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Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother: A Life in Decades - 1950s

In this instalment of The Queen Mother’s life, we look at the 1950s, no doubt a sad but also memorable decade for Elizabeth. The decade started off on a high for Queen Elizabeth, as she welcomed her second grandchild in 1950: Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, a sister for Prince Charles, born in 1948. After an operation to improve his circulation, The King needed his wife and daughters…
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History

Winchester Cathedral announce plans to lift the lids of historic mortuary chests

Plans have been announced by Winchester Cathedral to lift the lids of their historic mortuary chests. It is believed that the historic tombs contain the mortal remains of some of the early Royals of Wessex. The chests, which have been assessed as part of the Cathedral’s conservation work, rest in the Lady Chapel and are thought to also contain the remains of three bishops as well as a host…
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FeaturesHistory

The architect behind The Prince Regent: John Nash

His works and commissions are universally recognisable, and he is classed as one of the most important architects of the late 18th and early 19th Century Britain. John Nash, a clever yet troubled man, left an indelible mark on London. So why, with regal designs for Buckingham Palace and Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, would a sorrowful demise see him end life penniless? There is debate…
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History

Henry VIII's gardening manual 'unearthed'

Buckingham Palace curators may have dug deep (pun intended) to find out Henry VIII may have had interest in gardening and referred to the world’s first gardening manual for inspiration. Front page of the gardening manual, c. 1490-5, showing inscription by Richard Rawson…
History

Notable Names: John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough

John Churchill circa 1685-1690. John Churchill was born at Ashe House in Devon on 26th May 1650. His father, Winston, became impoverished after supporting the Royalist cause during the English Civil Wars. Despite these humble beginnings, John Churchill would come to serve…
History

Henry VIII's hat finds a home at Hampton Court Palace

The year was 1544, and, after many gruelling months, the Frenchmen in the coastal town of Boulogne had surrendered to the English.When he heard news of the surrender, a victorious King Henry VIII triumphantly flung his hat into the air. Hat linked to Henry VIII acquired by Historic Royal Palaces in Hampton Court’s 500th anniversary year. (Photo courtesy of Historic Royal Palaces). The hat…
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