Hatfield House and Gardens
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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. Access from Hatfield rail station is via a viaduct (I’ve always wanted to say that) that spans over a village.
Further into the estate is the old house and gardens.
This is the rear view of the newer house.
Across the green is the old church.
And, nearby is a path leading to the church which is open to visitors for part of the day.
In the church grounds there is this Tudor cottage.
And, inside the church the ceiling is being restored.
There are a number of gardens and water features.
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Meet the crew. There are several statues but I thought this was the best and appears to feature Queen Elizabeth I herself.
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.
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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.
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.
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:-
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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.
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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.
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
Figure XVIII by Henriette Van der Does at Wisley Gardens
The Dodo by Robert James Sculpture Ltd at Wisley Gardens
Making Time by Lynn Warren at Wisley Gardens
Time to Go by Lynn Warren at Wisley Gardens
Pan at Wisley Gardens
Moon Gazing Hare by Alan Wallis at Wisley Gardens
Offering by Everard Meynell 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.
I didn’t know what this was called. I thought “Your Highness” was probably the safest option.
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 –
Of course, one stayed at the best hotel, as one does.
Having arrived in style, as one does too.
Then tea with the local squire and a tour of the town.
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.
Caught up on some local news. The forecast was that there would be weather all day, so we strolled on.
The local fireman in action. Good show, what.
After all the excitement, a little libation seemed in order. Then, on to the town center.
Of course, they do like their little joke. Fruiterers U.R.A Peach, Evan Leigh Soles and Lee Key Plumbers.
Seems a bit quiet but they’re all in the Royal Saracens Head.
With such an open invitation, how could one refuse. Thirsty work, all this walking about.
After a drink or two, we thought we’d behave responsibly and refrain from driving. So we borrowed the twin-engined job. ↓ 😀
Of course Bekonscot does have a very good transport system.
We 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. 🙂
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A nice little church, right next to the fun fair.
And, another with a quite modern vicarage.
The cider apple farm. Almost landed for a sample, but thought we’d better press on. 🙂
Bekonscot is generally very industrious and the canal very busy.
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. 😀
The old fishing village.
The college is world-famous. Mostly for its prodigious cider consumption.
Farming is strictly organic. There’s a recital every day. 😀
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.
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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.
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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. 🙂
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Well there you have it, you see. Not very big until you get right down to it. 🙂
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 Villages. Enjoy 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.
Said Alice, to a rabbit who was late.
And here’s a snail that’s made of flowers, and a mushroom for my plate,
A pillar with a hookah.
Off with his head
And a Red Queen in a spate,
. . . 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 here. Travel here. Flowers here. Wisley Wonderland here, Glass House/Orchids/Pitchers here, Statues here and Fuchsias will be added. Enjoy :-
Flowers at Wisley Gardens
Wisely Gardens is run by the Royal Horticultural Society and I think the best I have seen. Please click here for the Gardens/Glasshouse/Orchids/Bonsai Trees/Statues.
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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Inside Hall Place
The interior of Hall Place may see a little empty at first, but it does give the impression of being recently vacated and still vibrant with the presence of it’s previous occupants. One might imagine the graceful elegance of past days, romance and gentle intrigue. More about Hall Place, admission and gardens can be found here.
Above is a view of the hall from the side gallery and below is the musician’s gallery as seen from the floor of the main hall.
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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
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo)
I first noticed a few bright blue flitters beside the Thames near Hampton Court some while ago. I thought at first they must be butterflies. It turns out they were Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies. I finally discovered some in the wetland area of Bushy Park. I also discovered, eventually, that they fly away if you let your shadow fall upon them.
Damselflies and Dragonflies have a number of charming names in folklore across the world, including sewing needles, snake doctors, horse stingers, mosquito hawks and devil’s darning needle..
Beautiful or gruesome ? It probably depends on how close we look and, of course, the eye of the beholder. Certainly, I think, one of nature’s wonders.
Thames River – Westminster to Hampton Court
22 Pics. With hindsight I would have traveled to Richmond (underground railway – District Line) and tried the alternative river service provided by Turks to Hampton Court. The journey would have been shorter (1 and 3/4 hours) and travels the more picturesque part of the river (including the above bridge).
There is only one company that provides Thames River travel all the way from Westminster Bridge to Hampton Court, that is WPSA. However I was not all that impressed. It is 3 and 1/2 hour journey, the upper deck seating uncomfortable, the engine noisy and the commentary full of irritating chatter. Added to which, the first part of the journey was not greatly picturesque apart from the immediate view of Westminster Palace (Pictures) which could have been seen/photographed from the south bank of the river.
Here are the pictures of the two legs:-
Westminster to Richmond
Please click on an image to expand and view a slide show:-
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Richmond to Hampton Court
Please click on an image to expand and view a slide show:-
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle From The West
19 Pictures
Please Click here for Travel to Windsor Castle Please Click here to view The River Thames at Windsor
Key Features
The Changing of the Guard, access to St George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls House and The State Rooms and Semi-State Rooms ,the walkways and courtyards. The key feature being the sumptuous State Rooms which includes a collection of fine porcelain, suits of armour, ancient armaments, works of art, a banqueting suite, chandeliers and so forth. Photography is not allowed inside the buildings, but the Links give a good indication of what to expect.
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard proceeds from the barracks on the right of the aerial view (below) at 10:45 am. It passes through the main gates and arrives in the lower castle courtyard at 11:00 am where the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard begins. At 11:15 the old guard leaves and proceeds back to the barracks. They do this every day. Times may vary and there may be some dates missed at Windsor. Check The procession can be viewed from the street or following admission to the Castle.
Admission to the Castle
The entrance is past the castle gate at the top of Castle Street, just at the end of the row of trees. If arriving at Windsor and Eton Central rail station, proceed up the shopping mall, turn right at the top and left at the statue of Queen Victoria. Opening times and Prices. Prices vary and can be cheaper earlier in the week so please check.
There is an airport style security station. After this a walkway leads to the central access point and then a U bend that brings one beside the large central turret, which has a garden where the moat used to be. There is then a choice of continuing around the turret, through the Norman Arch and on to Queen Mary’s Dolls House and the State Rooms. Alternatively one can turn left and proceed towards St George’s Chapel and the parade ground where the guard change. Exit is through the keep, back onto the road.
I was there on a Friday, just after the guard changed as where many others. Consequently there where long queues for the Dolls House and State Rooms. There are two queues, one for both attractions and one for the State Rooms only. They queues were very much reduced by 1:30. Taking lunch whilst waiting seemed like a good idea. Be aware, open containers are not allowed inside any of the castle rooms. 
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This is the band leading the old guard back to barracks, followed by the old guard themselves.
Here is the exit and a statue of Queen Victoria at the bottom of Castle Hill, just where the guard turn. I tried to get her best side. Honestly from the front she could sink ships.
The Tour
This is one of the first sights and leads to the Moat garden. 
Further around the old moat is a the Norman Gate. These light fixtures can be seen in many places. 
This is just outside the entrance to the Dolls House and State Rooms. There are a row of benches and one can take a pew with a view. This is a view of Eton College. It was definitely worth waiting to see the State Rooms. Photographs are not allowed but you can get an idea by returning to the Links further up the page. 
Back to the parade ground and the lonely sentry at the end. 
On the left there are some of the apartments.
If you are lucky you will see a small group of guard about their business. In fact you will hear them first. British sergeant majors do very good impression of screaming eagles and have been known to cut hair with their voices. The poor fellow on his own is not allowed to move even his eyes and not allowed to speak to anyone. They draw tourists who photograph them constantly and have photographs taken beside them. I think the sentries must have an off switch.
Turning to look back up the slope there is the entrance to St George’s Chapel. 
And, it’s always worth looking up. 
Then out through the gate, directly opposite is a flower seller. This street and the one to the right have several cafes and taverns. 
Including this one. 
I hope you enjoyed a glimpse and thank you for visiting. 🙂
Freed From Time 