CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE WITH THE HISTORY OF THE MAGNIFICENT PALACES OF THE LAND THE QUEEN’S PALACES BY BBC HOME ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY WHOM YOU KNOW OUR COVERAGE SPONSORED BY MAINE WOOLENS
Maine Woolens is a weaver of blanket and throws located in Brunswick, Maine. We work primarily with natural fibers, like cottons and worsted wools and are committed to using renewable natural fibers from American growers whenever possible. We do piece dyeing and package dyeing in house and the combined experience of our excellent employees exceeds 300 years. Our wool and cotton blankets and throws are 100 percent machine washable, soft and luxurious to the touch, cozy warm and comfortably light. We have many styles to choose from. Our clients are very positive about our products and happy to support a Made in Maine, USA company. Visit our website at www.mainewoolens.com
We have been highly recommended by Whom You Know:
Maine Woolens, affordable luxury and tradition.
***
Previously, Whom You Know reviewed The Diamond Queen by BBC Home Entertainment, and the quality of this made such an impression, that we absolutely had to know more, and so we recently reviewed the release on her palaces: Buckingham, Windsor and Holyroodhouse. Clearly, with such options, Queen Elizabeth has got to be the envy of the world, however, it should not be overlooked how hard she works as shown in the Diamond Queen, particularly for her age. So, Queen Elizabeth, we believe you have earned these spots that if you were American, you'd call "Home Beach"! Windsor Castle is the oldest by far as it is the oldest continually occupied palace in the world and is the largest in Britain. Founded in the 1070's by William the Conqueror, the first Norman King of England, Windsor Castle is indeed illustrious. On the other hand, did you know that Buckingham palace is only around a mere 100 years in existence- built for George IV, used first by Queen Victoria who moved in in 1837? Prince Charles, born in Buckingham Palace, introduces the documentary to the audience, and does a splendid job.
So what are these palaces up to today? Windsor Castle has been open to the public for the last 150 years...and all three are used for receptions, garden parties and award ceremonies. They possess amazing art collection and their art and architecture alone make a resounding statement about Britain's place in the world.
And if you aren't convinced, you only need to turn to the chandeliers, by Parker and Perry. You know what we think of the only object of furniture to have its own column on Whom You Know (Chandelier Peachy!) and we have never seen better Chandeliers anywhere. Apparently, it is good to be Queen! When the chandeliers had candles instead of electricity, 30 people were kept on staff just to keep the candles lit for a party.
Buckingham Palace boasts chandeliers to-die-for, and as far as rooms go the Throne Room is a must-see. The only time Queen Elizabeth has used it is for her Coronation in 1953. Its ornate arch is simply breathtaking as well as the red color scheme complete with monarch thrones. We learned so much in this documentary-certainly we hadn't been aware that a river (Tybern) flows beneath Buckingham Palace, and we hadn't been aware of King James's brainstorm of silkworms and the Mulberry trees. Buckingham Palace was also once home to exotic birds, camels and an elephant, who drank a gallon of wine daily (our kind of elephant...!). In 1708 a house was built where Buckingham Palace now stands by the Duke of Buckingham. In the 1760's, it was sold to King George III and Queen Charlotte, and became a residence of theirs.
When examining the Palaces, it is important to consider not only the buildings themselves but also their contents. We loved the Astronomical clock which included a map of the heavens, as seen above London, the world solar system and high and low tides around the world. This belonged to George III who loved science and gadgets.
George IV sounds like quite a fun monarch as well-we were impressed with his story of Carlton House and the stream with live goldfish along a long dinner table-and along with architect John Nash, George IV reinvented Buckingham House and made it Buckingham Palace. And did you know that the front is only a facade? The second front is a warm yellow stone in tasteful, classic symmetry and we hear the best view is from the garden, though of course Peachy Deegan would like to determine this firsthand. When Queen Victoria moved in, Prince Albert sorted out many tasks of the new Buckingham Palace like poor heating, roofs, sewers flooding the kitchen and electricity-it looks like it has come a long way as today you'd be shocked to learn of such challenges. And did you know that the Marble Arch was once an entrance to Buckingham Palace? It was moved to Hyde Park in the late 1840's.
In its darkest days, Buckingham Palace suffered nine direct hits from German bombers in WWII, and most recently in its brightest days, it is known for the famous balcony kiss of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after their wedding last year.
With Windsor Castle-you think about how a castle can be transformed into a palace...and many monarchs have left their stamp here. It is a symbol of medieval chivalry and romance that has entranced generations. We were riveted by the secret passage and entranced by the pure beauty down to the last details in St. George's Chapel. We love the soaring windows and tribute to height and light in its Gothic architecture, supernaturally lit! Its most ambitious scheme was again undertaken by George IV who made it a singular Gothic sensation from the hodge-podge that met him. We loved the organ that was like a player piano, but what we loved most was Queen Mary's dollhouse. This is clearly any little girl's dream, and we hesitate to think a better dollhouse is in existence anywhere. In it, there are: real clocks from Cartier, opening drawers, electricity, real books sized right, furniture made by craftsmen of the day, copper pots and pans, perfect locks on doors, light switches, fully functioning plumbing, and of course complete replicas of the Crown Jewels. Don't forget the garden in a drawer....
Finally, we meet Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh which is arguably the least known of the three, but no less grand. It has been a home to the monarchy for the last 500 years and is essential in the relationship between England and Scotland, and was once home to Mary Stuart, who was largely influenced by growing up in France and brought a continental grandeur to the place. She was also a hunter who unfortunately met her own grizzly end...thus the drink named after her! Peachy is glad not to have suffered the same fate to get The Peachy Deegan cocktail made...in any event, at Holyroodhouse we were particularly thrilled with the plasterwork on the staircase and around it as well as the stunning tapestries. It will remind you a bit of the Cloisters from a New York perspective...
Our esteemed panel adds:
I always had big dreams of living in a royal palace. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a princess. Unfortunately, that didn't work out. Fortunately, BBC Home Entertainment has come out with a DVD called The Queen's Palaces that I can enjoy and admire! The DVD is in honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee! Fiona Bruce narrates and tells us the stories behind the creation of Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. I especially found the history of Buckingham Palace interesting because I had no idea it was formerly considered a swampy outskirt of London! Each of the tours were beautifully filmed! I really enjoyed getting a chance to see all of the incredible architecture and decor in each room! Well done Fiona Bruce and BBC Home Entertainment! This DVD is one that everyone should have in their collection and look back on for years to come!
Learning about history is exciting and nothing is more intriguing than the royal family so we were extremely excited to watch BBC Home Entertainment's, The Queen's Palaces. Giving outsiders an exclusive glimpse into Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Starting with a lovely introduction by Prince Charles himself, you really begin to understand the pride the royal family and Britain has over these historic buildings. We learn that it's not just the building themselves that are important but the events that transpired within their walls. Another significant factor is that these palaces house over 500 years of art that has been collected. We are first introduced to Buckingham Palace which is less than 200 years old, and was once the countryside, which is hard to imagine today. As we learn about the principal state residence, we see into the coronation room and learn of the redesign of the kitchen and ballroom. Next we are taken to Windsor Castle the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. Not always as it seems, it has been transformed from a castle to a palace, through a cornucopia of different monarchs. Open to the public, this is considered to be a jewel of Britain and we can certainly see why. Lastly we travel to Scotland to see Holyroodhouse, which is over 500 years old. It's impressive staircases and beautiful countryside are breathtaking. Holyroodhouse houses many great treasures of the royal family but it also marked with fascinating history. BBC Home Entertainment does a wonderful job of taking the viewer on a magical journey through these glorious palaces, filled with history, art and secrets it is difficult to translate on to paper but we can tell you, you will not be disappointed. WatchThe Queen's Palaces and be prepared to be entertained.
Ever since watching "The Queen's Jubilee" by BBC Home Entertainment, I've been hooked on anything that has to do with learning about this fabulous matriarch. When I received "The Queen's Palaces" from BBC Home Entertainment, I was thrilled. Knowing that it's very unlikely that I will ever get to London to see Buckingham Palace, this was a perfect way for me to see what it's like. I found this DVD very enjoyable and informative. I loved the intro by His Royal Highness. Fiona Bruce did a wonderful job moving from room to room. She made you feel like you were right there with her. I would love to see a second part in this series. I think there is so much more to learn. I know of several friends who would love to watch this DVD. Plus, with the holidays approaching, this would be a perfect gift for anyone who is interested in the Royal Family. I highly recommend it!
Calling all history buffs, lovers of research, fans of architecture and interior design. As His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales opens the door, as it were, with his charming introduction, we enter the glittering world of Royalty. For all their ups and downs, the Royal Palaces have been added to, reconstructed, and finalized as representative of modern day monarchy. In honor of the Queen's jubilee, The Queen's Palaces has been painstakingly edited by BBC Home Entertainment as an in-depth viewing of the residences of England's Royal family, complete with background. Fiona Bruce walks us through a history lesson, bringing to bear individual taste and influence of the primary movers and shakers involved in these magnificent environs. From William the Conqueror to John Nash, Architect supreme, names are dropped, back stories revealed, and inside gossip shared. Style, the love of collecting and centuries shaped what we know today as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Palace, and Holyroodhouse . Each palace is lovingly dissected and captured for this mind-boggling presentation of an historic landmark, as home, as palace, as symbol. It's the stuff of dreams, and homework to revel in. Count on BBC Home Entertainment to provide excellence in presentation, and fascination in its subject matter.
If you have had the pleasure of visiting the palaces of Queen Elizabeth II, this three-installment series from BBC Home Entertainment will make a great souvenir. If you haven’t been able to visit the UK, this dvd series is a great way to visit Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse without leaving the comfort of your own living room! Among the few working royal palaces in the world today, these three palaces serve as both family homes and places of business for the Monarchy. Each installment runs one hour in length and offers interesting insights into the distinctly different palaces and their histories. The three palaces, each with unique histories and settings, make for fascinating stories as Fiona Bruce leads viewers through 1,000 years of history. Additionally, His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, introduces the Royal Palaces and tells the place they have had in the life of the Monarchy and in the history of Britain. Each place has its own story, and the histories of the palaces reveal both good and bad times. Other experts contribute their knowledge of the Kings and Queens who inhabited these amazing buildings. Viewers are also treated to learning about some of the great treasures from the Royal Collection, which are housed within the three famous landmarks. The Royal collection contains numerous works of art, furniture, jewelry and much more shaped by the personal tastes of Kings and Queens over 500 years. Ms. Bruce does an excellent job - not only of guiding viewers through each of the three palaces, but also of revealing fascinating, little-known pieces of history. She reflects the rich and complex story of Britain and its people through informative and beautifully filmed segments. Added bonus: one can even learn the technique for cleaning chandeliers!
***
BBC Home Entertainment is proud to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee year, the 60th year of her reign, with two new DVD releases, The Diamond Queen and The Queen’s Palace on May 29, 2012.
Marking The Queen’s 60 years as Head of State of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth, The Diamond Queen tells the story of the young girl who never expected to reign over the United Kingdom. Sixty years after she acceded to the throne, this landmark documentary hosted by Andrew Marr looks at her role within the Monarchy and what she has accomplished for her country and her people both at home and abroad. Told over three hour-long episodes, it features interviews with prime ministers, world leaders and members of the Royal Family, and closely follows The Queen’s working engagements around the world for the period of more than a year and a half.
The Queen’s Palaces shares an extensive look into the history and architecture of the Royals homes in this special documentary series presented by Fiona Bruce. Throughout these three remarkable episodes, Fiona reveals the treasures behind the gates of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Discover the interior décor that surrounds the Royal Collection as experts contribute their knowledge of some of the world’s most prized possessions. Furthermore, learn about the stories behind the creation of these incredible buildings. Over the course of the series, chronologies of historical moments that embody the essence of these prized properties are followed. As Fiona walks you through the palaces, objects and art of profound historic importance are showcased including some other quirky pieces of work. Bonus features include an introduction to the series by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, discussing the role these palaces play in the life of the Monarchy and in the history of Britain.
About BBC Worldwide Americas:
BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). BBC Worldwide Americas brings together all of BBC Worldwide businesses across North and South America. The company exists to maximize the value of the BBC’s assets for the benefit of the UK license payer, and invests in public service programming in return for rights. The company has seven core businesses: Channels, Sales and Distribution, Content and Production, Consumer Products, Digital Media, Magazines, and recently formed Brands, Consumers & New Ventures. Under these businesses fall two key brands in the U.S. – digital cable channel BBC America and a bi-coastal production arm responsible for the smash hit Dancing with the Stars for ABC.
