Tag Archives: monarchy

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DIY Travel Tip

Stables in the Royal Mews. Photograph taken by...

Image via Wikipedia

The University of Michigan Library reprints public domain books, creating “reading copies”. You do not have to be a UML student to purchase a copy. I have one at my side right now – The Horse-world of London by William John Gordon. it was originally printed in 1893 by the Religious Tract Society, complete with illustrations.

Chapter VII captured my attention this morning – The Queen’s Horse.  It begins:

In the horse-world of London, the highest circle, the most exclusive set, so to speak, is that housed at Buckingham Palace.

The accompanying illustration is of the “The Queen’s Creams” pulling a state carriage attended by liveried hostlers.

Gordon takes his reader on a tour of the Royal Mews, physically describing the space, comparing the generous square footage of the stalls to others in London. He relates a humorous tale of preparing the horses – actually failing to prepare the horses – for a state occasion. The Queen to whom he refers is not HM Queen Elizabeth II, but Victoria, she who gave her name to an era.

I toured the Royal Mews in June 2010, long before I acquired a copy of “The Horse-world of London.”  Fewer horses are stabled there now, yet the stalls are still as spacious. The vaulted ceilings still exist. The tack is still on display. Even some of the state carriages mentioned in the book can still be seen.

My DIY Travel Tip

Don’t rely on the content of modern books, and youthful tour guides who deliver standard patter. Root through the stacks at your local library for antique books – or reprints – with descriptions of the building, area or country you plan to visit. Had I toured the Royal Mews with the knowledge I’ve gleaned from it, an extra dimension would have been added to the experience. I could have imagined the bustle and sounds of a stable when mechanical vehicles did not exist – and so could you travel in the past with some inexpensive effort.

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The Four Ages of Robin Hood

Russel Crowe as Robin Hood

Russell Crowe as Robin Hood
The First Age – 1938

Errol Flynn dons tights and a natty cap with a feather and enters Sherwood Forest. The age of Robin as swashbuckler has begun.

The Second Age – 1955-1960

Richard Greene continues the tights, but adds a white shirt with puffy sleeves under his doublet. I dashed home after school so I wouldn’t miss an episode. I can still hum the theme song, and was absolutely distraught when Robin Hood flour usurped the tune for a television ad!

The Third Age – 1991

Kevin Costner forgoes the tights for leather and laces. His hair was coiffed and his accent didn’t stick, but I was intrigued by Morgan Freeman as the Moor.

The Fourth Age – 2010

Russell Crowe dons leather and chain mail, moves with the grace of Flynn, woos Marion with his eyes to deliver one of the most restrained performances of his career. Don’t get me wrong – he handles a sword with conviction. Rides a horse with aplomb. And is as fine a yeoman as England ever produced. He has never been sexier.

Let’s get my list of prejudices out in the open – a glade in Sherwood, with a shaft of sunlight piercing the canopy of trees, if you will. I am a Russell Crowe fan. Ridley Scott is a director I have come to appreciate. The Robin Hood myth captivated me as a child, and remains a touchpoint of self-awareness. I was weaned on the iconic symbols of British Heritage – the monarchy, the Magna Carta, and the Tower of London. AND far from least - I’m a huge fan of Great Big Sea, and Alan Doyle.

Ridley Scott made this film for me. I swear. I grant he may have been unaware. But he did nonetheless. Count yourself lucky, he decided to share it with the rest of the world, because this is one film I would have kept to myself. Don’t miss the Fourth Age of Robin Hood. You’ll thank me.