Stowe- part 2

A lot later than I originally planned, here is the second part of my visit to Stowe. (first part here)

I thought he most logical thing to do was to split the photos into two- the first part is mainly trees and autumnal landscape.  This post is about the follies that are scattered around around the grounds. For those of you who don't know, a folly is a fanciful structure, built to be primarily decorative and to be an ornamental part of a large garden or estate. Some follies can however also be practical, a place to rest, take tea or even to sleep if they are far from the main house. 

St Pancras

Ok, St. Pancras is just a train station, but it really is stunning! Therefore this small post is justified. It is grade 1 listed building, which was opened in 1868.

Hatchlands

Hatchlands is just up the road from Clandon (see pictures from my trip here) so we paid it a quick visit whilst we were in the area.

Unfortunately, just like Clandon, photographs are forbidden inside the property, so I only have a few pictures to show you.

Clandon Park

We want to get as much use of possible out of our National Trust membership before the properties close for the winter, so this bank holiday we took a trip over to Clandon Park over in Guilford.

Canterbury Cathedral, inside

As promised, here is my second post on Canterbury Cathedral (the first can be read here).

The building is even more impressive on the inside. 

Ightham Mote (outside)

As I mentioned in my Red House post, whilst we were in the area we popped over to Ightham Mote (pronounced 'item'), another National Trust property. It has a totally different feel to Red House, not as much a family home, but instead a proper castle.

It wasn't owned by anyone notable, just courtiers of Henry VII and later new money Americans, but the building is fantastic- a combination of fortified stone castle and Tudor, wooden beamed manor. 

Red House (exterior)

The sun was shining this weekend, so we took a trip to a couple of National Trust properties. First up, Red House in Bexleyheath.  

Commissioned by William Morris, Red House is a significant example of Art and Crafts architecture. Completed in 1860 the unique design rejected the conventional both Victorian industrialism and Georgian symmetry.  

For more photos, see under the jump:-

Abney Park Cemetery

After visiting Highgate Cemetery pictures here, here and here) last summer, we've been aiming to go to another of the 'magnificent seven', so couple of weeks ago we went to Abney Park Cemetery in Hackney.

It may seem like a morbid day trip, but we try to be respectful we we visit. Also they are peaceful places, full of unique Victorian architecture. Abney, is more understated than Highgate, it doesn't have as many famous name.

For more pictures see under the jump:-

Cambridge

This weekend we took a quick jaunt over to Cambridge. We were really lucky with the weather, it was perfect to have a stroll around and look at all the beautiful architecture of the university colleges.

King's College 

King's college 

King's College 

If you're in the area, there is a really tasty vegetarian/ vegan restaurant opposite King's, called Rainbow cafe. It is reasonably priced and has loads of options. All the food is freshly prepared on site using in season ingredients. I had Latvian Potato Bake, which tasted like proper comfort food, the only disappointed was the side salad, which was a bit too basic. For pudding I had lavender and chocolate vegan cheesecake, which was delicately flavoured and creamy. I'd also recommend the ginger beer.

Ranibow cafe, don't be put off by the slightly dodgy alleyway, it's a gem

Pembroke College 

A lot of the colleges charge an entrance fee, but Pembroke College allows visitors to stroll around the quad for free. It's my sisters old college, so I've stayed in one of the rooms when I visited in her first year, the buildings are stunning, but I remember her room was draughty and noisy.

Pembroke college 

Waddesdon Manor (gardens)

Waddesdon Manor 

Waddesdon Manor was built in 1877 by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild as a place to host epic week long house parties and to showcase his immense collection of art.

We were really lucky when we visited this weekend as it was the perfect autumn day, fresh, crisp and sunny. The garden is still in bloom and the leaves are just beginning to turn.

 Ferdinand's sister, Alice, inherited Waddesdon on his death. She was a keen gardener and had a hand in designing the outside space. Alice was a bit of a battleaxe and had some very strict rules. She viewed her role as protector, and was passionate about preserving the manor and art collections for future generations to enjoy.

Rose garden at Waddesdon

Freemasons' Hall, The United Grand Lodge of England

United Grand Lodge of England 

We went inside the Freemasons' Hall as part of Open House weekend. I've been wanting to go for a while as secret societies and conspiracy theories fascinate me. Plus when I used to work nearby I would often see men with matching ties and briefcases go inside the Hall for clandestine meetings.

Freemason lodges in England 

Actually the Freemasons' Hall was disappointingly un-secretive, the Masons were very welcoming and inviting towards visitors. There's even a museum an information booklet and regular tours. So much for conspiracy theories and world domination plots. If you want to know more about the Freemasons their website is suitably vague/informative or you could always read Freemasonry for Dummies which was available to buy in the gift shop.

Symbolism is important to the Freemason society, five and six pointed stars can be found all over the building.

floor of the United Grand Lodge 

The five pointed star,the 'pentalpha', represents the five points of Masonic fellowship. For Pythagoras (an important figure to the masons) it was symbol of perfection and the universe. The Pentalpha is also an ancient emblem of good luck and health.

Celling of the United Grand Lodge 

The six pointed star, the 'hexalpha', (common also in Jewish faith, the star of David) is for Freemason known as the Seal of Solomon and is the badge of Royal Arch Freemasonry.

Other important Masonic symbols include:-

wheat = resurrection

lotus = waters of life

irises = eternal life 

doors to the Grand Temple, each door weighs 1¼

   tons and depicts the building of Solomon's temple 

The Grand Temple 

Eltham Palace and Gardens

I recently jollied off to the wonderful Eltham Palace and Gardens. It's a fascinating mismatch of architecture, there is a medieval great hall and then some glamorous art deco additions.

The beautiful wooden celling in the great hall 

The great hall was really impressive Built in the 1470's by Edward IV, the great hall still stands despite been bombed during WWII, the scorch marks from the incendiary bombs can still be seen.  

  

Eltham Palace was the boyhood home of Henry VIII, but as he favoured his palace at Greenwich, Eltham was neglected and the palace did not remain a royal residence . Various additions where made by owners throughout the years. In 1930's the extremely wealthy Stephen and Virginia Courtauld built a modern art deco extension adjacent to the great hall.    

The circular entrance hall, I can just imagine flappers lounging on the sofas having a smoke