Go by Lynn Warren at Wisley Gardens

 

Pan at Wisley Gardens

Pan at Wisley Gardens

 

Moon Gazing Hare by Alan Wallis at Wisley Gardens

Moon Gazing Hare by Alan Wallis at Wisley Gardens

 

Offering by Everard Meynell at Wisley Gardens

Offering by Everard Meynell at Wisley Gardens

 

The Dancers by Lilly Henry at Wisley Gardens

The Dancers by Lilly Henry at Wisley Gardens

Wisley Gardens Orchids and Pitchers

Wisley Gardens (main post here) has a very well kept glass house with many amazing inhabitants.  Here are just a few.

 

Orchids 1 at Wisley

 

Orchids 2 at Wisley

 

Orchids 5 at Wisley

 

Orchids 3 at Wisley

 

Orchids 6 at Wisley

 

Orchids 7 at Wisley

 

Pitcher 1 at Wisley

 

Pitcher 3 at Wisley

 

Pitcher 2 at Wisley

 

 

Weird Plant at Wisley

I didn’t know what this was called. I thought “Your Highness” was probably the safest option.

Glasshouse at Wisley

The glass house is much bigger than this, but I particularly like this section. More at Wisley Gardens.

A Very Model Village at Bekonscot

30 pictures. Bekonscot Model Village, near Beaconsfield rail station, just to the north west of London, is one of the most unusual places to photograph near London.

– For detail, please click on and image and then again to expand  –

Bekonscot Model Village Hotel

Of course, one stayed at the best hotel, as one does.

Bekonscot Model Village Train

Having arrived in style, as one does too.

Bekonscot Model Village Mansion

Then tea with the local squire and a tour of the town.

Bekonscot Model Village Railway Station

You might notice that they are keen to discourage running.  It’s for the benefit of the occasional giant.  Personally, I’ve never needed any discouragement.

Bekonscot Model Village Newsagent

Caught up on some local news.  The forecast was that there would be weather all day, so we strolled on.

Bekonscot Model Village Cottage

The local fireman in action.  Good show, what.
Bekonscot Model Village PubAfter all the excitement, a little libation seemed in order.  Then, on to the town center.

Bekonscot Model Village Shops

Of course, they do like their little joke.  Fruiterers U.R.A Peach,  Evan Leigh Soles and Lee Key Plumbers.

Bekonscot Model Village Street

Seems a bit quiet but they’re all  in the Royal Saracens Head.

Bekonscot Model Village Tavern

With such an open invitation, how could one refuse.  Thirsty work, all this walking about.

Bekonscot Model Village Tavern Entrance

After a drink or two, we thought we’d behave responsibly and refrain from driving.  So we borrowed the twin-engined job.   😀

Bekonscot Model Village AirportOf course Bekonscot does have a very good transport system.

Bekonscot Model Village Cable CarWe gave the jolly old castle a fly by.  They turned out the guard for us.  Actually, I think we were being shot at but I’m sure they didn’t mean it, just a bit of fun. 🙂

Bekonscot Model Village Castle

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Bekonscot Model Village Church

A nice little church, right next to the fun fair.

Bekonscot Model Village Vicarage

And, another with a quite modern vicarage.

Bekonscot Model Village Cider Farm

The cider apple farm.  Almost landed for a sample, but thought we’d better press on. 🙂

Bekonscot Model Village Canal

Bekonscot is generally very industrious and the canal very busy.

Bekonscot Model Village Ruined Castle

The old castle ruins are very popular.   In the background one can see some of those giants I mentioned earlier with they’re plaintiff cries of “Don’t do that to your sister” and “How many times have I got to tell you”.  I believe their numbers are kept down by congestion charging.  😀

Bekonscot Model Village Harbour

The old fishing village.

Bekonscot Model Village College

The college is world-famous.  Mostly for its prodigious cider consumption.
Bekonscot Model Village Farm

Farming is strictly organic.  There’s a recital every day. 😀

Bekonscot Model Village Pier

Plenty of other entertainment though.  With the latest in performers.

It was from here that Sir Earnest Guzzelit embarked on his exploration of the Amazon rain-forest.  Nobody has had the heart to tell him that he’s been going round in circles for two years.

Bekonscot Model Village Ship.

Bekonscot Model Village Steam Roller

There’s Fred with his steam roller.   Known locally as Fearless Fred on account of not being scared of big flowers.

And, more local humour.

Bekonscot Model Village Grocer

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Bekonscot Model Village Cake Shop

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Bekonscot Model Village Coal Merchant

This one’s my favourite (W.E. Humpit and U Burnett).

There was a tiny bit of a crash landing. As luck would have it, quite close to this rescue center. 🙂

Bekonscot Model Village Inn.

Well there you have it, you see.  Not very big until you get right down to it.  🙂

Bekonscot Model Village

There’s more magic at Alice in Wonderland.  😀

Bekonscot is the oldest model village in the world and if you would like to know more about Bekonscot⇐.  It is worth checking the Admission Times and Prices.  For 2015 it is much cheaper after 3:30 pm (closes 5:30 pm).  If traveling by rail there is a signed foot path just outside the Beaconsfield station exit (cross the footbridge first, if coming from London – Waterloo).

And, there is also:-
The Elfin Oak,  Babbacombe Model Village (Devon) and nearby Kents Caverns,  Corfe Castle and more Model VillagesEnjoy and thanks for the visit.

Said Alice, at Wisley

The Alice in Wonderland event ends 31st Aug 2015, but in the meantime click on twice to expand, said Alice ~

If you look where Alice looks, then you’ll see what Alice sees.   Cats with a cheesy grins, found nesting up in trees.

White Rabbit at Wisley Gardens

Said Alice, to a rabbit who was late.

Snail at Wisley Gardens
And here’s a snail that’s made of flowers, and a mushroom for my plate,
Toadstool at Wisley Gardens

A pillar with a hookah.
Hookah at Wisley Gardens

 

Red Queen 2 at Wisley Gardens

Off with his head

And a Red Queen in a spate,

Red Queen 1 at Wisley Gardens

. . . and his

Then strange tea with the Mad Hatter,

Wouldn’t that be great ?.

 

Said Alice, who burst into song ~

Wisley Gardens

Wisley Gardens is run by the Royal Horticultural Society and is certainly amongst their best and quite spectacular.

There is a Flower Show from 8th to 13th September 2015 – Website hereTravel hereFlowers here.  Wisley Wonderland here, Glass House/Orchids/Pitchers here, Statues here and Fuchsias will be added.  Enjoy :-

 

 

 

 

 

 


Les Poulet sont Chic at Hatfield House

    Click here for the amazing Hatfield House and Elizabeth I.
Chickens 2 at Hatfield House

Are you looking at me Jimmy.
Chickens 3 at Hatfield House

Na mate, I’m looking for Chanticleer.
Cock Crow at Hatfield House

Call for Chanticleer.
Chickens 1 at Hatfield House

Hey Jock have yous seen Chanticleer.
Big Chicken at Hatfield House

Gulp, gulp, chew, not I honest, it must have been the fox.

There is a cyber bear for anyone who gets the connection with the Amy involved in large explosion hypothesis.