Another lovely day for walking, with plenty of shade in Bushy Park to bring relief from the hot sun. The legendary giant Egyptian Geese were strolling about as if on the banks of the Nile....
While our group was gathering at the Pheasantry Cafe, I noticed a poster for an open day on Saturday June 12th, for Bushy House gardens.
Many usually-hidden London gardens and squares are open to visitors next weekend. Ever wanted to see round Eaton Square, Chelsea Physic Garden or HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs?? For full details of events and sites, please go here -
http://www.opensquares.org/
Bushy House is a former Royal Palace and the original building for the National Physical Laboratory. As we were walking past the House, I was trying to remember which Royal mistress had been its occupant, when a more erudite member of our group informed us it was Mrs Jordan - William IV's long-standing companion while he was heir to the throne.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothea_Jordan
They had 10 illegitimate children there, before the Duke of Clarence (as he was then known), married Princess Adelaide, and became King. (The Princess Adelaide is remembered locally through a friendly pub of that name selling a range of real ales, and good food... There's a Duke of Clarence pub nearby, but I can't recommend it.
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/11/1103/Adelaide/Teddington )
What must have been a fascinating life is recalled in the Claire Tomalin book, "Mrs Jordan's Profession" -
Link to Amazon and book details . Again, thanks to a Nordic Walker for this information.
The many descendants of Mrs Jordan have become famous in their own right. According to Wikipedia, even our new Prime Minister, David Cameron, is descended from her!
Meanwhile, we pause to drink in the restored Water Gardens......
So, in the course of an hour or so, I learned a lot about local and English history, and why so many local pubs seem to have royal names. I also learned a bit about Tanzanian schools (more of which in another post), and a host of other interesting subjects.
It's amazing what you can learn while Nordic Walking.....
If you want to try it, there will be a Taster session in Bushy park on Saturday 12th June at 11.30. Please give me a call if you want to improve your health, fitness or mind!
Peter
07703-404-931
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