Victoria here. As you know by now, Kristine and I have planned a Wellington Tour to England in September, 2014 that we hope will appeal to all our blog readers, Facebook friends, fellow authors and Regency, Georgian and Victorian enthusiasts. We have included an attractive mix of places -- London, Brighton, Windsor...with the special, added attractions of Walmer Castle, Stratfield Saye, Basildon Park, Frogmore and Highclere Castle -- aka Downton Abbey -- all of which make us absolutely rabid to get underway.
We've managed to include a little bit of everything you love most about England -- wonderful parks, elegant interiors, seaside jaunts, historic landmarks, a river cruise, royal residences, centuries old pubs and lots of historical gossip. I've been to all these places -- with the exception of Highclere Castle. And I am so eager to go back to all of them, not to mention seeing the real Downton Abbey.
I read this fascinating book about Almina, Countess of Carnarvon, whose Rothschild fortune saved the 5th Earl and Highclere Castle and also financed his Egyptian expeditions. A selection of precious items from King Tut's Tomb will be part of our tour of Highclere Castle. And it's worth reading even more about Almina, who led a rather scandalous life after her husband died. So combine The Buccaneers, The Mummy's Curse, and Café Society between the Wars ...and multiply by 100. It's more fun than any of the capers of todays mindless starlets.
Furthermore, there is the garden and park at Highclere...which make only cameo appearances in DA.
We've left lots of time for our group to be able soak up the atmosphere and grounds at Walmer Castle, the Brighton Pavilion, Stratfield Saye and Windsor Castle. Kristine is determined to leave flower bouquets at the graves of Wellington and his Waterloo mount, the fabulously bad tempered Copenhagen. We'll take you on pub crawls and strolls through the streets of London that are simply steeped in Regency through Victorian history - gentleman's clubs, the homes of period personalities, shops and Royal landmarks.
Kristine in Jermyn Street with our close friend, the Beau. We'll make plenty of time for you to have your photo taken with Brummell, as well.
Victoria trying to photograph Apsley House, despite the London traffic.
In our excitement, Kristine and I have assembled a Pinterest board comprised of photos of the many places and items you'll see on The Wellington Tour. Please visit - Click here.
In our previous tours, Kristine and I have had lots of fun -- and excitement. We had an encounter with Highwaymen at Belvoir Castle - and I'm proud to tell you that we won!
We accompanied the Duke of Wellington to Waterloo and inspected the tents of his soldiers. Really. In Belgium.
We've both passed Buckingham Palace many times, though we haven't had time for tea with Her Majesty yet. One of these days . . . . .
Of course, we've both made the pilgrimage to Apsley House every time we're in London. We can't wait to show you our favorite bits.
And while wandering down Pall Mall one day, we stood and wondered why these big torches burned all day. We've yet to find out. If you know, please leave a comment.
Royal Automobile Club, 89 Pall Mall
There are hundreds of nooks and crannies at Windsor Castle we have yet to investigate. And we long to get another glimpse of the Playing Fields of Eton.
Windsor Castle Gardens in former moat
St. James Park
Or maybe we snoozed through their appearances.
We have so much we're anxious to share with you and we hope that many of you can join us on this adventure - truly the trip of a lifetime.
FYI: What Kristine and Victoria really look like when they're in England.
Funny how much we resemble The Fullerton Sisters,
as painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence, c. 1825
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