A "Concert"ed Effort at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church
This 1722 English Anglican church located by Trafalgar Square features free, live, classical concerts. They are amazing and include ensembles, choirs and soloists from all over the world. St Martin's actually has one of the UK's longest running free concert series and those give emerging talent a stage to refine their performing talent.
We've been to a couple of them. This time, some wonderful ensemble groups of young people from The Purcell School played. The flutes, harp, oboes, cellos, violins, piano were deftly made to sing. It was inspiring!
Household Calvary Museum
En-route from Parliament to Trafalgar, you pass the mounted guards in front of this museum; quite an official-looking sight! Venturing inside one day we were treated to an up-close view of horses in the 18th-century, working stables and numerous exhibits that take visitors through the training and history of the regiment.
Mike, Justin, Elise, my Mom and I got to see the regal-looking ceremonial uniforms, royal standards, musical instruments, regalia and awards, as well as try on some uniforms and hats -- oh yeah, we were stylin'!
Taking in their changing of the guard was fascinating, too, as the troops were inspected and then took up their post or were excused as the new troops' exchange was made. The inspection evidently started during the reign of Queen Victoria, when as a punishment for a slacking group of guards, she instituted a 99-year punishment which demanded a daily inspection to ensure appropriate behavior and attention to duty. While the 99 years have expired, the tradition continues! . . . Just love all the pageantry in England!
Parliament is a Palace?!?
Yes, it is and what a magnificent palace it is! Our insider tour went through the ornate and sensational Queen's Robing Room (where she dresses and is attended during the time she is there to officially open Parliament each year), through the Royal Gallery and Prince's Chamber and into the Lords Chamber. We also toured the Central Lobby, Members' Lobby and a voting lobby along with both the Commons Chamber and Westminster Hall.
The palace is located on the River Thames in central London. The architecture is stunning and the palace is full of marble, carvings, paintings, sculpture and history. Woodwork is intricate and lovely. Even the working house rooms with leather benches of green for the House of Commons and red for the House of Lords ooze with hushed elegance and solemness.
Of course, the palace complex also includes the beautiful and iconic "Big Ben" which is actually named Elizabeth Tower; Big Ben is the name of the bell inside the tower!
Standing in the two houses of the UK's government responsible for making laws, we heard about the ceremonies and procedures they observe (like wearing wigs and robes, having "Black Rod" -- a man who carries a black iron staff and wraps at the door to alert the house the Queen is ready to receive them in the other chamber -- having a throne in the Lord's chamber for Her Royal Highness, and carrying in a huge, golden mace to sit on the tables while debates rage).
Such a wonderful treat to see inside the place where the heart of British law lives!
Pure Magic!
Impossible! That was the event name and also the general feel for the mind-blowing magic show M, J, E, Mom and I took in on the West End. Six different magicians performed various types of magic including slight-of-hand, dare devil stunts, mind-reading, card tricks and technological trickery.
It's billed as "jaw-dropping, head-scratching and mind-blowingly brilliant." I have to agree -- it made the impossible, possible and entertaining at that!
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