Tuesday 23 April 2013

SHE FELL IN LOVE TODAY.. WITH A STAIRCASE!

No point in telling ME that I should keep HER at home for WE live in London, one of the most world's most fascinating cities.

The staircase is in the south wing of Somerset House. As YOU come into the central courtyard, YOU will face towards the river, walk across the courtyard and upon entering the building, turn right, walk past an excellent cafe (full of delicious things) and YOU will come to a small side hall. This is where YOU will find this glorious 'floating' staircase, built in the 1780's. 

And, whilst YOU are there, walk back across the entrance hall and along the corridor in front of YOU, at the other end is the 'Nelson Staircase', this is much larger. 

SHE is so happy when people show off their 'treasures', for SHE has been here many times but was not aware of either of these two 'gems'. 

The original medieval building was begun in 1547 for Edward Seymour, the ambitious uncle of King Edward 6th, the young son of Henry 8th, half brother to Queen Mary Tudor and Elizabeth 1st. 

The King was very young, so his uncle proclaimed himself The Lord Protector of England, Duke of Somerset. Long story, cut short. He was hugely unpopular and upon his execution for treason, all of his lands and possessions were seized by the Crown. 

During the time of the English Civil War between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists, it was held and used by General Fairfax, a strange man, born in to huge wealth and privilege, a brilliant soldier, he fought on the side of The 'Roundheads'.

It was he that confiscated the Crown Jewels (and other priceless objects from people from all over the country). They were catalogued and held at Somerset House and then sold at auction in order to fund the army. This list still exists to this day!

And, this is how so much medieval English Silver ended up in Kremlin Museum in Moscow.

He was remarkable because upon the death of Oliver Cromwell, he managed to 'switch' sides and  retained his head upon his shoulders! 

In later times, it was used by the Dowager Queens of England, the last Queen to use it was Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles 2nd.

History folks.. WE live in a town where all these people lived and loved and died.. and it is all here to be explored, so I can hardly confine HER to the plot, can I?

Tomorrow SHE is off to The Jeffyre Museum, SHE loves this place! It is located on Kingsland Road and SHE will eat at a Vietnamese restaurant close to the museum.. 

SHE will come home with chilli breath! I don't get to go to such places, sigh, when are WE going to visit Tash at Pizza@Home? 

This is HER favourite place to eat pizza.. oh, they are so delicious! I go there because SHE eats there when WE are tired coming back from the plot and 
feel like a treat! 

Tonight was not such a night! But never mind, for WE will go soon, I am sure. So I will dream of crisp crusts and chilli oil.. yum.

GeeGee Parrot.
April 22nd, 2013.

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