November 5th, 2011 - The Gunpowder Plot & Last Farewells

Today was somewhat disappointing. There were no children on the streets saying "Penny for the  Guy." No large parades. And no bonfires in which effigies were burned. Where did the tradition go? 

I think it sort of died down and it's more of a story tradition rather than a lived out one. But yes, indeed, tonight was the anniversary of the (failiure of) the gunpowder plot. And the weekend that marked some of the last days I am going to spend here before going home.

I have to admit tonight was so worth it. The boat ride on the Thames was a mixture of 40s or 60s style boat cruise - during which - at different parts in the night - girls of our school group were led about by the singer. It was utterly fantastic. 

I had a great time with the family - enjoying our food and wines. Some of the dishes looked beautiful and tasted even more delicious than they sounded. Here are a couple:

I believe this was the chicken Marcella with rice and vegetables. It may have had a white wine sauce. Looking at it reminded me of the winning dishes on Top Chef. 

This was my dish. A succulent and tender lamb in a red wine sauce garnished with mushrooms and rice. It was one of the most delicious lambs I have ever eaten. It was so tender it melted in my mouth.

We enjoyed our food, wines, and the night - especially because we shared it together. Our family sat near each other on the bus as well as sharing a table for dinner.

On the bus ride over to the pier. It almost looks like LN has a halo or that an angle or ghost is hovering over her. I like to think it's a halo.

This is on the bank of the Thames with the London Eye in the background. Yet another photo of me and EJ that is an awesome backwards one!

Waiting for the boat to arrive. LN looked like a 40s airess to some billionaire, AS looked like she could have been from a band and H^2 was adorable like always.

We are now on the river boat cruise. This picture is awesomely taken and we look so cute. Thanks for lending me your belt H^2.

Here we sit, three beautiful and happy ladies. I have to thank H^2 for the ribbon I tied around my waist. And later in the night LN lent me her shawl so I could be Rose from Titanic.

Alright, SD (who lent me her dress) and EJ are so cute in this picture. The crazy angle is all me. I though it would be fun to experiment with the angle - although looking at it now sort of makes me sea sick. 0.0

At some point I got really into a song and was led up to the entertainers stage to dance with him. It was fun and yet I found myself slightly embarassed. 

One minute I'm into the song and clapping in my seat. The next I am up on stage dancing with the entertainer. He was such a sweet and talented person. He made the night fun and enjoyable with his music.

Another person who made the night was the son of Jason - one of the British Professors who taught for the Augie term. Jason's son is a little fashionista hipster. He danced on stage all night while we were on the boat. He had boundless energy and was kind enough to share a dance with me. 

This was at the end of the night, and he was tired but looked happy. He was really sweet and said he wants to be an actor. He definitely has the charisma for it.

We spent some time waiting - for the taxi - at the end of the night. So, being board as we were we took some pretty awesome pictures. LN and I got to be Rose from Titanic. It was the only night that we didn't mind the wind. 

LN - as we stood on the bridge attempting to flag a taxi - said "It's like we can be in Titanic." So, I took a picture of her looking over the river Thames. It works out especially well since her outfit was so retro-old style.

I, too, wanted to look like  Rose from Titanic. Although, the wind picked up a bit. I like the outcome it almost looks like I have wings. I also did the romantic looking back over my shoulder thing.

So, the night started and ended beautifully. And although we never burnt the leaf SD drew a face on and labeled Guy Fawkes, we certainly had a night were remember fondly. 

~ H.C.

November 4th, 2011 - Windsor

Today was fantastic! The hour coache trip ended at the town of Windsor - which is split up into Old Windsor - houses that begin by the non-tidal shores of the Thames and extend to New Windsor - the shops and town that reach up to the Castle and extends to Eton College on the other side of the castle.

The Castle is extensive so it is impossible to get a picture of the entire structure - but this wall contains Curfew Tower as well as the Castles other towers and chimneys.

The structure itself dates back to William the Conqueror who built the oldest part of the Castle -which is Circle Tower - an ovular shaped building which used to house the Governor of Windsor. The steps leading into the Circle Tower are rarely climbed by visitors but you can book a special tour called Capture the Tower - which lets you inside. Circle Tower is now used to house the Royal Family's Archive Collection of manuscripts, photographs, and other memorabilia of the Royal Family. There is a Burning Tree - a tree whose leaves turn bright red - planted at the foot of Circle Tower's hill in memory of Princess Diana of Wales -as well as a beautiful Garden surrounding the Tower.

If you take a close look you will be able to see - that through centuries of constant use and repair that the stone and other materials used in the tower begin to look more modern and new. Windsor - since it is lived in by the Queen is under constant refurbishment.

The red  leaves on the left side of this photograph of Circle Tower belong to the tree planted for Princess Diana of Wales.

The Castle is split into three wards: Lower (the Guard Chambers and St. George's Chapel, Middle: Circle Tower and Upper: The State Rooms and palace. The strategic placement of the Castle at Windsor is a main reason that the town itself goes right up to the Castle Walls in present day. Nobody could attack the villages or the Castle without the Royal Guard knowing and being prepared hours in advance.

You can see how the view from the Castle terrace captures the horizon. Anyone who tried to take the Castle would be unprepared for the onslaught of defensive fire that would come from the Guard and soldiers.

Stretching below the Castle on one side is the town of Eton built around a school that is as old as the Castle. The boys who attend wear tailcoats and dress as people did when the school was first started.

The Castle has  great vantage point and even great sense of tradition. Present in the lower ward is St.George's Cathedral - services taking placing there must always be attended by a member of the Order of the Garter. The Order of Garter began when Richard III - noticing the ridicule a lady faced when her garter fell - picked up the garter and told those around they should be ashamed. He then said - that should another lady meet the same occruance - there should be someone there to restore her honour. 

The Order of the Garter is the highest honour in England. There are branches in all of the United Kingdom extending to:

The Order of the Garter (England and Wales), The Windsor Gauard,  The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle (Scotland) and, although it is non-active - The Most Illustrious Order of St.Patrick (Ireland).

The Windsor Guard was formed and initiated into the Order of the Garter so there would always be a Knight of the Order in attendance at services held in St. George's Chapel. While we were there we got to see a Changing of the Guard - and I learned that the size of the bear skin hat denotes rank. 

The outer parts of the castle hold their wonders and their history but so does the insides. On display - for those who do not walk directly to the State Rooms  is Queen Mary's Doll House. The House was a gift from her cousin Princess Maire Lousie. The house itself is a valuable piece of history - as it was built by architect Sr. John Edwin - to the miniature scale of a  French Chateau. The completion of the house depended on commissioned miniatures of famous art, literature, and decor of the time - and includes complete and miniature copies of literature written by authors of the time. Everything in the house from the lifts, lights, to the cars in the drive can fully function. 

Alongside - in a short gallery - is a display containing the clothes of France and Marianne two dolls given to the Princesses Elizabeth and Margarete Rose. The detail in the stitching and finery of the clothing shows how amazing craftsmanship at the time was. The dolls themselves are on tour in France for the first time since 1938.

Besides these wonderful pieces - on my visit I was able to see Leonardo Davinci originals of his earliest works - he was one of the first painters to capture the portraits of young boys - and it is thought that the work I saw was sketches of one of his proteges. In the Drawing Room - along with those artworks I saw a very good Nude of a crawling man thought to be drawn by one of Rembrandt's proteges after a similar drawing of a solider was done by Rembrandt himself. 

Also in the drawing room at the time of my visit was an exhibit of portraits, photographs, and memorbilia of Prince Philip. 

The great thing about Windsor is that you are encouraged to revisit the Castle as all the displays of art and object are changed each year. 

I really wished I could have gotten a photograph of this:  There was a grasshopper - fashioned from metal and copper - which was a fucntioning whine cooler at the time it was gifted to the Royal Family. It's back - alongside the wings - opens up and inside it's body is the cooler. It was really an amazing piece of metalwork. 

Also in the Castle, is the China collections from all the centuries Windsor has been in use. The most memorable collection included craftsmanship to make the pieces of the sets look as if pineapple leaves and the fruit itself were intertwined in the design.

There is also a china set for which all pieces are painted with individual design. Not one plate or cup in the set is a repeated pattern. 

The State Rooms are through a corridor and up a grand staircase from the China exhibit. They are magnificent and my favorite part of them was the wonderful ebony furniture with gold inlay. My breath was taken away by the sustained beauty and durability of the wood.

A few memorable pieces in the sate rooms were:  The silver desk and dressing mirror. A complete piece of furniture - one of the only remaining ones of its time- made of silver with clawed feet. 

The other beautiful aspect were the three painted ceilings that have survived. One is in a dining room depicting The Gods a feast and all the paintings and decor are of food. 

The other two ceilings depict the wife or mistress  of King Charles II> They are all painted by Virrio a well-known and talented artisan of the time. 

I didn't have time - after spending an hour in the State Rooms - to go down to Eton  College - but I recommend it because there is a lot of history surrounding one of England's oldest colleges. After taking the tour and looking at paintings - I ate a wonderful scone with a pot of Jasmine Tea at the Crooked House:

The house was built next to the guild hall - and over time it just sort of slid over on its foundation and then stayed this way. It is a quaint one-manned cafe with wonderful decor, great food, and a nice ole-time atmosphere.

I highly enjoyed my time in Windsor and hope to go back one day in the future - because I'm interested to see what exhibits they have - since they change the exhibitions every year. It was definitely a great time. 

~ H.C.

Ocotober 28th, 2011 - Brighton!

Today we visited Brighton!

The pier pictured above is the main attraction at Brighton - and is mentioned and featured in the classic novel Brighton Rock. There are several other piers - but the money to rebuild was repealed after one of the pier's owner argued against regeneration of other piers  - which is sad because of the great history that is there.

The town's popularity went up when Prince Regent - who would become King George IV - visited and took up residence in the small fishing town. The piers that remain in Brighton are a direct result of the presence of Aristocrats and the Prince Regent who would hold dance parties on the pier and host large dinner of up to one hundred courses.

Another reason for Brighton's popularity was the sea - and the presence of a doctor who moved out to Brighton to accompany his patients. The sea town became a place where people started to exercise, bath, and get into good health - lose the weight they put on from all the fancy feasting.

It was the combination of both George IV and the Doctor that made Brighton a hot spot. It's a wonderful little town which still boats the palace George IV built. The outside resembled Indian architecture with an inner decor of British-China.

The palace -  outside and in - was built and furnished based upon artist sketches and surmises of the day. Originally it was built to reflect the architecture found in India - but then mixed on the interior is what the English surmised China to look and feel through the decor and what they knew from books written about China - even though at that time no one was allowed to visit China.

The dining room has a giant chandelier hanging from two claws of a dragon. The dining room is right next to the kitchen - an architectural feature never before designed during his time. The kitchen itself has a vaulted roof  and window-chimney at the centre which would allow all the steam from cooking to be sucked up an out. However, the windows can only be opened by going on the roof - on which there are pathways designated for such things.

The great thing about the palace is the use of mirrors to create optical illusions. Many rooms seem larger because of stragtegically placed mirrors - as well as doors seeming to be real but not being real. The entrance gallery - which guests would walk down to get to dinner- also has the feel of being in an outdoor garden. That was the intention of George IV. 

The building of the palace - as well as some other poor choices - however led George IV to lose popularity as he grew older (and wider). The great thing about Brighton is that George IV always said living on the farm - which was the basis for the palace's construction - at least where the farm was located - in Brighton with Mrs. Fitzherbert was the happiest time in his life.

He met the Lady Fitzherbert because she lived in Brighton and was one of the most reputaible, popular, and rich ladies to live in Brighton. Many men tried to court her but found themselves refused. It was only after George IV - then Prince Regent - put on a show of "dying of heartbreak" did the Lady realize he was serious. However, King Richard III - suffering from a horrible blood disease - would not sanctify the marriage - for until George turned 25 he needed his father's permission. 

So in love was he - that George bribed a priest in debtors prison to marry him to Mrs. Fitzherbert - and although they were happily married and live in Brighton together - the King and Country did not recognize the union. So - at the age of 55 - after becoming king and having Mrs. Fitzherbert leave him - after he cheated - George was forced into marriage with Princess Caroline of Germany. 

They married - but he was still Prince Regent. He didn't become King until 55 years old - and by then after his daughter Charlotte was born - he exiled Caroline. One move - aside from his debt - that made him lose favour was not allowing Charlotte into her own coronation.

Aside from that - Brighton was very popular in George's day - and after it the town sort of fell out of favor, yet still remained a place of intrique. 

The shops and surrounding area is quite interesting - since the whole town is built over a river - which runs in the pipes of the city. Before it's poplar days Brighton - the South end of it - was burned and pillaged by the French in their constant revenge burnings with England.

Anyways, it was a very nice place to visit for the weekend and I quit enjoyed my Brighton Rock. 

The cool thing about Brighton Rock is that the name of the candy is all the way through the tubular and sugary snack. There was also a warning that said the colors could cause adverse affects on children - the rainbow colors not the fact it's 100% sugar.

It is worth the time to go to Brighton - and hopefully if you ever visit you'll have more time that a day trip! It's about one and half - two hours from London.

~ H.C.

October 24th, 2011 - The Royal National Theatre Uncovered

Our penultimate Theatre experience was a backstage tour of the Royal National Theatre. The company  was founded in 1963 and originally based at The Old Vic Theatre. However, over time, as the Theatre grew in popularity and content - branching out to include shows that were classical and avante guard - the Company began to look for a property that would afford them with a larger space. 

As with most Theatres pictures were not allowed - as the sets and props are under copyright. However, each of the three stages in The National are worth speaking about because they all offer different experiences to the Producer, Crew, Cast, and Audience. The presence of three main stages is another reason the National Theatre's corner stone was laid three times - each Theatre moving closer and closer to The South Bank of the Thames. 

Now, the Theatre boasts a single location with three main stages. Each provides the actors and audience a different atmosphere and experience. 

The Olivier

The theatre space is the largest seating 1,160 people. The architecture is based upon the outdoor Greek amphitheater in Epidauurus. The seating is not layered - as it is in many theatres which use thrust stages - and is instead fanned out to be exactly 120 degrees. This allows the audience to see the entire House - and from one spot on the fore-ground of the stage the actor can see every single person sitting in the theatre. This affords the audience with a more personal connection to one another and the actors on stage. 

In terms of modern architecture the Olivier's tech booth is hidden behind metal panels in the ceiling - as are all the cat walks for the lighting. The ideas is to cut down exterior distractions so the focus is one hundred percent on stage. In this theatre there is a Drum Revolve - which allows the producers to experiment with sets which can be turned - but unlike the other stages the Olivier revolve has two platform on the revolve allowing for ten tonnes of scenery per platform to be put up and taken down for scene work. This means that scenery change does not distract the audience from the play.

Lyttelton Theatre

In comparison the Lyttelton Theatre can seat 890 people. It is built in the style of  procenium arch. The arch has the capability of moving inwards and being altered depending on the height of the set - which ensures the audience is able to focus on the play within the frame. 

The seats here are more traditionally structured in the level format and are closely set. This makes it slightly cramped when the seats are full. It was in the Lyttelton that we saw The Veil. We were allowed to walk on set and see the amount of detailing it took for the set. 

It was amazing to see the oak tree - the branches for which overhang the house. The leaves on the front of the tree were oak tree leaves - while the other leaves at the back were smaller versions. The set was very haunting - with a web strewn and dust covered mirror. I was awed by the detail in the cloth, furniture, and even the food. 

Cottesloe/Dorfman Theatre

We did not visit this theatre. However, it is the smallest of the three. It is easily adaptable depending on the show being put on there.

All the theatre spaces have room above, behind, below, and to the side where props and sets can be stored. This allows the theatre spaces to put on more than one show at a time and to store each set and the props and costumes for each without trouble.

After going  on the set of The Viel we were taken further backstage. There are two portraits of Laurence Olivier hanging in the backstage and workshop area - so he keeps a watchful eyes on the production teams. Backstage are metal working, wood working, and props building workshops. 

We were allowed to see the place where sets were built. At the time we entered a floor was being built and constructed for a traveling production. On the walls were stretched portions of the walls of a set - which would later need to be stretched again. 

A lot goes on backstage and I really admire the work ethic and creativity that goes into shows. Everyone from Props Designers, to Set Designers, and Producers work to build the set and props and wardrobes we see. There was a props table containing the most pried props of the designers. 

That's when I learned in 2006 they put on His Dark Materials as a stage production. I really want to visit their gallery to view it - so hopefully I can do so before I leave. :-D If not I will have to see if they have it online. But they had Iorek's head and Pantalmion's heads as well as the foxes. Also the crocodile head from Peter Pan and severed hands and the base for chilies. 

All in all I now understand and appreciate theatre in a new way. I am now a more critical theatre goer in all the forms - stage and film. It was well worth the visit. We also got to see the test runs of 13 - a show being put on in the Olivier Theatre - which included the logistics of the black box used to frame all the scenes. Movement of lights and the box were being worked out for the opening night. 

~ H.C.

October 23rd, 2011 - Football at Fullham

Today was utterly fantastic! 

In England they have Football Clubs which include the home pitch, team, and the crazy and exuberant fans! We got tickets - and we paid Peter 10 pounds to go - for Fullham vs. Putnam.

 

Go here to view uploaded footage: http://www.youtube.com/user/LoonyLunarLuna17 

Let me tell you... No words could describe the excitement I felt attending my first professional football (soccer) game. Even though I haven't seriously sat down and learned the intricacies of red cards and professional football rules (I am going to - then I will pick teams (after the 'American Team' and Chicago Fire) to support during football season - I'm thinking of going with Finland, a Scottish Team, and a British Team) but I seriously enjoyed myself.

To impress upon you how serious the safety of everyone it taken - they confiscated the cap off my water bottle  rendering the bottle useless. They wanted to make sure the cap didn't end up as successful and quite painful projectile. There was police control outside and inside the club - luckily nothing dramatic and unnecessary happened.

Taken from my seat. Minus heads in front you can see why I am thrilled these were my seats. Net seats are actually the best because you can see the whole field -which is slightly on an angle.

 

I was decked out in red and black Fullham's colours for the home jerseys. However, I had my silver and blue ( Ravenclaw/Harry Potter) hat and scarf - which meant I was dressed perfectly neutral- for silver and blue are Putnam's colours. 

Myself and H^2 at the end of the game. It truly was  a great day1 We are so happy to be there and to have shared an amazing afternoon at our first professional football game ever!

I was lucky enough (contributed 10 pound I did ) to sit behind the goal (although it was on the Putnam side) during the game. That means I had a perfect view of the whole pitch. 

Now - I have to impress upon you my elation - having played A.Y.S.O. from grade school through senior year of high school - the pure joy and fabulous energy flowing for  myself and the Fullham and Putnam fans. The whole stadium - which was Fullham home pitch (or Fullham Club) was filled to the gills with fans of both teams- some of the more rucous (drunk) fans would stomp feet and chant team slogans and songs. 

The coolest thing about the match... for the fist 46 minutes (one minutes was added to the first half) I got to witness the sheer power and skill of the goalie - decked out in camouflage gear. This was the very same goalie who played for the American 'Team' (as you know (if you follow World Cup - America's team is compiled of athletes from all countries) in last years world cup. Not only did he save goals but he had an extrodinary leg- able to kick the ball in a controlled spin or roll it in with a blast of his arm to the right player. 

Here is Camo-Man - the goalie for Putnam. He made a fantastic save  in the second half when he tipped the ball out of  the goal. He played for the American Team in the World Cup recently.

This is a second half  picture - but I made a  joke to H^2 that he was like a beacon. I nicknamed him  'The Green Beacon' . He made really good saves as well, allowing for  the game to be tied in the first half.

Well Camo-Goalie and Green Beacon are apart of pretty well-matched teams - except that Fullham was ground into the dirt by Putnam. Putnam scored the fastest goal I've ever seen (and I watch plenty of Football in Spanish while muted and during the Cup to know) bringing the score to 1:0 well under the twenty possibly even ten minute mark.  

The action accelerated from there with much screaming and angry exclamations from me when obvious fouls and trips were not called or dealt with. However, even though an additional three minutes was added to the second half Putnam still managed to score two goals within the last minutes of the second half making the game enjoyable and the crowd go crazy with glee (Putnam (and myself for seeing such a great match played by them) and sorrow (for Fullham (and myself for seeing a team lose on their home pitch).

I have to say I was pleased with the match and the atmosphere and the sunny weather. It was the best first football match I could have dreamed of. Yet another first in London that fuels my love for England and Europe. 

Also I highly recommend you get tickets (even if they aren't net seats) for a game when you're in England. Even if you aren't an enthusiast the game itself it a great way to experience culture and get in a fun and amusing day. 

~ H.C.

October 22nd, 2011 - Houses of Parlimanet

Today was a more in depth view of Parliament - which is why I held off explaining about it in earlier posts!  

Here is the entrance hall - which is the only area of the building photography is allowed in. Nelson Mandella stood in this room to address parliament - there is a plaque on the staircase that commemorates his speech. Also - all the kings and queens who have been apart of Parliament since it began have plaques on the floor.

Parliament was formed in England after the Barons wrote several Magna Cartas demanding for the powerful roles of the King to be altered. After the Monarchy was forced into signing the documents the House of Lords was formed informally and consisted of the highest ranking Lords that the King surrounded himself with. The House of Lords did not have a permanent meeting place until Westminster Palace was built - beginning with the Abbey. The first meetings of the House of Lords were impromptu and required those who were members to travel to whichever palace the King was residing in at the time the meeting was called.

Seats in the House of Lords used to be deferred by name. You became a member of the House of Lords by inheriting the seat from your father. Today - there are only about one third (or less) of the seats in the House of Lords are giving by right - the others are elected into their seats. 

It is important to note that  - for a long time - only the King and the Lords decided on taxes, laws, and manifestos. There was no House of  Commons in the earliest days of Parliament. However, after much revolt and - later- organized rallying the House of Commons was started and the power split between the King, The Lords, and The People.

When Parliament was first built The House of Commons did not have a chamber. The Commons did not receive a chamber until they could prove they could be civilized. The House of Commons - for a long time- convened in the Charter House at Westminster Abbey. After the first Parliament building was constructed - the Commons met in a Chapel - which still exists today - at least the below original below round sanctuary does - until the great fire.  It was largly thanks to the fire that the existing Parliament building was constructed. 

The building that stands today is roughly three time the size of the original parliament building. The design is a mixture of Classical and Gothic revival.  Parliament was designed to be symmetrical and the House of Lords and House of Commons are on either side of a long gallery and the Throne of the Monarchy and Leaders Chair in the House of Commons can be seen when looking down the gallery from opposite sides. 

The House of Lords was moved - from its original position - which now functions as the reception room for the House of Lords - because of the Gun Powder Plot. The rooms below the ground floor of Parliament are now sealed off . 

The tour of Parliament is definitely worth it. There is beautiful gilding, decoration, and tapestry throughout the House of Lords as well as more elegant and less flamboyant decoration in the House of Commons. There is also amazing statuary in the ante-chambers of each house - either in full form or bust form - of the Prime Ministers and honorary members of each house.

Outside the House of Commons are two full body statues commemorating Margaret Thatcher - whose statue was comissioned to commemorate her being Britian's first female Prime Minister- and of course Winston Churchill who saw London through World War II and the Blitz.

The tour also takes you through the Queens' private rooms. There are beautiful portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as well as friezes, tapestries, recreations of portraits, and beautiful artistry on the walls and ceilings. 

THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

To symbolize the roles of power in Parliament - the opening ceremony (now taking place every Spring (instead of in November)) occurs. The Queen - along with her affects goes to Parliament and the House of Lords.  Once the assembly is present she sends a messenger down the gallery to the House of Commons.

The Commons leave one door open - but when they see the messenger coming they slam the door in his face. Then - the messenger wraps on the door and a member of the House of Commons opens a hatch. When he sees there is no army he amiably opens the doors. 

This ritual is done to symbolize when Charles I - the only monarch in history to do so - marched down the gallery with a band of soldiers and attempted to arrest a member of the House of Commons for not agreeing to the law he wanted passed.  Preceding him and after no other Monarch has left the seat in the House of Lords  instead sending a messenger . 

BILL TO LAW

1. First Reading: the name of the bill is read in both houses.

2. Second Reading: the bill is read by both houses.

3. Debate: The bill is read in detail and debated - suggestions are made for alteration. 

4. Repeat  1-2.

5.  Vote - if one house says 'No' the bill  recycles and goes through the process again.

Keep in mind that I have put the steps into 5, when really steps 1 and 2 are completed separately by both Houses - meaning that First the House of Commons goes through the process and then the House of Lords.  Once both houses vote the bill in the Queen must sign it into law.

It is definitely worth a visit for those interested in politics, laws, and architecture. 

~ H.C.

October 21st, , 2011: Part II: London on Pass - Royal Airforce Museum

My last stop on the London Pass was a place that reminded me why I am inspired by my Dad - and also why I wanted to be in the Air Force so much. I spent the rest of the afternoon at the Royal Air Force Museum.

I have to admit I was not prepared for the four hangers worth of aircraft that was at the Museum. However, there are definitely impressive pieces of machinery that would be amazing to see in the aiar and in use. 

Of course they have - wall mounted - the most important aircraft in Biritain: The Spitfire. 

Spitfire - aptly named - is responsible for saving England in the Battle of Britain in 1940. In terms of build and hanldling the Spitfire was the best  one pilot aircraft of it's time in terms of speed and maneuverability.

 Also present in the museum is a board explaining the emblems of the planes and models as well as the emblem for who would be flying them.

The emblems are above are for: Royal Flying Corps Roundel (1915-1918)/ Early War Modified  RAF Roundel (1939-1941) & the Royal Australian Air Force Roundel (1942-1945).

Listed are: Royal Naval Air Service Roundel (1914-15)/ Royal Flying Corps Roundel (1916-1918)/  RAF Fusalage Roundel (1942-1947) & Royal Aircraft Establishment Roundel (1945).

Modified Royal Naval Air Service Roundel (1915)/ Royal Flying Corps Roundel (1916-1918) / RAF Under-wing Roundel (1942-1947) & Post Royal Air Force Roundel (1947 - Present). 

I am all about the Bombers!: Night Flying Roundel (1916-1918)/ RAF Upper-wing Roundel (1937-1945 & Royal Air Force V-Bomber Roundel (1955-1964).

(I'm always wanted to be bomber pilot) Night Bomber Roundel (1918-1938)/ South East Asia Command Roundel (1942-1945) & Modern Low Visability Roundel (1990 - Present).

You may be wondering: Why are these symbols important?  I will tell you! Every plane used in ally ship or by the British Royal Air Force and Navy has one of these symbols on them - even the American Bombers. The symbol denotes who flew them and which branch of the Force they were affiliated with. 


As you see above, with the Spitfire, the museum is laid out like a base. The planes are kept in hangars which can be closed off from on another by doors. There are four hangers worth of planes and other aircraft - inducing replicas of The Wright Flyer and Parachute Balloons. Aside from those there are aircraft from all eras and each has an explanation of the innovation it brought to flying and warfare. 

The Wright Flyer. If it weren't for them aviation wouldn't have kicked off.

Hawker Hart is one of the most adaptable bi-planes in existence. It was used mainly in the 1930s and could out maneuver just about any fighter planes. This plane allows the Royal Air Force to operate in countries that were previously closed to them.

The Lancaster Heavy Bomber. This is another  reason I love bombers. Look at that craftsman ship.

Hopefully you can see the back of the plane so you can get some perspective on the size of it.

Along with the jets and combat and rescue aircraft there is a short board-exhibiton on the WAAF - the  Woman's Air Force. Two of the most influential woman are pictured below. The WAAF is one of the reasons I've always wanted to be a pilot of a bomber - and also because they pioneered a change in the way women were viewed. 

Dame Katherine Trefuesis- Forbes was the first female Commandment and Director of the WAAF. She worked in the organization from 1939-1943.

Commanndent Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughn director of the WAFF from September 1918 to December 1919.

Along with information on the WAAF the museum also has a great children's centre that gets kids involved and interested in Aviation. There are also a few simulator rides at the museum - although I was hoping for an actual Flight Simulator but oh well it was still fun.


The museum is worth a visit for Aviators and those interested in war history alike.There's even a hanger showcasing aviation milestones in American aviation. 

The Thunderbolt above was introduced to the RAF in 1944 and had proven itself beforehand in the American Army Air Force. This was milestone because it was a fighter/bomber that could perform well on low altitudes and in long range making good for Hurricane fighting.  It was used against the Japanese Fliers.

This is the Harvard the first American aircraft to be comissioned for use by the RAF. They were used until the 1950s.

So, as you can see, there is just about everything to entertain aviators and their families. It is worth the visit. 


~ H.C.