London-msg - 4/9/05
Medieval points of interest in and around London.
NOTE: See also the files: England-msg, Scotland-msg, Ireland-msg, Paris-msg.
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Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
From: virginia.l.beatty at daytonoh.ncr.com (Virginia Beatty)
Subject: RE:going to london
Keywords: london, shopping, costumes, sca
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 1993 16:52:49 GMT
You lucky person you! By all means, visit the Museums! Especially the British
Museum, which has an _extensive_ textile display (get permission to
photograph), costume exhibit, and some real spiff tapestries. I spend about
90 pounds just in the bookstore.
My laurel and I were in England for two weeks in May. We shopped well!
Buy books, if you can. Another idea is to buy postcards of the paintings and
tapestries. That way, you have a scrapbook of ideas for costumes, armor and
accessories.
Have fun!
Gwyneth Banfhidhleir, OH/KY MoA, Midrealm
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Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
From: afk at tdat.ElSegundoCA.NCR.COM (Art Kaufmann)
Subject: Re:going to london
Date: Mon, 6 Dec 93 13:56:23 PST
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
From: afk at ElSegundoCA.NCR.COM (Art Kaufmann)
Organization: NCR/Teradata
In article 000BE1B9 at daytonoh.ncr.com, virginia.l.beatty at daytonoh.ncr.com (Virginia Beatty) writes:
>You lucky person you! By all means, visit the Museums! Especially the British
>Museum, which has an _extensive_ textile display (get permission to
>photograph), costume exhibit, and some real spiff tapestries. I spend about
>90 pounds just in the bookstore.
>
>My laurel and I were in England for two weeks in May. We shopped well!
>
>Buy books, if you can. Another idea is to buy postcards of the paintings and
>tapestries. That way, you have a scrapbook of ideas for costumes, armor and
>accessories.
>Have fun!
>Gwyneth Banfhidhleir, OH/KY MoA, Midrealm
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>| Virginia Beatty Corporate Customer Services, NCR SDC-2 Dayton |
>| NCR: 622-4832 <virginia.l.beatty at DaytonOH.NCR.COM> |
>| (513) 445-4832 <ncrcom!whq-top!vlb> |
>| FAX: 445-xxxx |
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
Further suggestions:
Go to Oxford and visit Blackwells, possibly the best bookstore in the
country. The last time I was there, someone came back with 90 lbs (as in
weight, are you listening Goldwyn?) of books, mainly from there. Oxford is
a day trip by train from London.
Also: The National Portrait Gallery in London as well as the outpost in
Montacute House. The NPG will do photographic reprints of most of the
paintings, even if they aren't on postcards, but this isn't cheap; my wife
got a reprint of the portrait of Robert Walker and it cost about $60US.
---
Colin Graham | Art Kaufmann
Caid | afk at ElSegundoCA.NCR.COM
From: DDF2 at cornell.edu (David Friedman)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: RE:going to london
Date: 7 Dec 1993 04:33:22 GMT
Organization: Cornell Law School
1. The British Museum has most of the world's best Anglo-Saxon jewelry,
which is to say the world's best jewelry. They are good, kind, civilized
people who let you take pictures.
2. The Victoria and Albert Museum does not permit cameras in their jewelry
room. If you have nothing else to do you might stop by to look at armor and
other odds and ends--but they don't have much in the way of Anglo-Saxon
jewelry. There are some pretty spiffy Mughal archer's rings though--first
floor, go in a bit and turn left.
3. The Wallace Collection has a lot of armor, and sells a catalog with
sizes and weights of weapons in it.
4. The Museum of London has lots of "daily living" (as opposed to "royal
stuff") things in it. It also has the Cheapside Hoard, which is one
impressive collection of late sixteenth century jewelry, for them as like
late sixteenth century jewelry. It includes what I think is the only period
opal I have seen. Also the Museum of London has produced some wonderful
books and you can buy them there.
5. London antique markets are fun. Portobello Road is the big, well known,
all day long one. There are several others, early morning of particular
days--you will have to look in a guide book to find when and where they
currently are. The early morning ones are likely to be less expensive, and
possibly more interesting.
6. If you can't find something, stand on a streetcorner with a map open.
Someone will help. (My wife's suggestion).
7. Somewhere outside of London is the Open Air Museum--a bunch of old
buildings taken apart when they were in the way of a highway or something
and reassembled on one site. I forget where.
8. There is a restaurant that serves very good English food, but it is in
York. It is called The Pines. In London you can get good Indian, Chinese,
Italian, ... .
9. All the above is from visits a good many years ago, so may be
misremembered, obsolete, etc.
--
David/Cariadoc
DDF2 at Cornell.Edu
From: ctallan at epas.utoronto.ca (Cheryl Tallan)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: going to london
Date: 7 Dec 1993 12:40:39 -0500
Organization: EPAS Computing Facility, University of Toronto
When going to London beware of stepping into the British Library (it
used to be attached to the British Museum but was preparing to move to
its own location when last I was there. I don't know if the move has
been completed yet). You will only be able to leave with great difficulty.
Of all of the Great Libraries I have visited it is by far the best
with regards to collection of manuscripts and accessibility to view.
There they were: Lindisfarne Gospels (unique), Beowulf manuscript
(unique), Sir Gawain and the Green Knight manuscript (unique) and so
on and so on and so on (the list would take pages all displayed in the
public viewing room. Bravo!
Compare this, for example, to the New York Public Library where when I
went to ask what sort of documentation I would need to provide (letter
from professor, etc.) to get a chance to view one of their manuscripts
I was basically told not to even bother trying (admittedly it was a
VERY PRETTY manuscript, but then again, so is the Lindisfarne Gospels).
When I was in London I visited the British Library every day.
Practically worth the airfare for that alone.
David Tallan (NOT Cheryl, I just post from her account)
sometimes known as Thomas Grozier
my account: tallan at flis.utoronto
From: jliedl at nickel.laurentian.ca
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: going to London
Date: 7 Dec 93 13:30:26 -0500
Organization: Laurentian University
Good day, good gentles of the Rialto, from Ancarett Nankivellis.
Many kind folk have posted worthwhile suggestions on going
to London--things to do, see and explore. I would add a
few further helpful hints and ideas.
First--see if you can get into the newsgroup soc.culture.british--
there's almost always a thread going on about travel to London
and environs.
Second--if you want to travel much in London, bring some
recent passport style photos and get a travelcard--they're
sold for one or two week periods, monthly, etc. That way
you can stay out in the boonies of Hampstead Heath or
wherever (cheap) and still get into town. Travelcards
are available at any tube station (avoid rush hour, though--
they'll take a while to fill in the forms).
Three--the British Library is still in the British Museum and
so are all its lovely display mss. But don't get it wrong--
you only get to see what is on display (which is a lot of
cool stuff, admittedly) but only certified readers (with
letters of reference and the aforementioned passport photos)
get access to those not on display. (Evil grin!)
I've spent several summers bumming around London, its libraries
and museums--I'll answer any queries I can from that perspective.
Ancarett Nankivellis (who's only been to London once)
Janice Liedl (who lives for the BL and the PRO)
Laurentian University, Canada
JLIEDL at NICKEL.LAURENTIAN.CA
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
From: tbarnes at silver.ucs.indiana.edu (thomas wrentmore barnes)
Subject: Re: going to london
Organization: Indiana University
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1993 22:48:34 GMT
In article <DDF2-061293232210 at cu-dialup-0113.cit.cornell.edu> DDF2 at cornell.edu (David Friedman) writes:
>1. The British Museum has most of the world's best Anglo-Saxon jewelry,
>which is to say the world's best jewelry. They are good, kind, civilized
>people who let you take pictures.
>
They also have scads of other good stuff. Spend at least 2 days there.
>2. The Victoria and Albert Museum does not permit cameras in their jewelry
>room. If you have nothing else to do you might stop by to look at armor and
>other odds and ends--but they don't have much in the way of Anglo-Saxon
>jewelry. There are some pretty spiffy Mughal archer's rings though--first
>floor, go in a bit and turn left.
On the upper floors of the V&A there is a tremendous collection
of period textiles displayed in a manner that allows you to get close
and LOOK at them. They have everything from Coptic to 18th c. brocades.
Very nice, but use ASA 1000 film to get them. I didn't. *Sob* :'(.
>4. The Museum of London has lots of "daily living" (as opposed to "royal
>stuff") things in it. It also has the Cheapside Hoard, which is one
>impressive collection of late sixteenth century jewelry, for them as like
>late sixteenth century jewelry. It includes what I think is the only period
>opal I have seen. Also the Museum of London has produced some wonderful
>books and you can buy them there.
>
Yes. Museum of London is very good. It is also a cheapish source
for the Museum of London archeology books.
For food, don't eat English food, eat ethnic. One of the best
things the Raj ever did was to introduce curry to England. Try the beer
though. Very nice.
Lessee. Tower museum is good for armor. Skip the jewels, check
otu the heraldry museum (O.K. I'm biased). Expensive though. If you have
to see just one armor collection, go to the Wallace collection. Less
crowded, cheaper admission.
Check out Westminster Abbey (lots of good effigies, medieval
stuff) and the Temple Church (good
effigies, including William Marshall's). Skip St. Pauls. Crowded and
OOP.
Lothar \|/
0
From: kreed at blackplague.gmu.edu (Kenneth Reed)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: going to london
Date: 8 Dec 1993 06:49:24 GMT
Organization: The Gnomes of Zurich (shhh!)
London as of earlier this year, keeping in mind your original query was about costuming.
British Museum: Much of the medieval and renaissance collection is closed for renovation, but this is still a lot to see.
Victoria and Albert: Must see. Metals collection closed for renovation in May and I have heard that the weapons and textiles closed this summer. The tapestry room may still be open, and the costume collection probably is. If you have time try the Royal Art library at the V&A. Easier access than the British Libraryand they will let you take pictures from the books (natrual light but they have copy stands)
Wallace: A fine collection, and the arms and armor is a very small part of it. They also have several lectures each week, on all topics and free to the public.
Hampton Court Palace, Tate Collection, National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery: Paintings, paintings and paintings.
Soane Museum: An odd but wonderful little place on Lincoln's Inn Field.
Kennsington Plalce: The Royal costume collection. I have not seen it yet so I can't make a specific recomendation.
Books:
Zwemmers and Foyles, both on Charring Cross. Allow a lot of time to wander this area. There are also fabric and trim shops near here in Soho (try to contact the local SCA for recommendations)
You should still be able to get the Museum of London books from the Museum or at HMSO on the High Holborn. If you see them, BUY THEM. The Museum and the HMSO appear to be in a dispute and the publishing contract is ended. If they don't make up or find a new publisher, there will be no more books out of the Museum of London.
Strong recommendation: Take a day trip to the Costume Museum at Bath. I have not been there since they renovated and reopened, but I understand that they are still the best in Britian. May be later period than you are looking for, but worth the trip. Also the best place to get costume books.
Personal favorite: Go to the London Bridge Tube station. Go down High Street to the "George Inn" (c.1660) for lunch (eat downstairs, prices are better.) Go back up High street to Southwark Cathedral. Afterwards head west along bankside, down clink street on to where the Globe theater is being rebuilt. Continue down Bankside to Blackfriars bridge. Walk over the bridge and stop in Blackfriars pub for an afternoon drink. Part of Bankside is run down but no need to worry.
Remember to stop at Pasttimes, across the street and down from Harrods on Brompton Road.
Enjoy.
Niall McKennett
AFPOPA
From: vader at meryl.csd.uu.se (]ke Eldberg)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: RE:going to london
Date: 8 Dec 93 14:07:41
Organization: Indiana Jones University
William here. David wrote:
>8. There is a restaurant that serves very good English food, but it is in
>York. It is called The Pines. In London you can get good Indian, Chinese,
>Italian, ...
There are good restaurants in London which serve not-so-exotic food.
Try Smolensky's on the Strand. Good steaks and a famous chocolate
mousse (they gave me a moose sticker, too...).
William
From: foster at starbase.neosoft.com (Paul A. Foster)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Tower of London
Date: 18 Jan 1996 19:42:44 GMT
Organization: Marathon Oil Company
: Is this for real? I was there less than a year ago and all was as it always
: has been. I also don't recall reading anything there about moving the exhibit.
: If anyone can verify this it would be most interesting to know. I must also
: add that it would still be worth a visit just to see the architecture, but
: alas, a lesser visit all round.
: Eddward
I was there in early November 95. 90% of the armory exhibit was gone.
Signs indicated it had been moved to Leeds Castle. The remainder of the
Tower was much the same as 4 years ago, thought the Crown Jewels exhibit
has been nicely revamped and is much more pleasant to visit.
Rhodri ap Gwythyr
--
Paul A. Foster | The opinions expressed are those of the
Marathon Oil Co. | author and do not necessarily reflect
foster at hou.moc.com | those of the company.
From: Garick Chamberlin <Garick at vonkopke.demon.co.uk>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Tower of London
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 96 09:55:49 GMT
Organization: Drachenwald
In article <BnHFf1r.ejpiii at delphi.com> ejpiii at delphi.com writes:
> Garick Chamberlin <Garick at vonkopke.demon.co.uk> writes:
>
> >> Does anyone have any contact #'s or addresses for the Tower of London?
>
> >The Tower ain't what it used to be. :^( :^( :^(
> >The Tower Armouries are gone. <sniff> Removed to Sheffield or some such. No
> >armour, no researchers, no book store. <Whah!!!!>
>
> Is this for real? I was there less than a year ago and all was as it always has
> bee
> been. I also don't recall reading anything there about moving the exhibit. If
> som
> anyone can verify this it would be most interesting to know. I must also add
> that
> it would still be worth a visit just to see the architecture, but alas, a lesser> visit all round.
> Eddward
I can, sadly, confirm this. I wasn't just writing off the cuff, I've seen it.
I live here. The damned government sent the whole kit and kaboodle off to
another part of the country to improve tourism there and win support. I guess
they thought London had an unfair advantage. Sigh. London's only an hour away
for me.
--
Garick
Honor Virtus Est
From: Steve Muhlberger <stevem at einstein.unipissing.ca>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Tower of London
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 1996 19:56:58 -0800
Organization: Nipissing University
Pat McGregor wrote:
> I have to say that this won't be a miss for me. ;-) Late period armor not
> being my thing.
Ah, but Siobhan, all the late period stuff was still there! The
wonderful chain-mail, bascinets, etc. had been taken away first! *Sob*
> I much more enjoyed the various towers, chambers,
I'm not absolutely sure about this, but I believe the new emphasis at the
Tower is going to be restoring historic spaces. They already have done
some work on recreating the royal chambers used by Edward I (though it
looked a bit unfinished to me...)
There may be some gain in this change.
Finnvarr
From: jartificer at aol.com (Jartificer)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Trip to London - where do I buy...
Date: 7 Oct 1996 00:08:47 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)
There are a number of shops right around the British Museum, selling old
coins, real antiquities, modern fakes, cheap Indian imports at high
prices, and so on. These are all priced for the upper-middle income museum
visitors. There must be other dealers and shops, but I have not found them
yet.
Master John the Artificer
John Rose
From: sxymnnkilt at aol.com (SxyMnNKilt)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Trip to London - where do I buy...
Date: 7 Oct 1996 04:47:09 -0400