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POST TOUR WINDSOR: ST. JOHN'S CHURCH

POST TOUR WINDSOR: PARISH CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Not far along the High Street (toward the Great Park)from the Guildhall and Museum is the Parish Church of Windsor, St. John the Baptist. Victoria here, again, wandering the sights while Kristine languished in her sickbed.

I am always curious to get a look at pretty churches so I went in for a visit.  Built in 1822, it followed the old  Gothic Style of architecture. With enlargements, it can seat 1,000 people and is a frequent venue for weddings and other ceremonial events as well as parish functions.

Memorial to Topham Foote, d. 1712,  one of a prominent family in Windsor history

When the ancient church was rebuild in the early 19th century, the memorials were preserved.

This Representation of The Last Supper was painted by Francis de Cleyn (c. 1582-1658), painter to King James I, also well known as a designer of Mortlake Tapestries. Holland House contains many of his works.
The painting was presented to St. George’s Chapel in 1660 by the Bishop of Winchester, later presented to the Parish Church by George III. For more details, click here.

Beautiful stained glass 

Old photo looking toward the Guildhall from in front of the church

a large set of bells

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A LOOK AT VAUXHALL GARDENS

Recently, author Susana Ellis ran a 23 part series about the history of Vauxhall Gardens on her blog, based upon the fabulous coffee table book she aquired, above. Chock full of historical tidbits and images, the series is not to be missed by anyone interested in the Gardens or London history. You’ll find Part One of the series here.

I’m sure we all wish that the Gardens still existed so that we could wander the grounds and buildings and imagine ourselves walking beside the notables who promenaded the lanes whilst listening to the bands and watching the magnificent illuminations. Personally, I would have loved to have been there for the Waterloo Celebrations. These days, it often takes a lot of imagination to be able  to disregard the trappings of modern London in order to envisage the past. On a prior trip to London, I stood upon Hampstead Heath and gazed down upon the City proper, imagining what the place might have looked like in the dark of night, with footpads and highwaymen laying in wait for unlucky travellers foolish enough to cross the Heath on moonless nights. I also walked the grounds of Ranelagh Gardens, now an offshoot of the grounds of the Royal Chelsea Hospital. No Rotunda, alas, nothing left but the images one carries in the mind and the heart.

Fortunately, intrepid seekers of the remnants of Vauxhall Gardens can contact London Trails, a London based company that offers walking tours using routes that follow old maps. Their Vauxhall Gardens tour is on my bucket list.

POST-TOUR: LITERARY WINDSOR

While Kristine slept…Victoria went wandering, finding a Tour of Literary Windsor on my agenda.

Queen Victoria was the first literary figure we discussed. The Queen not only wrote extensively; she was also an accomplished artist in water colors.
On the High Street we found a plaque honoring H. G. Wells who worked here in 1880.
On a wall near the castle, a sign commemorates Mrs. Delaney, an artist, and Fanny Burney, noted novelist and playwright.

Ye Olde King’s Head dates from the time of Henry VIII and was reputedly the home of Shakespeare while he wrote The Merry Wives of Windsor. 

Above and below, home of poet and hymnist S. J. Stone (1836-1900). One of his most famous is “The Church’s One Foundation,” 1866

The tour at the gateway to the park Bachelors Acre which honors 
editor and publisher Charles Knight (1791-1873

Map of the park

A quiet day in Bachelors Acres

Above and below Joseph Chariott’s House; the Victorian philanthropist built many almshouses in Windsor.

Our last stop was Oliphant House, residence of Margaret Oliphant, a 19th century novelist and historian who lived here in Clarence Crescent; she wrote more than 120 books.

It was time now to pack up and depart Windsor, Kristine’s misery not withstanding. We decided to take a taxi to our next stop in Hampstead-  quite a long ride, but efficiently accomplished as we prepared ourselves for more adventures ahead.