» Listings for June 2013

1. The Royal Mews: More than just Posh Stables

   Posted on 10:50am Wednesday 26th Jun 2013

   Mail Coach

   The Royal Mews provides road transport for The Queen and members of the Royal Family. It houses an impressive collection of historic carriages and motor vehicles. It is a busy, working stables which was very evident when I visited earlier this week with friends Yannick Pucci and Fran Pickering as one of the first things we saw was the departure of the daily messenger Brougham, the royal mail coach that has been collecting and delivering post between Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace since 1843.

2. Stepping Back in Time just off Kensington High Street into Victorian London

   Posted on 8:07am Sunday 2nd Jun 2013

   

    18 Stafford Terrace is indistinguishable from its neighbouring stucco fronted houses apart from its unusual window box

   Earlier this week I enjoyed a complementary tour of 18 Stafford Terrace, a remarkably well preserved late Victorian townhouse. It’s located on a quiet road just moments from busy Kensington High Street. It's one in a row a terraced classical styled properties dating from the 1870s and consists of five floors including basement and attic. The house, was previously known as Linley Sambourne House after its most famous resident Edward Linley Sambourne, the Punch cartoonist.

   All admissions to 18 Stafford Terrace are by guided tours only. On the day I visited Shirley was our guide and her knowledge and enthusiasm made for a very enjoyable visit. The tour started in the servants’ quarters in the basement where we watched an introductory film show about the house and its former occupants. On leaving the basement we viewed the remainder of the house which is a Victorian time capsule.