We left our lovely flat in St. Andrews and headed north about 20 minutes to Dundee. There we visited the RSS (Royal Research Ship) Discovery. This was the ship that Captain Robert Smith took to his first trip to Antarctica in 1901. It was later used as a cargo ship and in WWI as a supply ship.
Behind the wheel of the RRS Discovery.Officers’ Ward RoomOfficers and scientists had single bunk cabins along the perimeter of the wardroom.This kitchen served 49 officers and men. Since it was the warmest spot on the ship, the sick bay was located next door. One of the exhibitions showing work done in Antarctica.
After spending a couple of hours on the ship and in the museum, we headed another 20 minutes north to Glamis (pronounced Glahms) Castle. It wasn’t until we started reading about it on the posterboards that we realized there was a Royal connection to the Castle. It was the childhood home of Elizabeth Bowes Lyons, more commonly referred to as HRH Queen Mother, the current Queen’s mother. The Queen’s younger sister, Margaret, was born in the Castle. The 19th Earl of Strathmore (Simon Bowes-Lyon) is the Queen’s 2nd cousin twice removed. He’s 36 and single. He has two brothers, both of whom are single. I wonder who’s next in line if none of the boys step up to the plate and have kids?
Glamis CastleBeautiful corner front door and clock tower.
Glamis Castle has been the home of the Lyons family since the 14th century but it started as a hunting lodge in the mid 11th century.
The lower part of the Castle was from the early medieval days. Also from the early day. The rooms upstairs were much more homey. Thought this was a cool picture. This was taken at the Queen’s maternal grandparents 50th wedding anniversary celebration in 1931. Princess Elizabeth holding a stuffed toy is in the front row, 6th from the left. Her mother is in the 2nd row 4th from the left holding baby Margaret. Duke of York (Elizabeth’s father) is back row 5th from left.Drawing RoomDining RoomThe silver boat was given to the 14th Earl and Countess by their kids at the celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary. One of the tapestries from the 16th century.One of the many beautiful stained glass windows. This one was in the Chapel. Speaking of the Chapel, here it is. Billiard room with the grand piano. This magnificent fireplace was in the Billiard Room.Queen Mum’s drawing room. She used this room whenever she visited the Castle. King and Queen’s bedroom with cradle on the side. This is the cradle the current Queen used to sleep in as a baby. How cool is that?!? The Queen Mum never used this bedroom again once her husband (King George VI) died in 1952.Robes worn by the 13th Earl and Countess at the coronation of Edward VII in 1902. These were the same robes worn by the 14th Earl and Countess when their daughter (Queen Mum) was crowned Queen in 1936.
There was a small room dedicated to the Queen Mum, who is the family’s most famous member.
Invitation to the Queen Mum’s 100th birthday service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 2000. Elizabeth in her later years. She lived to be 102 years old and died just a few months after her daughter, Margaret. Just a few of the over 13,000 acres at the estate. Back of the Castle. We had our picnic lunch at the picnic table on the left.
We were so glad we found this Castle to visit. It was almost by accident as I was just looking for someplace to kill time as we couldn’t check into our next lodging until after 3pm. This was on the way so we thought we’d stop. What a great find!
For the next 3 nights we’re staying at one of the Hilton Grand Vacation resorts in Ballater which was about a 90-minute drive from Glamis Castle. It’s a beautiful resort in a wooded area. It’s very secluded and quiet. We should have a nice few days here. We’ll let you know how it goes.
2 thoughts on “Another Day, Another Castle”
It’s hard to imagine how they even built such large, ornate castles that are still standing today with a limited equipment. I also can’t imagine living in such a castle. I would need a walkie talkie and a map just to find where Tony was!
I liked the picture of Peter on the boat next to the steering wheel that was bigger than him!
Enjoy your next adventure….
I say that every time we go to one of these places….I can’t imagine living that way. We chatted with one of the stewards yesterday who has spoken with the current Earl and he’s told her that it was fun as a kid because he loved playing in the older section when the “knights” are. While we’re in Ballater we’re planning to visit Balmoral Castle, which is the Queen’s summer home and literally just down the road. In fact, I think she’s in residence now so it surprises me that it’s open for tourists but according the the website we can visit. I also have to try and find time for a cut/color. Hopefully I can find a place that has an appointment on short notice. Thanks for being one of our most faithful followers/commentors. It’s nice to know someone is actually reading the blog.
It’s hard to imagine how they even built such large, ornate castles that are still standing today with a limited equipment. I also can’t imagine living in such a castle. I would need a walkie talkie and a map just to find where Tony was!
I liked the picture of Peter on the boat next to the steering wheel that was bigger than him!
Enjoy your next adventure….
I say that every time we go to one of these places….I can’t imagine living that way. We chatted with one of the stewards yesterday who has spoken with the current Earl and he’s told her that it was fun as a kid because he loved playing in the older section when the “knights” are. While we’re in Ballater we’re planning to visit Balmoral Castle, which is the Queen’s summer home and literally just down the road. In fact, I think she’s in residence now so it surprises me that it’s open for tourists but according the the website we can visit. I also have to try and find time for a cut/color. Hopefully I can find a place that has an appointment on short notice. Thanks for being one of our most faithful followers/commentors. It’s nice to know someone is actually reading the blog.