I was excited to hear recently that the Eleanor Cross at Charing Cross in London has been restored. Though it is not an original cross, and in the incorrect place as well (outside Charing Cross station) I am still really fond of it.
It’s beautifully done, and also happens to be a Victorian replica, which makes it all the more attractive to me!
I managed to have some long overdue time off recently, and guess what? I managed to squeeze in some castle visits! Big surprise there eh?!
I went up to re-visit Huntly Castle, which is always a good one for a meander around, and picked up a book published by Historic Scotland called Clan and Castle. It has a lovely section on Fraser castles and the different branches of the family, also included of course, is Castle Fraser. A must buy then!
Went out with a friend to see Craigston Castle. It’s a lovely private family home, which opens just a few times a year for visitors. It reminds me in looks a little of Fyvie, a bit like a white-washed version. It’s a really fascinating house, and do try and visit when you can.
Lastly, I took a trip around Pitmedden Garden. I’d never had enough time to really look, and the Victorian house and the farming museum are really nice, but the gardens themselves are very old indeed, and beautiful.
I did my regular visit of Fyvie and Haddo last week too. Yes, I am a castle junkie…did I mention I went to Glamis and Edzell Castles in April too??
The tomb of Queens Elizabeth and Mary at Westminster Abbey. I love tombs, and I love wandering around them at the Abbey!
Following on from tombs, here is the Guard’s memorial. A beautiful thing, not dissimilar to the Cenotaph – at least to me! Got to love real photo postcards too.
For some reason at the beginning of this week, for at least three nights in a row I dreamt about Venice. Why? I just don’t know. I haven’t watched, read, looked at or otherwise done anything remotely involving Venice. Yet, here we are.
I should explain my relationship with Venice, such as it is. Years ago, I think it was when I was in my mid to late teens my maternal Aunt bought me a book called Tregaron’s Daughter by Madeleine Brent. My Aunt, it should be said was, and is, a fabulous book and trinket supplier
Tregaron’s Daughter is a mystery story set in Cornwall and Venice. I don’t know what it was about it exactly, as the book isn’t about to set the world on fire, (though I still love it anyway) but it instilled in me a deep desire to visit Venice myself when I was older. By the age of 20, I had fulfilled that dream.
I visited museums and galleries, including the Basilica San Marco and the Doge’s Palace, I took boat rides – including one on a gondola – and walked the length and breadth of Venice. Sadly, I didn’t take very many pictures, and I think they are rubbish, so I won’t include them here! The fact is, when I left all those years ago, I didn’t feel that I needed to return.
So why now? No idea, not a clue. I hunted out my photos (eek), found a couple of guidebooks, and most importantly – remembered my Venetian Palazzi book – which is gorgeous indeed. Even while writing this I remembered my Venetian mask that I bought (I was enthralled by the mask and costume shops), but it doesn’t seem to be enough.
I suppose time will tell, but I cannot see myself getting to Venice any time soon, time permitting, never mind anything else! So, I have ordered myself a second hand copy of Tregaron’s Daughter (no idea what I did with the last one) and a DVD of Francesco’s Venice which is supposed to be very good. All I know is that for now, my subconscious mind will have to be content.
I completely forgot to update on the results of my castle poll from June.
Apart from the one or two of you that voted ‘Other’ and didn’t specify where (doh), the top castles were:
Cairness House
Balmoral Castle
Glamis Castle
Sadly, I’ve heard some really bad reports about Balmoral, and that it is not worth the visit, as you only see one room. I’ve not seen it myself, but it has moved down my list priority-wise. This leaves Cairness and Glamis.
I hope to visit Cairness very soon, as I love the classical style mansion house look. It is not open very much, but I have some time off coming up, so I will do my best. Glamis is a little far, so unless it’s a whole day trip I doubt I’ll get to go this year, sob. The good thing is, as a very popular castle to visit, it tends to be open more than some.
I’ve also been thinking about castles and houses all over the UK, and indeed the world. Where would you suggest I go? Please tell me your favourites, and leave a link to a website if you have one too, I’d love to visit some of them vicariously through guide books if possible also!
June is a very busy time of the year for me in the day job, so when I can I’m already planning some things to do during July and early August and to take some time off to do them.
First plan is to visit some more furnished castles/houses this year. Visited a lot of ruins last year, and although I love them, I love furnished historic properties best. So what you may ask? Well, here’s how you get to vote for your favourite, and the top ones you think I should go to this Summer if possible.
You will see the choices in the poll box below, but here are the links to the properties or in some cases pictures if no official website is available:
It was a good year for visits in 2008, and I thought I would re-visit this briefly as the new season will soon be upon us!
I managed to visit and photograph 54 properties and ruins August-October alone. This is without counting properties it wasn’t possible to photograph (private/difficult to get too/see) and some historic churches, plus small number of stone circles, sacred sites I didn’t include in this.
If you missed some of my posts about the places that I visited between August and October, here are a few links:
The Day By the Sea I should also point out that I’ve restored the brooch I mentioned in ‘The Day By the Sea’ and will photograph it soon. It turns out, someone had coloured it in with a marker pen!
I realise that I didn’t add the last set of visitable places either, so here they are now.
Auchindoun Castle a lovely, and still quite large ruin with great views of the area. Up steep hill though!
Ballindalloch Castle fabulous location, still a family home, castle kept in wonderful order and very interesting collection, recommended.
Brodie Castle again, great location and very pretty castle. Very interesting collection, and historic garden with duck pond. Watch out for dizzying interior but ex-exterior stone staircase though!
It is important to remember when in NE Scotland that you never know when you might see a ruined castle from the roadside. Please do - enjoy, photograph, but I’d advise not approach unless you are sure that:
it is not private property – location could belong to an estate or farmer (especially if there are crops),
watch out for animals – sheep or cows could be grazing nearby,
the ruin is safe to approach – some are in a very dangerous state.
I know some of you were going to set up with me and buy Tillycairn Castle a while ago, but I’ve just discovered another on the market that I think we’ll have to add to our empire.
Midmar Castle is a gem, and has been restored over the years to be a comfortable home. Well, as comfortable as castles get I gather. It comes with Old Masters, armour and a deer farm. Be still my heart.
It is also important to me as it was a prototype for the later Castle Fraser! It has the same family of masons involved, and looks a little like a mini CF.
Come on, it’s starter price is only 5m. Let’s pop over and make them an offer they can’t refuse? Pretty please??
Which Grand Duchess Would YOU Be?
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