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| Burlington House |
This weekend I hopped along to Burlington House, a lovely old Georgian building in Piccadilly. The Geological Society is housed in the former stable block in front of the old house, and the Society were one of the many organisations that participated in the
London's Open City event 2010.
Let's be honest, I was particularly interested in seeing their Libraries and Map rooms.
Well, any room full of books is a sure fire way to get my attention. The Society has two libraries, one that houses an impressive 300,000 texts.
I had to see for myself. As the tour guide read from her note sheet, I stepped quietly past the pre-historic aged dinosaur jaws in the lobby, tiptoed by the portraits of stern faced men and stood in front of the two old maps hanging on the wall in the adjacent landing.
There's something nostalgic about visiting historic buildings. You always imagine the people who've walked in the halls before you, how they lived, what their names were. Looking out of the windows, I wonder who else may have shared this vista 200 years earlier.
Did someone run his or her fingers alongside the same wall too? I let my thoughts run wild. The horses and carriages are long gone but if you listen carefully, you may just hear hooves in the stone courtyard outside the grand building.
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| A library that houses over 300,000 books |
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These take me back to
school days *sigh* |
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| Mr Pursed lips |
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The society inspect the
infamous Piltdown skull
1931 |
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| Maps galore |
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Jnr Scribe causes a disturbance
on the staircase |
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| Perfect Nook for Writing |
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| Mr Cool circa 1700 |
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| Gates to the House |
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| The Old Stable Block |
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| Burlington House About 1700 |
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| Is that a smirk I see? |
How about you? How was your weekend?
A/N: Photo credits courtesy of Yours truly. I hope you enjoy a few of the pics snapped on Saturday, the event is run once a year and I did enjoy the tour! I learnt a little bit more about one of London's old society's. Very interesting to note that the members were allegedly known as early republicans and refused the title of 'Royal' in front of their name. Quite scandalous I thought.
Comments
I enjoyed each photo and your walk through time. I wondered how many people view history and old building the way you do. I certainly do. It's as if you mesmerize yourself into another time frame and "you are there." It's a wonderful way to travel. :)
A joyful new week.
Manzanita
Have a lovely week!
There aren't as many in Florida as in New England, never mind Olde England, but I've seen a few here.
Tomorrow I'm blogging about the nice Star award you gave me:) I only blog once a week.
I've always thought The Foundlings Museum particularly interesting, and, of course a picnic on the Embankment!
Pleased that you had a wonderful week-end!
The library catalog looks just like the one in our old public library. I always liked the mellow sounds caused by taking out the drawers, and replacing them. The worn wood had its own charm that I do not see in plastic computers; however, I do appreciate the swiftness of the technology.
Wonder if they have a gift shop where copies of old maps and prints can be purchased.
I've heard great things about both Florida and New England. ;) One day I'll get there.
Will pop over to your blog tomorrow for sure. x
Thank you, I'm popping the Foundlings Museum on my list of places to visit. We've had a picnic on the South bank side of the river and just soaked up the activity on the river. I can people watch for hours. ;)
Love the pics!
Hi Shannon - thank you and lovely to meet you!
Hi Kittie - ooh I'm curious! Popping over to yours now! ;)
Jeanne :)
Welcome! ;) And thank you so much for following. Looking forward to reading your posts too.
;)