Explaining the obvious

Apsley House is one of the most beautiful Georgian Houses in London, constructed between 1771 and 1778 as the home of the Duke of Wellington. In fact, it’s still the home of the current Duke.

Like many old homes, upkeep became too costly, so the family gifted it to England in 1947. But, they still maintain private rooms. That means that Apsley House is the only English Heritage property in which the owner’s family still lives.

The current Duke is now almost 100 years old and still living in his apartments on the property.  That’s right…..

Just in case you want to call on him. Assuming he can still hear the doorbell.

I think he moved because he found it difficult to be confronted with a gigantic statue of a naked Napoleon every time he took the stairs.  Napolean disliked this sculpture, saying it was “too athletic.”  Indeed. And too tall.

The dining room chandelier is monstrous. The table seats at least 60.

Oh, what if those seats could talk!

I saw a number of references to this beautiful woman and that Duke being “good friends.”  Not good friends, but “good friends.”  I’ve also seen it as “closest woman friend.”  And “intimate friend.” But sure would like to know how her husband got to live in the house after she passed away. Sweeeet!

If you’d like to be entertained for a couple minutes, here’s a talk about a new-fangled Georgian custom–“washing”. That’s right. Getting clean was a new thing.  This guy tells us all about how dangerous washing was back then, and why.

And if you’re really interested, below, he shows us an “ear scoop”–if you think Qtips are dangerous, take a look at THIS little implement!  Oh, those Georgians!

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