A History Obsession!

I have always loved history, historic buildings, people and places but as I have grown older my fascination has increased, though not helped by my appalling memory I love the nerdy little historical facts, so now always take my camera with me even if I just go out shopping and in this wonderful historic county I nearly always come across a new building or place I haven't seen before. I always meant to walk down to the River Medway past the beautiful Archbishop's Palace but always seemed to be in the car, so today I did and I wasn't disappointed, the stunning 14th century church of All Saint's should be Cathedral it is just so majestic and beautiful. There was wonderful organ music playing so I slipped in to listen, the only one there I drifted off into another world imagining the people through the centuries who have sat in the same place. I took loads of photos, experimenting with sepia, so here are a few. All photographs taken in Maidstone, Kent.

Welcome to the world!

I couldn't let the birth of a future King of England pass without a little post! Also I am running a competition on Pinterest to guess the name of the Prince, the first person to name him correctly will win a piece of my handmade jewellery so just log in to Pinterest and place your bets. It's on my Everything British board.

Congratulations to a wonderful couple

So like William as a baby!

History nerd!

Over the past week or two I have visited a couple of really fabulous historic places, Smallhythe Place in Kent and Eltham Palace in London. British history is a passion of mine so one of my birthday treats was a trip to the stunning Eltham Palace and lunch with my daughter Sophie, I have been before but I never tire of it, the house is an Art Deco gem built by the Courtauld family with an attached Medieval Hall where  Henry VIII grew up. Beautiful gardens where you can enjoy a drink and something to eat or take a picnic and enjoy the playground of Orrible Enery!! I sneaked a couple of photos inside (you are not supposed to) but there was no one around to tell me off!

Eltham Palace history

The entrance to Eltham Palace

The Medieval Hall and superb ceiling (Sophie as well)

Crossing the Moat



Straight ahead the Medieval Hall which was the childhood home of Henry VIII


Smallhythe Place in Kent was the home of Shakespearean actress Ellen Terry, and in the 1500s the house was part of a shipyard which built many of King Henry VIII's warships including the Mary Rose, this was before the sea receded. The House is enchanting and left as it was in Ellen's days. Many artifacts of her theatrical days are on show. You can watch a play in the beautiful thatched theatre in the grounds, and the tea shop serves the best cup of tea I have had in many a day. Really like stepping back in time.

Smallhythe Place, Kent

Step back in time through the door

Ellen's toilette

The Medieval thatched barn theatre

The Kent countryside beyond