Enjoyed an early dinner at this excellent and popular French Restaurant in Sloane Square, where we saw plenty of Rangers, young and old.
Had to add this separately as Kensington blog wouldn't publish until I reduced the photos.
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Kensington Palace
Visited Kensington Palace today, in its tranquil garden setting. Being such a beautiful day, people were out and about with prams and dogs, enjoying the lawns, lakes and walks.
The palace is quite plain in comparison with others we've seen on this trip and especially when you contrast it with Buckingham Palace. Of course they serve different purposes. I was surprised how little there was about Princess Diana, given it was her home and the home of her children before she died. The focus was more on queens Mary, Victoria and Anne. However, it was well worth visiting.
Churchill War Museum
We've conquered the tube so went into London to the Churchill War Museum today. Left as it was at the end of the Second World War, this is a 'turn back time' experience in the actual rooms used to control the machinations of war, with Churchill being the central and powerful figure that he was. He was also amazing in that he worked 18 hour days, had an enormous intellect, together with all the qualities which combine to make an effective and strong leader. I enjoyed his succinct comments on various subjects. He had a wonderful way with words.
Bodiam Castle
Built in the 14th century Bodiam Castle is in an idyllic location, surrounded by a wide moat, not far from the historic village, Robertsbridge. Although we were too late to see the interior, apparently it didn't matter as it was virtually gutted during the Civil War. Just another magnificent castle virtually destroyed at this time.
Catsfield and Ninfield, East Sussex
Photos of ancestral villages. No ancestral homes unfortunately. Found family names on the honour board in the portico of the Methodist Church. Couldn't find Ashburnham village as it wasn't on the GPS, which is a bit sad. It may no longer exist, except as a name or wooded area. More time required for this investigation, but still good to actually see where the great grandmother I remember meeting, and her sister as well, actually lived. The earliest family member noted goes back to Crowhurst in the 16th century.
Views of the Thames...
.....from the dining room of the Hotel Verta, where we are staying. Lucky to see the Royal Barge heading downriver. A fair distance from the inner city, so we travel there via a combination of bus, train or underground. The hotel is very modern with excellent facilities and staff. However, I was still given a smaller room, not what I'd paid for, being a single woman. It happens all the time. My room is fine, but not exactly as booked. Tired of complaining about this.
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