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Queen Alexandra - my family #52

...(centre), Christian IX, on the steps of Bernstorff Palace, his summer residence near Copenhagen. With him are two of his grandsons.  The Palace was originally built for the Foreign Minister, Count Johann Hartwig Ernst von Bernstorff and completed in May 1765. However, Bernstorff left Denmark in 1770 after being dismissed by the regent, Johann Friedrich Struensee. It was designed by the French architect Nicolas-Henri Jardin and remained in the Bernstorff family until 1812. In 1842 it was bought by Queen Alexandra's grandfather, Christian VIII and then inherited by her father. It became a popular retreat for the King and his family during his long reign and visi...

Hoar Cross Hall - a bit of history #11

...it into a Christian Community Centre and started a development plan for raising the required monies.  The monks had full use of the Hall and lived in the Lodge and Gatehouse.  Before they received the funding they started their building work, demolishing the kitchens and laundry rooms at one end of the house as this was going to be a swimming pool.  However, the funding never transpired and they were asked to leave in 1969, leaving the house unfinished and the gardens in sad neglect. In 1970 my parents, William and Gwynyth Bickerton-Jones bought the Hall and we settled there for nearly 20 years until it was sold and became the Spa Hotel that you see today....

Hoar Cross Hall - a bit of history #17

...it into a Christian Community Centre and started a development plan for raising the required monies. The monks had full use of the Hall and lived in the Lodge and Gatehouse. Before they received the funding they started their building work, demolishing the kitchens and laundry rooms at one end of the house as this was going to be a swimming pool. However, the funding never transpired and they were asked to leave in 1969, leaving the house unfinished and the gardens in sad neglect. In 1970 my parents, William and Gwynyth Bickerton-Jones bought the Hall and we settled there for nearly 20 years until it was sold and became the Spa Hotel that you see today.   Do...

The War Years and Beyond #36

...it into a Christian Community. Incredibly they were allowed full access to the house while they were fund raising – the total required to purchase, equip and furnish the property was estimated at around £350,000. The plan was that they would accommodate 100 guests plus staff, and be equipped with a gymnasium, swimming pool and facilities for drama, music, films, crafts, conferences and other activities. A bold plan indeed! The monks lived in the Lodge and Gatehouse having full use of the Hall and its surroundings for four years while they appealed for money. They even demolished the kitchens and laundry block at one end of the house in readiness for the swimm...

Ghouls Galore! #85

...ry strong Christian lady but her best friend, who often stayed with her at Hoar Cross Hall, was into spiritual things of a different nature.  In the Victorian days seances were a popular part of spiritualism and the Victorian aristocracy loved to entertain their friends with elaborate parlour-room displays!  Although I doubt Emily indulged in any of this, perhaps her friend did, unbeknown to her.  Maybe she used an Ouija board.  All these things are actually very dangerous, drawing unseen entities into a house and causing untold problems or hauntings.  If you would like to know more, please click on the link here  Whatever the reason for all these spooky...

The War years and beyond

...it into a Christian Community.  Incredibly they were allowed full access to the house while they were fund raising – the total required to purchase, equip and furnish the property was estimated at around £350,000.  The plan was that they would accommodate 100 guests plus staff, and be equipped with a gymnasium, swimming pool and facilities for drama, music, films, crafts, conferences and other activities.  A bold plan indeed!  The monks lived in the Lodge and Gatehouse having full use of the Hall and its surroundings for four years while they appealed for money.  They even demolished the kitchens and laundry block at one end of the house in readiness for...