A Camel's Sad Tale

Camel Conveying a Bride to Her Husband by Captain Lyon

From Sophy Bagot’s Journal, published in Links with the Past (1901)

1829.—Captain (George Francis) Lyon, on his return from his African travels, obtained a white dromedary of extraordinary beauty, and from its colour, which is very uncommon, it was very valuable. He was also very spirited, but Captain Lyon treated him kindly and judiciously, and frequently he said he was indebted for his life to that animal’s speed and exertions; and his great wish was to present it to the King on his arrival in England. This was done, and the dromedary, in the finest possible order, was placed in the Royal Mews, exact orders having been also transmitted as to how it ought to be treated. Some time afterwards, Captain Lyon went with a party to see his old friend, and was told by the keeper it had become very fierce. Captain L went up to the noble animal, who was holding its head very high, as they do when displeased, but he instantly recognised his master, and without the slightest opposition suffered him to mount. Captain Lyon soon discovered his favourite was nearly starved, and remonstrated strongly and it may be supposed angrily. The next morning he received a note requesting him to remove the dromedary, as his Majesty could not afford to keep it. This order was promptly obeyed, and not without indignation, and the poor animal under kind treatment soon regained its flesh and its temper. The fame of his beauty spread, and the Master of Exeter Change, having seen and greatly admired it, said to Captain Lyon, ” You are going abroad, and cannot want this creature, and I will gladly give you 500 pounds for it.” ” No,” said Lyon, ” the King cannot afford to keep it; of course, no one else can.” After putting his arms round the dromedary’s neck and kissing it, he shot it to the heart. It may now be seen stuffed in the British Museum.

You can read more about the interesting life and travels of Captain Lyon here.

Christmas Shopping in England – Part One

Once again, Christmas is right around the corner and it’s time we Anglophiles made a crack at checking those names off our lists. After all, Harrod’s and Selfridge’s have had their Christmas Departments up and running since August (!?). While some of us can’t actually do our Xmas shopping in England, we’ve rounded up some fabulous items found on websites across Britain that would be perfect for gift giving – or keeping – and we’re bringing them to you early enough to take shipping times into consideration.

These lovely pillows from the Jan Constantine Collection can be found at Sugar and Spice Furnishings. Do be sure to browse for more English themed pillows on their site, as well as  for charming cottage-type decorative items.  
Or go directly to the Jan Constantine website for even more London themed gifts

Everyone needs a solar powered waving QEII figurine, available from Findgift.com, who also purveys Xmas ornaments and a wide range of other British themed goods.
At Thebritishshoppe.com you’ll find everything for the tea drinker on your list, including authentic Brown Betty teapots, sugar tongs and strainers.
Don’t forget the digestives!
The distinctly British motto on this apron from Decorative Things can be applied to tasks in the kitchen, as well as to life in general – Keep Calm and Carry On.

Or be very naughty and order yourself a tee that’s fit for a queen from Cafe Press
As every girl knows, the perfect handbag is a must, at Christmas or any time. Drop by Harrod’s and snap up this padded Union Jack Lips clutch by LuLu Guinness at a price just shy of four hundred pounds.  While you’re there, pick up this tin filled with biscuits in the shapes of iconic London landmarks.

If you want to make a larger splash, opt for the Mayfair Hamper below from Fortnum and Mason

At a cost of close to $500, you or your gift recipient will receive, among other things: Champagne Truffles, PicKadilly Blend Coffee, Gigantissimi Florentines,  Regent’s Blend Tea, Vintage Champagne, Claret Jelly, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, a bottle of St Emilion, a bottle of Sancerre Blanc, Goose Foie Gras en Gelée, 200g Valencay and Green’s Cheddar, all of which is of course presented in a traditional wicker basket.

At The Royal Collection Online Giftshop you can shop for items inspired by the Royals or by the various Palaces. There’s china inspired by the Great Exhbition . . . .
Grape scissors . . . . .

and books, videos and exhibition catalogues galore.
Booklovers on your list will be a snap to shop for with these suggestions, all available from the Signals catalogue.
For the Jane Austen lover . . .
The Jane Austen Collection Audios
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen’s novels are delicious read aloud. Sit back and listen to five great novels and a short story read by some of England’s top actresses: Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), Belinda Lang (Inspector Alleyn), Anna Massey, and Harriet Walter. Set includes Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and “The Watsons.” Abridged. 15 hours on 12 CDs in a compact box.
 
 
T-shirt or sweatshirt for the avid booklover
 
 
 
 
and one for the author in your life 
 
 

and finally, the absolutely perfect gift for everyone at Number One London –

 
Need even  more inspiration? Look for Part Two of our gift guide coming soon!

The Return of Napoleon

Al Pacino is set to hit the big screen as everyone’s favorite despot, Napoleon Bonaparte. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pacino has been eager to play the infamous French emperor for years, and is now getting his chance by signing on to play Bonaparte in “Betsy and the Emperor,” a film based on a children’s book of the same name written by Staton Rabin.

Directed by John Curran (“The Painted Veil”) from a screenplay by Brian Edgar, the independent film will be based on the true story of Lucia Elizabeth Balcombe, whose father was Napoleon’s jailer during his exile on St. Helena. The two struck up a friendship and (as yet unproven) rumors flew that the exiled Emperor was romancing the teenager. The film may alternately be titled “The Monster of Longwood.”

And it may ultimately have some competition, but that now seems doubtful. There’s another film about Napoleon and Betsy in the works. Last April, “Harry Potter” actress Emma Watson had reportedly signed to play the lead in “Napoleon and Betsy,” a version of the story written and directed by Benjamin Ross. That film languishes in pre-production while the two production companies fight their own Waterloo over rights to the story. For now, Pacino’s version is scheduled to begin shooting this fall.

Happy 62nd Birthday, Prince Charles

On this day a few years back Prince Charles became the oldest of all Princes of Wales since the title was attributed. In January 2008 Charles became the world’s longest serving heir apparent, passing the record of 59 years and 73 days previously held by King Edward VII, when he succeeded his mother Queen Victoria and ruled for just nine years.

In 2008, a former aide told The Sunday Times, “Charles realised long ago that he would spend most of his life as heir, not as king. His is a family marked by longevity and his mother is in good health. He has made the most of it. He has enjoyed more freedom (than if he had been king) and achieved a tremendous amount in terms of charity and public life.”

You can watch a CBS retrospective of the Prince and his wait for the throne that was broadcast on this day two years ago here.