tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post1304366977584312538..comments2024-03-29T08:29:20.833+00:00Comments on Positive Letters ... inspirational stories ...: The King’s Observatory, Old Deer Park, Richmond …Hilary Melton-Butcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-85685129784317542382020-06-05T08:40:00.305+01:002020-06-05T08:40:00.305+01:00Hi Diedre - it was a really interesting visit ... ...Hi Diedre - it was a really interesting visit ... so I'm delighted you were enthralled! Thank you ... Hilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-89209527582467185642020-06-04T19:08:25.232+01:002020-06-04T19:08:25.232+01:00I can't believe I missed this awesome post, Hi...I can't believe I missed this awesome post, Hilary! I was enthralled! What an unforgettable outing this must have been.diedre Knighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12772557495518846226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-40930284150699899252020-05-30T08:06:57.044+01:002020-05-30T08:06:57.044+01:00Thanks Sue - deleted and others elsewhere.
I didn...Thanks Sue - deleted and others elsewhere.<br /><br />I didn't add Cook in ... as I was writing about the Observatory. However Cook was an amazing seafarer ... I mentioned him in my reply to Annalisa. But you're right life on earth would have been so different if we humans had not evolved to explore and invent so many things ... <br /><br />Cook's three voyages really opened up the world - Australia and the Americas ... a great deal to put into one post - and for which I don't have sufficient knowledge or ability. <br /><br />Thanks for the visit - take care and stay safe - Hilary<br /><br />Hilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-51711465004740034602020-05-30T02:28:31.717+01:002020-05-30T02:28:31.717+01:00Hi Hilary! Looks like you have a spam comment here...Hi Hilary! Looks like you have a spam comment here. <br /><br />The transit of Venus is very important in Australian history, as Captain Cook was sailing on his voyage to Tahiti for that, and ended up on Australia’s east coast. It might have been better for the indigenous Australians if he hadn’t, or it might have been better/worse for others, but our history would certainly have been different! Sue Bursztynskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09362273418897882971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-84155812541751011212020-05-29T18:48:33.324+01:002020-05-29T18:48:33.324+01:00@ Deniz - it'd be a great place to take the ki...@ Deniz - it'd be a great place to take the kids once older - not sure they allow littlies ... but if you can get there to visit - so well worth while.<br /><br />@ Jo - I'll keep an eye open for that Houghton episode ... especially once I get to write up about it ... but thank you for letting me know (reminding me) about the series.<br /><br />@ Sherry - so pleased you enjoyed the photos ... the visit was very special.<br /><br />@ Sandra - good to see you again ... and yes it's brilliant it's being restored so faithfully ... <br /><br />Take care all of you - and stay safe - HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-91022126708623040102020-05-29T15:57:39.469+01:002020-05-29T15:57:39.469+01:00Good on the present owner for restoring and renova...Good on the present owner for restoring and renovating.Sandra Coxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03814573408898140885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-69781133388796858152020-05-29T13:41:15.711+01:002020-05-29T13:41:15.711+01:00What an interesting place to visit! I'm glad y...What an interesting place to visit! I'm glad you were able to see it and share the photos with us.Sherry Ellishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07844837212122243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-24230788992550338582020-05-29T12:46:50.524+01:002020-05-29T12:46:50.524+01:00They mentioned the sale of the paintings to Cather...They mentioned the sale of the paintings to Catherine the Great. One wife even sold the steps at the front and back of the house to raise money. Somebody since, can't remember who, re-installed the front steps at least. Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14087140585742801854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-7795562051308658432020-05-29T08:13:01.212+01:002020-05-29T08:13:01.212+01:00Thank you for taking us along on a virtual visit! ...Thank you for taking us along on a virtual visit! I'd love to visit the observatory and look through that telescope someday...Deniz Bevanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134553551048836979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-49947628486817931052020-05-29T08:06:30.082+01:002020-05-29T08:06:30.082+01:00@ Elsie – it was so interesting and just put a few...@ Elsie – it was so interesting and just put a few more things into perspective for me historically wise – as well as reminding me how much was going that would influence our future lives. I’m sure you’d have enjoyed a visit!<br /><br />@ Diane – yes, a great deal of attention to detail … I think accuracy and exceptional work were the important things – thus the best and its cost was accepted.<br /><br />@ Ros – it will open up again I’m sure … when of course is difficult to discern – I suspect perhaps 2021. I hope and expect it’s barred and barriered down now for safety.<br /><br />@ Inger – thank you … I can glean the information from the notes on the place … and then add a few twists of my own to the notes – actually these were exceedingly thorough and detailed. <br /><br />I do hope you can find your letters home about your Greenwich and Kew visits – they’ll be great reminders. I wrote (2014) about St Alfege Church in Greenwich … very early history, and then the 9 parts of a tour (2017) down the Thames to Greenwich and back to Westminster.<br /><br />@ Debby – yes now I’ve discovered the interest of history … there is lots to see in little old England! Delighted you enjoyed the post with its ancient culture … <br /><br />@ Jo – no problem … there’s a lot here. The buildings got destroyed as part of Dissolution of the Monasteries (1539) – per Henry VIII.<br /><br />I’ve seen one or two of those programmes … but didn’t see the Houghton one – I must look to see if I can find it … as a few years ago I visited it to see the art works that Catherine the Great of Russia bought (in the late 1700s) to pay off some of Walpole’s debt … the arrangement was made by Walpole’s grandson. <br /><br />It’s an impressive building – but just a great pity that the art was sold off – it’s now in The Hermitage, St Petersburg – a great deal of that art was on show … being loaned by The Hermitage – so was a wonderful place to visit.<br /><br />Thanks so much for your comments and you’ve added to my knowledge … stay safe all of you … all the best - Hilary<br />Hilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-69962261943074150182020-05-29T04:53:30.131+01:002020-05-29T04:53:30.131+01:00I read this a couple of days ago Hilary but just d...I read this a couple of days ago Hilary but just didn't get round to commenting, sorry. As usual a fascinating and informative post. Pity some of the buildings got pulled down. There is a very good programme on TV here, which you may have seen, where a realtor is visiting Stately homes and commenting on how they were built and how much they would have spent in modern day figures. Last week it was Walpole's house, Houghton, seems to be considerable speculation as to how a Prime Minister could have afforded the house in the first place along with top class architects, decorators and landscape gardeners. The actual bills that house were destroyed by Walpole who didn't want anyone to know how much it cost. Sounds like he was a bit of a crook!! Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14087140585742801854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-54139059608598951562020-05-29T02:33:32.057+01:002020-05-29T02:33:32.057+01:00Wow, what a magnificent tour back in time of the B...Wow, what a magnificent tour back in time of the British Monarchy - which always fascinates me. So nice to be able to live somewhere you can visit ancient culture. Hugs <3D.G. Kayehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04292901895982357952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-45284262885856373852020-05-28T22:17:24.684+01:002020-05-28T22:17:24.684+01:00You write about interesting places so well. I have...You write about interesting places so well. I have been to Kew and to Greenwich -- I must find another one of my letters home to refresh my memory. So very long ago.<br /><br />Hope you are well and coping with all that's going on over there. Ingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02924736131382149056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-77361417676694882892020-05-28T16:24:18.163+01:002020-05-28T16:24:18.163+01:00An interesting place to visit and somewhere I'...An interesting place to visit and somewhere I'd like to go to if things ever open up again. I see you went last year. I guess it's all shut down, barriered and barred now. Take care xRosalind Adamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05363027308436257933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-88599499268965013962020-05-28T13:21:51.618+01:002020-05-28T13:21:51.618+01:00That is wonderful they were able to restore it. So...That is wonderful they were able to restore it. So much attention to detail - can only imagine how much it cost.L. Diane Wolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-47893352981554689522020-05-28T12:12:06.927+01:002020-05-28T12:12:06.927+01:00You're not kidding! It was an amazing outing! ...You're not kidding! It was an amazing outing! Imagine having that observatory? Just beyond fascinating! I wouldn't mind having one myself :)<br /><br /><a href="https://elsieamata.com/blogposts/" rel="nofollow">Elsie </a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-35024693035799212642020-05-28T09:29:17.620+01:002020-05-28T09:29:17.620+01:00@ Annalisa – it was a major time for developing sc...@ Annalisa – it was a major time for developing science and understanding of our world. Scientists from the exploring nations were instructed and commissioned to study the new phenomena (eg James Cook – the explorer, navigator, cartographer, and captain in the Royal Navy) … also back then scientists tended to be natural philosophers, or polymaths or both with an additional interest in a specialist subject – but not as we would know them today … specialists.<br /><br />The philanthropic owners, I think, wanted to open the public’s eye to what was possible and achieved … they did that for me.<br /><br />@ Mason – it was a wonderful afternoon and the owners are justifiably proud of what they’ve achieved with the ongoing restoration … the observatory cupola has had some temporary renovation to it … and perhaps may be enhanced.<br /><br />@ Diane – the building has really been enhanced – and being a Grade 1 Listed Building it’s been restored brilliantly – with thought and consideration to its history and the history of the grounds. Let alone the connection between Canton and today. I was exceedingly pleased I went … <br /><br />@ Pradeep – it is even better inside! I just learnt so much … and am still learning about that era. I must try and learn more about Chinese art … I know so little about that part of the world.<br /><br />@ Susan – yes I was very lucky … and learnt so much from the very interested owner. Then the notes on the website really helped following its history through … while we can look at other things – some extra notes coming out in the replies to the comments … <br /><br />@ Donna – many thanks … I’ve been fascinated writing it up and also learning more from the comments … just opening my eyes to so much: amazing how history can start to fall into place a little bit more … <br /><br />@ Anabel – I’ve learnt such a lot from going out to Richmond and spending time there … and it will be open again at some stage – I look forward to another visit.<br /><br />@ Jo-Anne – it was fascinating … <br /><br />@ Rhonda – yes there’s a lot more to the restoration than I’ve been able to detail here … but yes there’s been no expense spared … then there’s the knowledge about the Canton art experience … and like you – I’d love to know more … <br /><br />@ Shannon – the philanthropic approach here is just wonderful and must be quite a long-term project. It was a delightful experience – which I’ll remember … <br /><br />@ Keith – oh yes … and now you’ve another place to visit – Richmond is a wonderful town too … good place for a day out.<br /><br />Thanks so much for your interest … and you’ve sent me off in other directions – my brain easily jumps towards new hoops! Delighted this engaged you … stay safe - Hilary<br />Hilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-31889754612933412020-05-28T08:34:06.086+01:002020-05-28T08:34:06.086+01:00What a chequered history it has. Whilst I'd he...What a chequered history it has. Whilst I'd heard of it I knew nothing about it. Somewhere else for me to visit!Keith's Ramblingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13564578491652021492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-42777893795530329052020-05-28T07:36:00.162+01:002020-05-28T07:36:00.162+01:00How incredibly cool that, despite the private owne...How incredibly cool that, despite the private ownership, they share the home and the history with everyone. Sounds like a delightful experience.Shannon Lawrencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-54310351075522595772020-05-28T06:00:54.596+01:002020-05-28T06:00:54.596+01:00Your tour of the restored observatory sounds remar...Your tour of the restored observatory sounds remarkable. The amount of time and money to refurbish to original (or better than original?) sounds extraordinary. It's hard to imagine the time investment in the wallpaper alone.Rhonda Albomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17455873487349816911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-11453304187543136462020-05-27T23:52:52.955+01:002020-05-27T23:52:52.955+01:00Wow what a post so interesting, I really liked thi...Wow what a post so interesting, I really liked this postJo-Anne's Ramblingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11418152399382818709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-45022770854522873232020-05-27T23:30:15.499+01:002020-05-27T23:30:15.499+01:00What a fabulous experience. Sounds a wonderful pla...What a fabulous experience. Sounds a wonderful place to visit and I hope it becomes possible again some day.Anabel Marshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15643196773717977697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-20750644554882401082020-05-27T22:06:06.817+01:002020-05-27T22:06:06.817+01:00I'd go just for that library!!!I'd go just for that library!!!Jzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00301793291285112859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-22166378954522595612020-05-27T22:03:08.502+01:002020-05-27T22:03:08.502+01:00Fascinating stuff, Hilary!
I continue to learn a g...Fascinating stuff, Hilary!<br />I continue to learn a great deal from your blog!retirementreflectionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03256842249783275416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-70378063792984741472020-05-27T18:27:15.330+01:002020-05-27T18:27:15.330+01:00What a marvelous trip and tour! Being able to coll...What a marvelous trip and tour! Being able to collate past history all the way to current is a terrific gift to our generation! What came before to now? Wow.<br /><br />You were so lucky!Susan Kanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094675218254410noreply@blogger.com