Developed originally for medieval battle flags, heraldic coats of arms quickly became emblems of noble families' origins and identities. This unique illustrated book explores the roots and uses of heraldry and its terminology and lore, and shows how it influenced the design and decor of 50 houses owned and preserved by Britain's National Trust.Drawing on their official access to the records of Britain's College of Arms, the authors illuminate the development of each house's heraldic symbols, which can indicate everything from marriages and honors to social status and even a sense of humor. The lush color photographs reveal the decorative uses of heraldry, as seen on paneling, carpets, stained glass, china, even door latches. Line drawings of each coat of arms and a gazetteer of what to look for in other National Trust properties provide readers with plenty more to investigate in historic houses throughout Great Britain.
Within the Castle complex there are many attractions, including the Drawings Gallery, Queen Mary's Dolls' House, and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, the burial place often sovereigns and setting for many Royal weddings.
*The most serene beauty of nature*Beautiful coffee-table volume*Exquisite photographs of enchanting winter landscapesThree-times winner of the Eric Hosking Award for BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Vincent Munier takes us on a tour of this silent, frozen world. From the Far East to the Wild West, via the craggy peaks of the European Alps, we encounter swans, cranes, eagles, chamois, foxes, and many other animals in the hush of their stunning, snowbound habitats. Shadows, shapes, contours, and the occasional flash of color are all that reveal the creatures huddled into the snow and braced against the wind, quite in their element in the elements.Vincent Munier's photographs have been exhibited in over thirty-five countries and his reportages published in magazines such as "National Geographic." He became internationally known as an animal photographer after winning the Eric Hosking Award in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
This guide to Windsor Castle explains its rich history and its Royal use today, and guides the visitor round the parts open to the public - the Albert Memorial Chapel, Queen Mary's Dolls' House and St George's Chapel. It describes in detail the many treasures within.
Buckingham Palace is one of the official residences of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen is Head of State of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and also Head of the Commonwealth. The monarch's direct powers these days are limited. As a constitutional sovereign The Queen acts on the advice of her ministers; nevertheless, the Government, the judges and the armed services all act in The Queen's name and the monarch is an important symbol of national unity. The Queen is kept closely informed about all aspects of national life and the Prime Minister has a weekly audience with her at Buckingham Palace. The Queen has certain residual 'prerogative' powers, which include the appointment of the Prime Minister and granting the dissolution of Parliament. As well as being Head of the Commonwealth, The Queen is Head of State of sixteen of its fifty-four member countries. Many of The Queen's duties are ceremonial and a reminder of the long history of the United Kingdom. These duties include the State Opening of Parliament, The Queen's Birthday Parade and the Garter Day celebrations. The Queen also undertakes visits overseas. Buckingham Palace serves as the office for The Queen and the Royal Household. At Buckingham Palace, The Queen receives Heads of State and of Governments, and gives audiences to Ambassadors from foreign countries and to religious and other leaders. In addition, The Queen holds regular Investitures where orders, decorations, and medals are presented and throughout the year receptions and dinners take place in the State Rooms. in July every year The Queen gives three Garden Parties attended by more than 27,000 people in total. Within Buckingham Palace and throughout the Royal Palaces, incomparable works of art from the Royal Collection are displayed in the historic setting for which they were collected or commissioned by successive monarchs. Because of the status of the building as a working royal palace, objects are sometimes moved. Pictures and works of art are also frequently lent to exhibitions all over the world, so the arrangement may vary from time to time.
