A Photographers & Visitors Guide & Timeless Stories

Photography

Advertising in the Age of Innocence ? No 2

Queen Mary Vintage Advertising Sign

11 Signs found at the Bekonscot Model Village⇐ at Beaconsfield.  The other vintage signs are  here ⇐ .

These advertising signs seem so simple compared with modern sophistry.  Perhaps they are no less clever than those of present time but reflect an appeal to simpler desires and attitudes compared with today.   Which do you find persuasive ?

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Great Western Railway Vintage Advertising Sign

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Triumph Vintage Advertising Sign

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MG Magnette Vintage Advertising Sign

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Colman's Mustard Vintage Advertising Sign

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Guiness Vintage Advertising Sign

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Crans Golf Alpine Vintage Advertising Sign

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Fry's Cocoa Vintage Advertising Sign

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Oxo Vintage Advertising Sign

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Robin Starch Vintage Advertising Sign

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Sunlight Soap Vintage Advertising Sign


The Royal Mews

The Glass Coach at Royal Mews

10 pics and the best is last.  I thought a Royal Mews would have cats deep in thought but it turns out to be coaches.  The one above is the “Glass Coach” and was used for royal marriages, including our own Queen Elizabeth II.

The Royal Mews can be found at the southern wall of Buckingham Palace (near Victoria Station) beside the Queens Gallery and you can photograph in both.  Nearby are the State Rooms, where photography is not allowed.  There are also some very royal gift shops,

Coach at Royal Mews DSC_1373

And, there’s a green one,Coach at Royal Mews DSC_1385

And, Vorsprung durch Technik,Coach at Royal Mews DSC_1383

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Donkey Barouche at Royal Mews

This is a Donkey Barouche. Although it would probably look prettier with a donkey sitting in it. 🙂Coach Lamp at Royal Mews DSC_1384

I thought I might borrow this for Christmas.  I’m sure they wouldn’t notice. It would make a great tankard full of amber foaming beer for quaffing.

And, here’s my ride.  Cinderella would have been jealous.

Coach Horse at Royal Mews DSC_1378

I think the coachmen turn back into corgis at midnight.  🙂Coach and Horses at Royal Mews DSC_1374

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Horse at Royal Mews

Oh poop, I got caught and put in jail.  I’m being held for ransom.  Help ! Send mince pies and brandy or it’s jingly bell sleigh duty for me.


The Builders

Many of the posts here, are to show the fabulous achievements of past builders, makers, artisans and artists.  They gave us the world that we live in but very few are remembered by name.  Here and there can be seen works that commemorate their efforts. 

Above is “The Unknown Navvy” (navigator) by Anthony Stones which is currently at Gerrards Cross rail station just outside London.

Below is “The Building Worker” by Alan Wilson which can be found just north of the Tower of London beside the main road.  Its plaque reads:-

“For the thousands of building workers who have lost their lives at work, we commemorate you”.

“For the thousands of building workers who are today building and rebuilding towns and cities across the United Kingdom, we celebrate you”.
The Building Worker by Alan Wilson at Tower of London

 


London Climate Rally Photographs 2015

London Climate Rally 2015 DSC_1461

They came and they came and there was easily more than 50,000.  There were old-uns and young-uns , teenies and tweenies.  I hadn’t seen so many join together for a long time and it was inspiring and heart warming.

One People, one Planet and one Purpose.

London Climate Rally 2015 DSC_1513And every now and then a roar would arise and it would travel along the rally like a Mexican wave.

London Climate Rally 2015 DSC_1468And they sang.

London Climate March 2015 DSC_1544And they rocked.

London Climate Rally 2015 DSC_1587And they drummed.

London Climate March 2015 DSC_1613And they danced.

London Climate March 2015 DogAnd Towser (has to be a Towser) thought it was mellifluous.

London Climate March 2015 DSC_1576And they wore costumes.

London Climate Rally 2015 DSC_1573And they brightened the day.

London Climate March 2015 DSC_1592And they were serious.

London Climate March 2015 DSC_1595Every one of them. And, every day there are more.

With thanks to The Campaign Against Climate Change, Avaaz, 350.org, Change,org and everybody who made this happen right across the world.

Making a Difference ⇒


The National Portrait Gallery, London

The National Portrait Gallery is, to me, the best of the London Galleries.  Here you can see some excellent portraiture of those who influenced the world we live in. There are many more paintings, here I have shown mostly the more contemporary. 

The Portrait gallery is right behind The National Gallery, very close to Trafalgar Square and St Martin in the Field and not far from St James Park and Westminster.  The nearest underground rail station is Charing Cross.

The brief factual comments are mostly extracts from Wikipedia and more information is available by clicking on the pink links.

David Lloyd GeorgeDavid Lloyd George, laid the foundation for the modern welfare state, served as Prime Minister during WWI and was the last Liberal Party Prime Minister.

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Amy JohnsonAmy Johnson, was a pioneering English aviator and was the first female pilot to fly alone from Britain to Australia.

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Emmeline PankhurstEmmeline Pankhurst, leader of the British Suffragette movement.

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Sir Winston Churchill

Sir Winston Churchill, needs no introduction.

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Anna Neagle

Dame Anna Neagle, a very popular British stage and screen actress.

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Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist best known for her children’s books featuring animals such as those in The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

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Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote Treasure Island, Kidnapped and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

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Dame Margot Fonteyn

Dame Margot Fonteyn, widely regarded as one of the greatest classical ballet dancers of all time.

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Dame Monica Mason

Dame Monica Mason, a former ballet dancer and artistic director of the Royal Ballet in London from 2002 to 2012.

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Dorothy L. Sayers

Dorothy L. Sayers, a renowned English crime writer, poet, playwright, essayist, translator and Christian humanist.

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Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas, a Welsh poet and writer whose works include the poems “Do not go gentle into that good night”,  “And death shall have no dominion” and the “Play for Voices”, Under Milk Wood.  He also encouraged a reputation as a “roistering, drunken and doomed poet”.

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Edward William Lane

Edward William Lane, a British Orientalist, translator and lexicographer. He is known for his translation of One Thousand and One Nights, which he censored, with the usual 19th-century view on “Victorian morality”.

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Henry Irving

Sir Henry Irving, a Victorian actor/manager and the first actor to be awarded a knighthood.

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Henry James

Henry James, an American writer who spent most of his writing career in Britain.

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James Joyce

James Joyce was an Irish novelist and poet, considered to be one of the most influential writers in the modernist avant-garde of the early 20th century. Joyce is best known for Ulysses (1922).

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Laurie Lee

Laurie Lee, an English poet, novelist and screenwriter. His most famous work was an autobiographical trilogy which consisted of Cider with Rosie (1959), As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning (1969) and A Moment of War (1991).


Queen Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I  More of her paintings/history can be found in the post Hatfield House and Elizabeth I.

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Lasy Hamilton and Lord Nelson

Lady Hamilton and Admiral Lord Nelson.  A scandalous affair.  Just goes to show that if one is a hero, one can get away with anything.

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The Trial of Queen Caroline

The Trial of Queen Caroline.  In fact a parliamentary debate designed to grant King George IV a divorce.

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Reformed House of Commons

Reformed House of Commons. Following the Representation of the People Act 1832 .

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Sir Earnest Shackleton

Sir Earnest Shackleton.  Amongst his many exploits Shackleton safely brought back his entire expedition after their ship was crushed by Antarctic ice.  It took three years.

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Sir Tim Berners-Lee
Sir Tim Berners-Lee, an English computer scientist, best known as the inventor of the World Wide Web. 

I think he probably did more to change the world than anybody else.


Trafalgar Square and Street Artists

Street Art Face at Trafalgar Square

Even on a grey November day there is something to see. The eyes in this drawing are worth a second look.

Yoda at Trafalgar Square copy

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Bubbles at Trafalgar Square

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Death and Bagpipes at Trafalgar Square copy
Statue at Trafalgar Square

“They seek him here, they seek him there,  His clothes are loud, but never square.
It will make or break him so he’s got to buy the best, ‘Cause he’s a dedicated follower of fashion”.

Horse Skeleton at Trafalgar Square

This one has been here for a long time.
Lion at Trafalgar Square

There was an event on, so I couldn’t get a shot of the whole square. Here are some samples.Base Nelson's Column

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Nelson's Column copy

Nelson’s column is 170 ft tall. In it’s time that was impressive.

As for what follows, sometimes it’s best not to ask.
Fingers at Trafalgar Square


Brighten the Day 3

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Bekonscot Flowers DSC_9835

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Hall Place Ducklings DSC_4942

Vera, Chuck and Dave

“And here’s some we made earlier”.

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Wisley Flowers DSC_0175

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Wisley Flowers DSC_0175b

“Alright blue then”.

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Copy - Wisley Exotics DSC_0059

I’m not sure whether that’s a goat or a monkey.  Here are some monkees with a little innocence.


Wisley Statues DSC_0128

Click Alice  →.

More Brighten the Day ⇐.


Loki the Raven Falcon

Raven Loki

7 pics. Loki was rescued by Coda Falconry and took part in the Falconry Display during King Harold’s Day at Waltham Abbey.  Although presently still juvenile, Loki will eventually live for around sixty years, is highly intelligent, full of cheek and seems to like the attention of being a substitute falcon.


Raven DSC_0858

Cheek is why Loki is on a long tether (creance).  Loki likes doughnuts, other people’s doughnuts and not too fussy how they are obtained.  Ravens do have a dark reputation, but he is in fact a handsome fellow.  It’s just that they tend to hang around battlefields (well a birds got to eat) and otherwise nick any bauble that takes their fancy.
Raven Striding DSC_0874

Loki likes strutting his stuff,
Raven Hopping DSC_0864

.. and hopping.  He does a lot of hopping,
Raven DSC_0884

.. and casing the joint for opportunities.
Raven DSC_0868

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Raven Named Loki

This is Loki’s official portrait which shows his beautiful plumage (reminds me of the Norwegian Blue).


Brighten the Day 2

Wisley Flower Festival DSC_0159

To brighten the day. Flowers, a puppy, a ruddy duck, a little tree, a big mobile and a little tom foolery. I hope it does brighten your day. 🙂

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Wisley Flower Festival DSC_0072

Mostly from the Wisley Gardens Flower Show.
Wisley Flower Festival DSC_0173

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Wisley Flower Festival Mobiles DSC_0180

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Wisley Orchids DSC_0031

“The sun has got his hat on, hip hip hooray. The sun has got his hat and is coming out to play”.

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Wisley Gardens DSC_0248

“Moon river, wider than a mile, I’m crossing you in style some day. Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker, Wherever you’re going, I’m going your way”.

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Puppy DSC_4626

“They call me Baby Driver, And once upon a pair of wheels
Hit the road and I’m gone, What’s my number ? I wonder how your engines feel.
baa ba baa”.

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Acer Buergerianum 2

Acer Buergerianum

“I’m a tree, wheee”.

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Ruddy Duck DSC_7648

“I was born up in the mountains, where the rattlesnakes have legs, Where the hootowls speak in English, and the roosters lay square eggs”. (by True Blue Bill)

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Wisley Flower Festival DSC_0159 Enhanced

“She comes in colors everywhere, She combs her hair, She’s like a raaainbow”.

More Brighten the Day ⇐.  


Swan lake – with mist

A great set of misty views. The last one being a particularly absorbing mix of subtle colours and reflection. Good work by Lady Fi  🙂 Please apply any comments and likes to the original post via view original at the end:-)

ladyfi's avatarLady Fi

A chilly morning dawned

Bringing out the colours of the leaves

And the swans.

Misty swans

They appeared out of the mist

Like feathered ships.

Feathered ships

The sun bursting through the trees

Placed stripes of light on the swan’s neck.

Swan stripes

Closer and closer the swan sailed

Beautiful in the lilac dawn.

Swan purple haze copy

For more swan songs, please go to: Our World.

View original post


Falconry

This is what being a falcon is all about. Being a Peregrine Falcon, as flown by monarchs.  More of her further down. First a cute Barn Owl. Click on an image twice for a closer view.

Barn Owl

Barn Owl DSC_0798

I feel pretty, Oh, so pretty, I feel pretty and witty and bright! And I pity, any girl who isn’t me tonight” .
Barn Owl DSC_0802

“Alright, who said Kentucky Fried Owl”.

Harris Hawk


Harris Hawk DSC_0770

“Really, do I look pretty”. “I do like a little owl though”.
Harris Hawk DSC_0780

“But not dogs. We screech at dogs”.
Harris Hawk DSC_0831

“Except really little ones, yum“.

Harris Hawks (really buzzards) hunt in groups and share their food.  As a result they work well with falconers, who they regard as part of their hunting group.
harris-hawk-flying-dsc_0894

“To be a good falcon, one has to be determined”.
Harrs Hawk Flying DSC_0902

“Fearlessly overtake vehicles”.
Harrs Hawk Flying DSC_0918

“Look like one means business”.
harris-hawk-walking-dsc_0912.

“And strut about as if one owns the place”.

These are beautiful and very impressive birds, but I don’t think I’d like one in my kitchen. 🙂

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon DSC_0792

“Now, I really am cute”.
Peregrine Falcon DSC_0804

Or perhaps not”.
Peregrine Falcon DSC_0828

“Lets get to the main event, and take a gander at those legs”.
Peregrine Falcon Standing DSC_0960

“Anybody who thinks that I look like Gonzo the Great, does so at their own risk.  Especially that dozy looking photographer over there”.

Peregrine Falcons fly on the level at up to 60 mph and dive at more than 200 mph.  These are the jet fighters of the falconry world and come with a regal attitude. Too fast to land safely on a gloved hand, so they chase a lure swung at the end of a long tether.  Too fast for me to get a good photograph, but I did at least get her in the frame a couple of times.
Peregrine Falcon Standing DSC_0959

“I got it and its mine see”.

Once a Peregrine has caught the lure they are allowed to finish the morsel.  Otherwise they feel cheated and will not chase the lure again.
Peregrine Falcon Standing DSC_0962

“Toodle pip.  Do come again, we’ll have some tea”.

I hope that you enjoyed seeing these amazing birds.  The pictures were taken during King Harold’s Day at Waltham Abbey.  The display was provided by Coda Falconry where you can spend more time with the birds for a fee. There is another Harris Hawk in flight and diving at Leeds Castle.

There was also Loki the cheeky rescued raven,  He gets a post of his own here.


Waltham Abbey and King Harold’s Day

The Church

There has been a church on this site since 610 AD.  Rebuilt on a grander scale by Harold Godwinson (Earl of Essex and East Anglia) and consecrated in 1060 AD.  The church has a long history that can be found here.

Harold Godwinson later became King Harold II in 1066.  During that year Harold was forced to march north to Stamford Bridge and fend of a viking invasion.  Two weeks later he was in Hastings trying to repel the Norman invasion.  The Normans prevailed over the Anglo-Saxons and England/Britain was changed forever.  This was the last successful invasion of the British Isles.

Waltham Abbey Church Ceiling 1

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Waltham Abbey Church Ceiling 2

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Waltham Abbey Church Stained Glass 1

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Waltham Abbey Church Stained Glass 2

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Waltham Abbey Church Altar and Fresco

.Waltham Abbey Church

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King Harold’s Day

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King Harolds Day DSC_0856

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King Harolds Day DSC_0769

“Hit me with your rhythm stick”.  Morris dancing didn’t appear until 1448 but I’m not going to say anyting.King Harolds Day DSC_0758

“I don’t know why they do it.  They’d be better of with a hammer, like me and Thor”.
King Harolds Day DSC_0995

She was very good and produced some appealing airs.

The value of life was accounted very differently then.  A slaves life being worth less than a toe of any other person.
King Harolds Day DSC_0973

On the other hand they had some sophisticated shoe marketing techniques.
King Harolds Day DSC_0855

What did the Normans ever do for us ?
King Harolds Day DSC_0988

“Falcons, who said falcons, I’ll give them food poisoning”. The falconry display includes a Peregrine Falcon and is here 🙂


Flower Festival at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle Flower Festival DSC_0458

During the Flower Festival the castle was festooned, here are just a few.  And there is more to see at Leeds Castle Interiors and Leeds Castle Grounds. 🙂
Leeds Castle Flower Festival DSC_0464
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Leeds Castle Flower Festival DSC_0394
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Leeds Castle Flower Festival DSC_0404
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Leeds Castle Flower Festival DSC_0405
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Leeds Castle Flower Festival DSC_0431
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Leeds Castle Flower Festival DSC_0454


Advertising in the Age of Innocence ?

Force Wheat Flakes Old Advertising SignMost of these are from the 1920’s. A few are earlier. They all come from the Bekonscot Model Village⇐.  You might notice that some of the claims are blatantly exaggerated, but I think I prefer that to the present day subtleties of spin.  More here ⇐.
Browns Motor Bicycle Old Advertising Sign.
Raleigh Motorcycle Old Advertising Sign

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Ford Old Advertising Sign

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Rolls Royce Old Advertising Sign
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Wights Coal Tar Soap Old Advertising Sign

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Bisto Old Advertising Sign

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Guiness for Strength Old Advertising Sign

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Fry's Chocolate Old Advertising Sign

The tonic wine might be more welcome.
Wincarnis Old Advertising Sign

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Bekonscott Church Army Sign

I included this because I find it inspiring that so many such projects, both religious and secular, have stood the test of time.  They often work quietly in the background and have made a profound difference to the lives of vulnerable people over the decades.

🙂


Leeds Castle Interiors

Leeds Castle Interior 2

A castle has been on this site, in Kent,  since 1119 and has been used by a number of royalty including Edward I and Henry VIII.  The castle was purchased by Lady Baillie in 1926 and was used for a number of worthy purposes including a hospital for airmen during WWII.

In 1974 it was left to the Leeds Castle Foundation to be preserved for the benefit of the public. The history (Wiki) is here, castle/events website here, grounds/moat/lake/gardens here, falconry display here and the flower festival is here.

The name “Leeds” seems to have the original meaning of loud or rushing water.  Hence there is a Leeds village nearby  and another Leeds in the north of England. 

Knight on Horse Leeds Castle

This fellow is carrying a pole axe which was used to penetrate armour, quite often the opponent’s helmet.  Hence the expression, being pole-axed.

Leeds Castle Ceiling

I’m sure you could play a board game on that.

Henry VIII Leeds Castle

Henry VIII and it looks like he left his tankard behind.

Leeds Castle China Ornament

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Wood Sculpture Leeds Castle

I’m not sure whether this is a charming guardian or a psychopath in a skirt.  I suppose the defining question is; would I want him at the top of my stairs on dark night ?

Leeds Castle Fountain

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Leeds Castle Interior

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Leeds Castle Library

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Leeds Castle Painting

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Leeds Castle Room

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Leeds Castle Vase

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Ornate Clock Leeds Castle

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Richard II Leeds Castle

And, Richard II. We all know what happened to him.

Thanks for the visit and ~


Leeds Castle Grounds

20 pics. Leeds Castle in Kent that is. The long lake beside the castle and the path that passes the formal gardens and leads to the playground, maze, falconry display and a cheeky Jackdaw. Castle interiors here.  See the castle website and tickets are valid for a year of repeat visits, yay.    In the meantime enjoy ~.
Leeds Castle - DSC_0502

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Elsie Land Train at Leeds Castle

This is “Elsie” the land train from ticket office to the castle entrance (50 pence each).  The walk is about 10-15 minutes and passes through some pleasant gardens.

Leeds Castle - DSC_0374

Approaching the castle.

Leeds Castle Flower Festival - DSC_0386

The time of my visit coincided with a flower festival.  More of that in another post.

Leeds Castle Mill - DSC_0383

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Leeds Castle Trees

There is a cafe and restaurant and a small dog-collar museum.

Leeds Castle Lake - DSC_0504

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Leeds Castle Gardens - DSC_0515

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Leeds Castle Gardens - DSC_0513

Past the cafe and restaurant are the gardens.
Leeds Castle Gardens - DSC_0525

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Leeds Castle Gardens - DSC_0714

And, the tiered gardens beside the long lake and a view of the playground fort.
Play Fort at Leeds Castle

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Peahens at Leeds Castle

“This year I will be mostly wearing my nose in the air”.  | “She will too, she’s such a boy. I’ve got a long skirt you know”

There is a maze (keep turning left) with a turret at the center.  Beneath the turret is a grotto complete with sounds of the sea, a doom laden voice reciting doom laden poetry and a tunnel to the way out. 🙂

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Jackdaw“And what are you laughing at.  Just because I’ve got a comical looking face.  I’ll have you know that I’m part of the entertainment”.  “They don’t give these umbrellas to just anybody”.

“From me, Jack Daw, and all the other birdies, we hope you enjoyed your visit and do come again”.  🙂


Bonsai Trees at Wisley Gardens

Rockery at Wisley

If you think I’m daft enough to climb all the way up there to get photographs of little trees at Wisley Gardens ?  Oh you do.  Oh well, fair enough then.  🙂
Bonsai at Wisley

There is a whole avenue of them, this is jut a few.  There ages are mainly 40-60 years, with one exception.

Acer Palmatum - Japanese Maple Bonsai

Acer Palmatum – Japanese Maple Bonsai

It is amazing to see the whole detail of tree and leaf encapsulated in one small growth.

Ulmus Parvifolia - Chinese Elm Bonsai

Ulmus Parvifolia – Chinese Elm Bonsai

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Bonsai at Wisley Gardens

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Juniperus Chinensis - Chinese Juniper Bonsai

Juniperus Chinensis – Chinese Juniper Bonsai

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Juniperus Rigida Bonsai – Temple Juniper 150 yrs

This one is 150 years old.  It was around before the first telephone was installed, successfully cared for all that time and has never received a telephone bill.  🙂


Falconry at Leeds Castle

17 pics.  A Harris Hawk waits pensively for the launch signal.  That beak means business.  You can click twice for a better view.
Harris Hawk 2 at Leeds Castle

“Ain’t I awesome”.
Harris Hawk Swooping at Leeds Castle

The trainer sends a morsel into the air using an elastic catapult.   A little to the right of the hawk is a distant seagull and just below is the morsel.  The hawk now has folded wings for the dive.Falconry 2 at Leeeds Castle

And the flyby with trophy.
Eating Harris Hawk at Leeds Castle

“Nothing to see here, move along now.  Ahh, with fava beans and a nice bottle of Chianti”.
Harris Hawk Flying at Leeds Castle

A victory lap.
Flying Harris Hawk at Leeds Castle

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Perched Harris Hawk at Leeds Castle

“I’m firm but fair and you will applaud”.  And they did.

The owl, the trainer said, had a short attention span and was easily distracted.  He also said they were “thick”.
Tufted Owl at Leeds Castle

“He said what”.
Tufted Owl Close Up at Leeds Castle

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Flying Owl at Leeds Castle

“Right, I’ll have your scraggles off”.
Falconry at Leed Castle

“I am, in fact, wise and dignified and I’ll murgle anyone who says otherwise”.
Owl at Leeds Castle

.Seaugull at Leeds Castle

Meanwhile, several gulls were scriking and showing off by making feint dives at the hawks.  But, they carefully kept their distance.  The hawks disdained any interest.   After all, one does not converse with one’s food.

This little miss is a North American Kestrel weighing in at a mere 4 ounces.    She was so fast on the wing, that the only photographs I have, are where she used to be.   Even the gulls were bemused and kept their distance.

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Falcons, we are informed, will only fly free and return if they are happy with their conditions.  They also live twice as long as in the wild. So, everybody’s happy.  Yay . 🙂

There are more falcons including an amazing peregrine here.

Tweet and thanks for the visit.


Brighten the Day 1

Wisley Flower Show 110 pics.  I’ve put aside some florality to brighten the winter days.  Collages will include flowers, orchids, bonsai trees, statues, an occasional odd duck and perhaps something photo-shopped.  Mostly from the Wisley flower show. This is the first, I hope that it brightens your day. 🙂  Click on twice to expand an image.

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Allium at Wisley

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Have a guess how old this Bonsai tree (Juniperus Rigida) is,  Answer further down.

Jaunty Duck

It’s not my fault. I just live here.

Best Friends by Harriet Francis

Best Friends by Harriet Francis

Fluffy did it.
Purple Flower Wisley

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Flower 2 Wisley

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And, the Bonsai tree is an amazing 150 years old.

More Brighten the Day ⇐.


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.