Big Houses, Churchill War Rooms, Connecting with Friends through History

Before leaving Leeds, I took a bus trip outside to the country to look at one of the country estates, complete with an upstairs, downstairs story and tended gardens.  Like many families, the current Queen Elizabeth's aunt (Princess) Alice's family had to open up their estate after the War (II) when England started levying heavy taxes.  While I was there, thousands of town folk were out for an antique car show on the grounds, while others walked through the servants quarters downstairs and the magnificent first floor rooms; the current family still lives on the upper floor.  Here are a couple photos.

the house

the vew our back

downstair servants area

 

Back in London, I was drawn to the Churchill War Rooms, some intact from when they were abandoned after the war, some refurbished from photos.  Didn't realize the BBC had its own small room for broadcasting down there during WWII.  Also enjoyed a recording of a conversation between Churchill and FDR about the surrender terms (neither wanted to allow serial surrendering).  A couple photos.

 

where the brass operated

 

the secretarial pool

 

the Philippine campaign map

 

Conferences also are time to see old friends, and touch bases with history.

 

Kim Neuendorf, Carolyn Lin and Dave Atkin near Buckingham Palace on a long trek...

Anup Kumar in front of the second oldest licensed Pub in London, after viewing the spoils of imperial power in the British National Museum.

 

 

Finally, just a couple shots of London today,

 

the classic British phone booth and a bobby on stilts.

 

banners celebrating the 60th year of Queen Elizabeth's rein

underground and familiar sight on the river near Parliament

 

a "few" Arabic papers on the street in the neighborhood where the conference was held...

 

 





tradition continues near Buckingham Palace

view of old London "suburbs" from train on way to Gatwick Airport.