Monday, April 10, 2006

History Repeats

No weekend of mine would be complete without some sort of description of some type of meal I had, and this weekend would be no different. I will however spare you the details this time to just say this: Saturday lunch at Gordan Ramsey's at Claridge's (one michelin star).
The seventh sunday before my departure was again a day of historic houses. The first in the leafy, hilly suburb of Hampstead. Fenton House, built in the 1600's, was a home for wealthy people. It was a little bland. But I did feel a little "Pride and Prejudice". The best way to describe it is to liken it to the volunteers at the house that day, little old ladies who were not without charm.

Fenton House, Hampstead - front and back
Carlyle's house was a different story altogether. The numerous personal effects that still remained in the house allowed insight into the lives of the Thomas and Jane Carlyle. This lead me to discover that their marriage was one of 19th century's famous literary unions; he was revered as a literary giant by his peers and followers, and she was socially and intectually established in society (some even believed her letters to be superior to that of her husband's.) Fascinating couple they were. I am intrigued to learn more.

Carlyle's House, Chelsea

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

You should go and visit Jack the Ripper's house. I heard it is very creepy. There is a fantastic restaurant called "Le Dechireur" so you can also satisfy your craving for food. Are you pregnant by the way? Is that the cause of your recent food fetish????