Strawberry Hill House – Interiors
The interiors of Strawberry Hill House are so well refurbished, that it seems waiting for its first occupants. Whilst the house has few artifacts at present, the trust is raising funds to restore at least some of Horace Walpole’s massive collection. For pictures of the castle-like exterior, history and essential information for visitors please click here.
These pictures are not necessarily in the order they were taken, do not include all the rooms and it is essential to use the guide-book to ensure seeing everything.
It is worth magnifying some of these pictures, especially the stained glass. To do so please click on a picture and then again to magnify and then use your browser’s “back” key to return here.. Enjoy 🙂 .
Strawberry Hill House
Exteriors
10 pics – The house was created by Horace Walpole who was the youngest son of Robert Walpole (Britain’s first Prime Minister). Work began in 1749 and continued in stages over the following 27 years. It was recently discovered that the original colouring was white and would have looked quite remarkable in its day, as it does now. The house is in a Gothic style of the fairy-tale variety and has extraordinary interiors here.
The interiors have been restored to an original state which gives a quite surreal appearance, as if it is still waiting for its first occupant. It’s surreal, but very peaceful character, is aided by some recent artwork.
The house once contained a massive collection of artworks, which were unfortunately sold by a later owner. The collection was so vast that the sale lasted for 30 days. The trust is gradually acquiring more items for the interior but the restored decor, picture glass and paintings are still worth seeing.
The website is here and the Wikipedia history here. Do check the website for opening times and to book a ticket for the house (before 10:30 on the day of your visit). Tickets are half price on Mondays and Tuesdays. A guide-book is provided and essential if one is not to miss some of the rooms and the Chapel. I missed the Chapel but Google images are available here (there are many pics of the house mixed in),
British Museum
Sutton Hoo Treasure
Sutton Hoo Helmet
The replica helmet and mask are part of the Sutton Hoo Treasure (Wiki) with more at Sutton Hoo Site. The original find is further down together with more artifacts from antiquity.
The Museum
The British Museum (for details, admission and location) is probably the largest in the UK and contains artifacts from all over the world, from antiquity to more recent times. Whilst there is some controversy about ownership of some items (e.g. the Elgin Marbles), the museum has preserved what otherwise might have been lost and is free to all visitors. There is a an extensive cloakroom and non-commercial photography is allowed.
Of similar interest is the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is dedicated to design from across the world. More from the British Museum:-
Cosy
Nefer Teapot Nefer did
Rar
Raaaar
Moo see um
What time do you call this then. ……………………………………………………………….Oh mum, it’s only XXII o’clock
The Horniman Museum
20 pics – The Horniman Museum and grounds are free to enter and include the lower gardens and wonderful flower beds⇐ with more spectacular flowers at the upper gardens⇐.. The museum is a mix of natural history, unusual artifacts from around the word and a small but unusual aquarium (there is a charge of £4).
The museum and grounds are located just south of London near Forest Hill rail station and make a good day out at little expense. Please click on information/events⇒ and/or the getting there map⇒. The map shows the route from station to museum as quite short. It is a bit longer than it appears and is better to take one of the buses (listed on the map page) up the steep hill to the museum stop. The museum stop is just past this clock tower at the prow of the hill.
The Museum
The Aquarium
This chap has all the appearance of gnome doing a high-five. You can even see a face.
Pretentious, moi ?
Doh.
Kensington Palace
17 pics. From Queensway Underground station, across the main road, through the main gates and along the broad avenue facing south through Kensington Gardens. After a short walk, a small clock tower and the Elfin Oak ⇐ can be seen on the right. A little further on, also on the right, is Kensington Palace. The palace was built in 1605. More of its history, from Wiki, can be found here ⇐. The official website, with admission prices etc, can be found here ⇐.
Non-commercial photography is permitted but the lighting is dim and there is a certain amount of glare. As a result it was necessary to use a higher ISO setting than I would normally wish and gives a brighter impression than is really the case. Nevertheless, if you like old houses, it is the most atmospheric that I have come across so far.
It is well worth using the map, provided with your ticket, and finding the Queen’s rooms. They are located behind a large wooden door and you may have to ask an attendant for access. However, the staff are very friendly, informative and helpful.
If you wait a little while, the shadow will dance accompanied by the sound of shoes upon the hard wood floor and occasionally a little music.
Above is Princess Amelia, a favourite daughter of George III. The shadow dancers will occasionally move into each others space and dance together.
One can only wonder at how many, during the long past, have gazed at this view from the window and of their thoughts and dreams. You might spare a moment to join them.
And, hats off to the artisans who built this for their skill and diligence.
You might also like to see some of Kensington Gardens Flowers ⇐ or perhaps what the local Water Fowl ⇐ do for fun.
The Elfin Oak
From the North Gate of Kensington Gardens, just across from the station called Queensway, a traveler might proceed along the great path leading south. After but a short walk, can be found on the right, a small clock tower. Very close to this, and beside an outdoor purveyor of comestibles, the Elfin Oak will be found.
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The remaining stump is of an Oak being 900 years of age. Carefully carved by Mr Ivor Innes in the year 1911 to reveal the elfin folk that were hidden within. Thereafter maintained by that same gentlemen for a further 40 years.
Later restored by the efforts of the inimitable Mr Spike Milligan and friends in 1966, the Elfin Oak is now protected by its own cage of steel.
Peeking into this little world, one might still see – Wookey the witch, with her three jars of health, wealth and happiness, Huckleberry the gnome, carrying a bag of berries up the Gnomes’ Stairway to the banquet within Bark Hall, and Grumples and Groodles the Elves being awakened by Brownie, Dinkie, Rumplelocks and Hereandthere stealing eggs from the crows’ nest. Or, these fine characters :-
. . . . and many more
A book, with the title “The Elfin Oak of Kensington Gardens”, was later crafted by Ivor and Elsie Innes and revealed that “for centuries now it has been the home of fairies, gnomes, elves, imps, and pixies. In the nooks and crannies they lurk, or peer out of holes and crevices, their natural windows and doorways. It is their hiding-place by day, their revelry place by night, and when the great moon tops the bare branchless tree the Elfin Clans come out to play and frolic in the moonlight.”
Victoria and Albert Museum
21 pics. Entry to the Victoria and Albert Museum is free. The museum is dedicated to art and design from around the world. The items here are just a few of many hundreds on display and non-commercial photography is allowed except for the wedding dress exhibit and the wonderful jewel room. There is also a large inner courtyard with water feature that makes a great place for lunch. Packed lunches can be eaten in the Learning Center’s Lunch room on the 3rd floor . The museum map. The website.
At the museum entrance there are steps that speak.
The nearest underground rail station is South Kensington with the very interesting Science Museum and the Natural History Museum nearby.
The Tea Rooms
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Foyer
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Please click on the figure to fit screen.
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The Albert Memorial and The Royal Albert Hall
Click on Copyright⇐ or at at top right of page. 14 pics. Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, was much missed by the queen when he died. Victoria was taken by long years of mourning and fell into a long period of personal decline. Part of the queen’s tribute to the prince are the Albert Memorial and Royal Albert Hall. The memorial can be found on Google maps at the southern end of Kensington Gardens. The Royal Albert Hall is just across the road.
The Albert Memorial
The Royal Albert Hall
Kew Palace
14 pics. Kew Palace is within the grounds of Kew Gardens and entrance is included in the price of admission to the gardens. Non-commercial photography is permitted inside the palace but without the use of flash.
The gardens and its many attractions were created by Lady Augusta following the death of her husband Prince Frederick. She was much influenced in this endeavor by Lord Bute. A portrait of the lady can be found further down.
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Elegant Danson House and Park
20 pics – Danson House and park are near Bexley Heath just a few miles east of London. The park includes a boating lake with rowing boats for hire, a water-sports center, the Danson Stables public house/restaurant, a very well equipped children’s play area and the elegant interiors of Danson House where photography is allowed.
The house includes very pleasant tea rooms, a spiral staircase, three very ornate rooms on the first floor and an exhibition on the second floor. During my visit the exhibition was of beds.
The house was originally built in 1766 and the paintings are from that period. Refurbished and opened by the present queen in 2005.
Unfortunately the opening times are limited. Please see the Danson House website. Very near is Hall Place with extensive grounds and is also worth a visit.
Danson House
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In the Cellar
On the second floor.
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Olde English Garden
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Part of the Park and Boating Lake
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The Fan Museum at Greenwich
The Fan Museum is at 12 Croom St, Greenwich and, at just £4 entry fee with numerous concessions, is well worth a visit. The museum is thought to be the only museum, dedicated to fans, in the world. There is also a charming Orangery style tea room (you do need to book ahead)
The museum is quite small but has a number of activities and events. You can also create or commission your own designs. For more information please click here and then start with “Practical Information” from the side menu. For more of the many attractions at Greenwich please click here.
The Fans
It is well worth seeing the finer details, which are little obscured by the folds. To do so, please click on the image for full screen and then again to magnify. To return here use the “back arrow” screen button on your browser.
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The Orangery Tea Rooms
You might notice the false shadow that has been painted on to give a 3D effect. You will need to book for tea, so please see the website (the link is at the top).
Hall Place Gardens
Hall Place is a little north of Bexley (not Bexley Heath) to the east of London. The gardens are free, there is a large car park, the rail station is not far away, there is small butterfly house, entrance to the hall is £8 and it makes a great day out. The hall dates back to about 1540 and was built on the site of a manor house built about 1240. More at The Hall Place Website, Hall Place Interiors and History of Hall Place.
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The Queens Beasts
More about the Queens Beasts
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… and this is part of their very interesting art gallery
Bench Presses
Books about Town
By popular demand.
The National Literary Trust together with Wild in Art, created the Books About Town project. As result 50 ornate benches were placed around London in early July 2014. Each bench is dedicated to a particular book. The benches will be removed from 15 September 2014 in preparation for auction in October. The auction will raise money for the trust. What a great idea. Just below are a few I managed to photograph in Greenwich and here are all the Books About Town ⇒ and here is More About Greenwich ⇐.
On the Origin of Species – Charles Darwin
The Railway Children – E. Nesbit
The Canterbury Tales – Geoffrey Chaucer
Frozen in Time – Captain Scott
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Michael Rosen
The Chapel at the Naval College, Greenwich
The Chapel
7 Pics – Entrance is free and non-commercial photography is allowed without license. The Painted Hall Pictures. Visiting Wonderful Greenwich and it’s History and Travel to Greenwich and Visitors Map
The Painted Hall at the Naval College, Greenwich
The Painted Hall
9 Pics – Entrance is free and non-commercial photography is allowed without licence. The Chapel Pictures. Visiting Wonderful Greenwich and it’s History and Travel to Greenwich and Visitors Map
From May 2017 to early Sept 2017 there is an opportunity to climb trestles for a closer look. There is a charge during this time so please see the website ⇒.
A closer look reveals that shadows are painted on, to give a 3D effect.
Here again is a 3D effect.
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At the Greenwich Visitors Centre
A word from our sponsors.
He’s stone deaf you know.
It’s very peaceful here.
Hampton Court Palace
14 pics –Travel to Hampton Court by Train or River. — Admission/Information/Events. Admission can include Hampton Court Palace or just the gardens. The gardens usually close at 5 pm and the Palace at 6 pm. Pictures of Hampton Court Gardens. The Royal Chapel is the best feature and, although photography is not allowed, you can view here.
Somebody got caught in his pyjamas.
Many of the tapestries are very old and faded. The frescos likewise. I picked the best I could find.
Holland Park and Kyoto Gardens
23 Pics – Holland park is considered one of the most interesting parks and places to photograph in London with many features and a range of flora and fauna. The north of the park is mostly woodland whilst the south has more formal gardens, an ecology centre, large play area and cafe. There are lawn areas throughout the park to relax on.
Please click on any picture to enlarge. Getting There⇒ History⇒
Holland Park
Peacocks can just about fly but usually have their wings clipped. There is another one later
Some of the flora near the southern end,
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This is just south of the Belvedere restaurant, which can be seen in the background.
Just north of the Belvedere is this water feature within a courtyard.
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.. and in the same courtyard.
Continuing along the path.
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Whereas, taking the first right after the building there is an arts and craft shop and a little further on the Holland Park Cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating.
A few steps further north are the formal gardens, featuring the Dutch Garden.
The Dutch Gardens
These fellows look like hungry chicks.
Here’s the rest of the family.
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A few steps further north, on the east to west path.
There is some controversy as to why peacocks have such extravagant plumage. I discovered what must be the real reason by accident. Some years ago a few friends and I where enjoying a picnic in one of the royal parks. Opposite under a tree was a mature peacock quietly enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the shade. Between us a group ducks and geese began to gather. About thirty of them.
The peacock was not perturbed until the group of wildfowl grew closer to his quiet domain and began to squabble. Up came the peacock’s plume and he began to shake the quills creating a deafening racket. With the spread of eyes and a sound like many snakes rattling and hissing it was a stunning apparition. The ducks and geese thought so too. They all began running towards us trying to get aloft. We had to duck down (no pun intended) to avoid getting struck. It seems they were so scared of the apparition that they were quite oblivious to our presence.
I’m sure that the plumage does have a mating advantage. Not because it’s pretty but because scares off predators.
A little further on .. 
A little further still.
Kyoto Gardens
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“Upon reflection, I’m twice the bird I used to be”.
Kyoto gardens is not quite as big as it may appear but is nevertheless a very pleasant garden of contemplation with some seating at the edges.
A couple more flowers to end.
.. and Thank You for visiting Freed from Time.
Art in Victoria Park
Victoria Park, Bow, London, UK. – Click on an image to enlarge.
The progress of cheerful duck will always overide serious reflections.
I can do this all day.
Standing Guard on the Triffids (not in the same place)
At the Royal Inn on the Park That’s what I call a makeover
Freed From Time 
