Crystal Chandelier

Collectibles -gt; Lamps, Lighting -gt; Ceiling Fixtures The crystal chandelier got its start in the 1600s in England, when the use of lead glass became common and even popular. Originally used in medieval abbeys and churches to light up the cavernous rooms, the chandelier started out as a wooden cross with spikes at the ends which held candles. The very word “chandelier” is from the French world candle, and means candleholder. Where the chandelier differs from other types of ancient c

The man who changed the face of Britain - passionate Pugin

After we posted a mediaeval drawing yesterday, the author of the inspiring A Little Guide for Your Last Days urged us to look at Pugin. Actually we had written about this wonderful artist before, but not all that well. So we pruned and polished the earlier post and added details - Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin was the writer and architect who almost single-handedly revived the architecture of Christian mediaeval England. He spearheaded the Gothic revival in Victorian Britain, recons

York, a Small City with a Big Personality

Boasting a rich and intriguing history dating back to Roman times, York is a city where the traditional has managed to expertly encompass the modern. Home to a breathtaking array of historical sights of interest, it is renowned for its picturesque scenery, lively café culture and range of exciting cultural activities, thus making it one of the most beautiful locations in England.A walled city, York is located at the halfway point between London and Edinburgh and sits where the rivers Ouse and Fo

Sunderland: City of Glass

SUNDERLAND, CITY OF GLASS GLASS making in England was originated by the Saxon Abbot Benedict Biscop, who founded the monastery of St Peter’s at Monkwearmouth in Sunderland during the mid 7th Century. He brought back the secrets of glass making from one of his four pilgrimages to Rome and it has been a major part of the city’s economy every since. Even now every piece of British Pyrex tableware is made in Sunderland and the National Glass Centre has now been opened in the ci

Sunderland: City of Glass

SUNDERLAND, CITY OF GLASS GLASS making in England was originated by the Saxon Abbot Benedict Biscop, who founded the monastery of St Peter’s at Monkwearmouth in Sunderland during the mid 7th Century. He brought back the secrets of glass making from one of his four pilgrimages to Rome and it has been a major part of the city’s economy every since. Even now every piece of British Pyrex tableware is made in Sunderland and the National Glass Centre has now been opened in the ci