16.09.2018: Leeds Castle, England

We started out the day by going to Lena and Keith's neighbour, Roger's place. Roger is in the competitive pigeon racing world, which I had no clue existed! But around the area it seems to be a popular hobby, and the pigeons have a strict fitness and eating schedule. If you have never heard of competitive pigeon racing google it, because it is fairly interesting! Wishing Roger's pigeons all the best in their upcoming races!

After getting the pigeon racing rundown from Roger, Keith, Lena, Courtnie and I traveled to Leeds Castle, where this week the "Festival of Flowers" is taking place. Professional florists decorate main rooms throughout the castle, and it is a huge event where many people from all over the country side come to walk through the castle and flowers.

Once we finished at the castle, we went and met up with Barbara and David who are also distant relatives for supper!

At Roger's seeing the racing pigeons. These can fly at around 50 mph, and the birds flew over 200 miles from Devon to Sittingbourne. Pigeon racing seems to be very intense and competitive, and Roger mentioned that his pigeons are treated like athletes. They are on special diets, and have special grooming done to them. Each pigeon has a tracking device on their legs and once they reach home and fly through the box to their cages, it stops the running clock. If anyone has heard of this before, or knows if it is in Canada let us know!

Outside Leeds Castle during the festival of flowers!

Leeds Castle of Kent, known as the "loveliest castle in the world," and was a home to Henry VIII first wife Catherine of Aragon.

Entrance across the moat leading to the main castle and the festival of flowers.

Medieval breastplate and etching on a knight's armour.

Out of focus!

Castle entrance through the cellar.

Wine and whiskey casks in the cellar.

Ceiling and light detail.

Each main room of the castle had floral displays and visitors could vote on their favourite one!

"Wild Flowers," which was Courtnie's favourite, each of the hanging bulbs held a single flower and some water.

Detail above the fireplace.

The castle is host to many functions!

Courtnie confused.

Artwork that resides in the castle's chapel.

Lena and Keith 

My attempt at an artistic photo!

Courtnie's artsy photo!

Tacky Twins

Views from the court yard, and this was one of our favourite displays in the castle.

Courtyard fountain.

Court and I in front of the horse and flower display.

The rope for the hand rail likely came from the Ropery at Chatham Dockyard. Keith told us that the
gentleman that worked there that he knew used to have a bike that he would go back and forth on
in the building because it was over a kilometre long!

Spiral staircases that was brought in from France in 1927 when Lady Baillie redesigned the castle.

Bath tub display.

The Peacock display

Lady Baillie's shoe closet

And her ensuite, Lady Baillie lived in the castle from 1925 until 1974. In the 30's she hired Stephane Boudin, a French designer who had clients like Jackie Kennedy.

Keith being just about "over it!"

Keith making a break for the exit!

Suffragette display

The castle library

Decor

Lena exiting Leeds Castle

Lena and I

Courtnie and Lena

Keith, Lena, and Court. We had a great time with them this weekend!

Courtnie and Leeds Castle

Lena and Keith our favourite tour guides!

 

Supper with friends (L-R): Keith, Lena, Casey, Courtnie, Barbara

missing David!