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brf-rumortrackinganon · 3 months

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The DM's Excerpts - Charles III: New King, New Court

Robert Hardman (who also wrote Queen of Our Times, published 2022) has written a new book about the British Royal Family. The Daily Mail is serializing parts of the book over four days, from 12 - 15 January 2024. Here are the links. If anyone has any others, feel free to share them in the comments.

If you don't want to give the DM clicks, I've included highlights below. (My browser doesn't recognize archive.vn or archive.ph as a valid domain so I can't create or access those links.)

TL;DR--

The day the Queen died, 12 Jan 2024

Secret summits over making Charles regent in Queen's last years, 13 Jan 2024

How the royals have dealt with a torrent of allegations from Harry and Meghan, 14 Jan 2024

Harmdan's intimate portrait of a woman who dances at Abba concerts, jabs the King with her handbag and 'knows when to wink at a bishop,' 15 Jan 2024

Excerpt #1, 12 Jan 2024

Highlights:

The last time most of her staff saw The Queen was at the pre-dinner cocktails the evening of September 6th. She was happy, chatty, and in a good mood. (September 6th was the Boris Johnson-Liz Truss transition.)

It was sheer luck that Anne and Peter were at Balmoral during this time. Anne was passing through for work, Peter was preparing for a shooting party he was going to host over the weekend (which ended up cancelled). Also Sarah Chatto was nearby.

On September 7th, The Queen planned to attend the Privy Council meeting as it involved new Cabinet officials being installed. She eventually cancelled on medical advice. This was the first signal to many that she wasn't doing well.

Charles and Camilla were on the western side of Scotland for a series of engagements September 7 - September 8. The morning of September 8, Anne called Charles to come to Balmoral at once. On the helicopter to Balmoral, everyone was reviewing the Operation London Bridge papers. They arrived at Birkhall around 10:30am and traveled to Balmoral in a borrowed car.

William was called around breakfast time and informed of the situation, including that was on his way to Balmoral. Charles himself called William (and Andrew, Edward, and Harry) that they should also come. After Charles's calls, Kensington Palace began coordinating with Royal Lodge (Andrew's office*) and Bagshot Park (Edward's office*) on travel to Scotland. William and KP did not reach out to the Sussexes because betrayal, and they felt the responsibility should have been on the Sussexes to make contact. (*Not really their offices, but it's the easiest way to keep them separate so you know who I'm talking about.)

Everyone was disturbed by Harry's inclusion of these events, especially the "Meghan's not coming/she's my wife/Kate's not coming either/that's all you had to say" bit, in his memoir. Harry's recollection of how he was notified of The Queen's death isn't true - he claims no one was talking to him but actually Charles and the palace had been trying to reach him repeatedly. The calls weren't going through because he was in the air. (Interesting that he'd check the BBC first as opposed to calling back after seeing a dozen of missed calls...or not springing for the wifi package...)

Liz Truss, the new PM, was in a G7 conference call on September 8th when she was notified of the situation in Scotland. She bowed out of the call early and quickly. The G7 leaders knew what was happening.

Charles was rather close to Balmoral when he received the call that The Queen had passed. William, Andrew, Edward, and Sophie were on the way to Balmoral from the Aberdeen airport. Charles called them himself to let them know.

The Archbishop of Canterbury was in France on a personal holiday. He and his wife began preparing to return home after seeing the palace's first statement about The Queen's health. They drove home overnight so Welby could make an address in the morning.

Excerpt #2, 13 Jan 2024

Highlights:

The Queen had been quite ill in her final year. She knew and was aware her time was ending that summer.

A regency would have been created had she lived as long as The Queen Mother because everyone was fearful of a health condition flaring up in public.

Planning for Charles's accession and coronation began in 2015. Sir Alderton, his private secretary, created a "training video" of the accession/transition then that Charles, Camilla, and William watched in the evening of September 8th during their private dinner at Birkhall, while Princess Anne hosted the rest of the family at Balmoral. If Harry wasn't such a dick (my word, not Hardman's), he'd have been part of the Birkhall dinner but he wasn't and there were very serious concerns he would write about it in Spare.

The announcement of The Queen's death was delayed because family members hadn't been informed yet. (I think it was Harry they were waiting on, per the events in the first article.)

The royals were very touched by the outpouring of public affection for The Queen, themselves, and their family. Camilla was struck by how supportive the crowd was of her. Anne was touched by the tractors, horses, and the crowds that lined the roads in Scotland. It was a six hour drive, and she and Tim had had snacks in their car but they both felt it would have been rude to everyone that came to see the procession and pay their respects to be seen eating.

Camilla sobbed through Charles's first speech.

The Privy Council were concerned that the political upheaval in the government would cause problems for the accession, transition, and royal mourning.

It was William's idea for him, Kate, and the Sussexes to do the Windsor walkabout together. He organized it in two hours. No one found it easy or enjoyable.

Excerpt #3, 14 Jan 2024

Highlights:

The Queen felt she had to say 'yes' when Harry contacted her about naming his daughter Lilibet and she was very angry with him for it. (Reading between the lines, it sounds like the decision was presented by the Sussexes as "fait accompli" and The Queen took offense.)

The Sussexes tried to force the palace to go along with their version (that they had asked The Queen for permission) but the palace refused to play. They also tried to intimidate the press with legal action if anyone didn't report "their" version of events, even going so far as threatening the BBC with a lawsuit.

Everyone at the palace rolled their eyes about the Sussexes getting the RFK "Ripple of Hope Award." They felt that the "legacy" the Sussexes were being rewarded for was laughable, especially when compared to Charles's work.

The Caribbean gets its news through the US media. (I believe this confirms the theory that Sussex PR influenced the Caribbean's coverage of the Royal Family)

William saw Harry's comments in the Netflix documentary that they're expected to marry someone who fits the mold as an attack on Kate and he's been furious since. He feels betrayed by Harry having discussed their relationship so freely, thinks it's an intrusion of privacy.

Neither William nor Kate have read Spare but they are aware of what's being said and their staffs have briefed them.

Harry's version of events when The Queen Mother died is totally made up. (In Spare, Harry says he was alone, it was springtime just before Easter, and he took the call himself, but actually he was in Switzerland skiing with Charles and William and all three were told together by an aide.)

It's very suspicious that Spare largely skips May 2018 - March 2020. The palace thinks it'll be covered in the second version or Meghan's memoir.

The door is open for Harry and Meghan to return but they'll have to make the first steps since Charles has given up.

Anne's seat the coronation in front of Harry was a last-minute change so she could leave more quickly after the service in the procssion. She was concerned about keeping her hat on since it was "decent-sized" but she was told to keep it on.

Excerpt #4, 15 Jan 2024 - TBD

Highlights

It's been a difficult transition to Queen for Camilla, but everyone believes she handled it well. Her family finds it surreal.

Camilla doesn't mind being second fiddle to Charles.

She still has her Wiltshire home, Ray Mill, which she bought after divorcing Andrew PB. She still visits and stays there to this day.

Everyone walks a bit on eggshells around Charles because he's a bit temperamental, but Camilla steadies him.

Camilla likes her rooms hot. Charles like his rooms cold and windows open.

Charles skips lunch. Camilla does not.

Camilla keeps Charles running on time when he gets chatty.

Camilla is hands-on with her charities and patronage.

I find her sister is overstaying her welcome. After her starring role in the coronation documentary and now her interviews with Hardman for the book, it's too much and feels like she's trying too hard.

Other stories by Hardman from his book:

Foreign Office officials 'ditched buses for dignitaries' at coronation after backlash at the Queen's funeral, 13 Jan 2024

Brigadier who helped carry Queen's coffin was at a wedding in Corfu, 13 Jan 2024

Queen's funeral rehearsal was a comedy of errors as even the band went AWOL, 13 Jan 2024

Prince Andrew could be 'far more damaging outside the loop,' 14 Jan 2024

The DM's other royal reporters - Martin Robinson, Rebecca English, Natasha Livingstone - are publishing "recaps" of Hardman's excerpts. Some of Rebecca English's stories are augmented by her own sources. Here are a few:

Insiders revewal how the Queen was so upset by Harry and Meghan's Lilibet decision that she told aides 'the only thing I own is my name. And now they've taken that': The royal row taht troubled Her Majesty in twilight of her reign, 15 Jan 2024

'For William, this was the lwoest of the low,' 15 Jan 2024

Camilla was given the affection nickname 'Lorraine' before seh became Queen, 14 Jan 2024

Harry and Meghan likely caused Queen 'distress' in her final years over naming of baby Lilibet, 15 Jan 2024

The Queen's final years were overshadowed by Harry and Meghan's hunger for publicity, 15 Jan 2024

Also, these are reminding me of some things Harry and Meghan (Harry mostly) have claimed and Hardman's articles are debunking them. I need to do a bit of research to check if the dates on what I'm remembering line up with the timeline Hardman is presenting. I'll do a separate post on that since this is already quite long.

#brf #rumors #theories #robert hardman

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kidlit-queen-competition · 11 months

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Train fact: NAMED TRAINS!

So you've probably heard of the Flying Scotsman. Big green thing, turned 100 this year, probably the most famous locomotive in the UK, if not the world. Adapted into Thomas the Tank Engine with a whole lot of charisma and eyebrows. But did you know that name wasn't hers originally?

'The Flying Scotsman' is actually the name (formerly a nickname) of the train. The locomotive is Flying Scotsman's monster named for it. She was given the name in 1924, to help promote said service at the British Empire exhibition. Any engine, with any rack of coaches, or any train set, can be the Flying Scotsman.

Right now, it's run by LNER's new Azumas, which get a special little outfit about it:

Most of the named trains in the UK were phased out with steam (although you can still catch the Sheffield continental from Sheffield to St. Pancras, or the Northern Lights from King's Cross to Aberdeen, among a handfull of others) but they live on elsewhere.

Some are luxury touring trains, like Japan's Seven Stars in Kyushu (left) or South Africa's Blue Train (right).

Transport isn't really the goal here. They sell out months in advance and cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the class of ticket you get. They're an Experience, and a very cushy experience at that. Just look at their interiors!

(yes, that's a piano)

But the vast majority of named trains in operation (as far as I can tell) are regularly-running exepress services across Asia.

Japan names their Shinkanens, India, Pakistan, Bengladesh & Sri Lanka often name their intercity expresses. These are practical, long-distance services, often named for monuments, like India's Ajanta Express, named for the Ajanta caves:

Or their operating regions, like Sri Lanka's උත්තර දේවී | Princess/Queen of the North:

Some North American countries also kept historic named routes, like Amtrak's Sunset Limited, or Canada's Ocean, which has operated continuously since 1904:

but my personal favorite named services are Australia's historically-nicknamed "The Fish", named after one of its drivers:

and the numerous trains that have been companion-nicknamed "The Chips" to match.

#Train facts!#ids in alt text #Sri Lanka Railways #LNER #modern LNER! Modern LNER! I know!#South Central Railway #Indian railways #NSW Train Link #via rail canada #the blue train #seven stars in kyushu #LNER Azuma

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scotianostra · 11 days

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On 9th April 1747 Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, the leading Scottish Jacobite rebel was beheaded on Tower Green.

A longer post than normal from me as in my opinion Simon Fraser was one of the most interesting characters in Jacobite history. A man of contrary, he was known to be very kind to the lesser clansmen taking a paternal interest in their affairs. A quote regarding him says that….“Generally he had a bag of farthings for when he walked abroad the contents of which he distributed among any beggars whom he met. He would stop a man on the road; inquire how many children he had; offer him sound advice; and promise to redress his grievances if he had any”

In his own estimate, he took care his clansmen were ‘always well-clothed and well-armed, after the Highland fashion, and not to suffer them to wear low-country clothes’ Lovat was also a brute of a man forcing a young woman into marriage and raping her in an attempt to legitimise the union. Lovat has become more well know lately thanks to Outlander, where in their world he is grandfather to the main protagonist Jamie Fraser and played brilliantly by the fine Scottish actor Clive Russell. Back in the real world he has been in the news in the recent past, I shall cover that at the end of this post.

Born in 1667 into the ancient clan who fought with distinction in the Wars of Independence – Sir Simon Fraser was one of the co-victors of the Battle of Roslin and his sons were close friends of Robert the Bruce, Alexander marrying Bruce’s sister Mary – Simon was the second son of Thomas Fraser of Beaufort who was closely related to Lord Hugh Fraser of Lovat, chief of clan Fraser.

Simon became his father’s heir when his elder brother was killed fighting alongside Bonnie Dundee against the forces of King William III at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. He was still nowhere near being clan chief, however, and took himself off to Aberdeen University from which he graduated in 1695. Lord Hugh Fraser, the 9th Lord Lovat, was a weak man who unexpectedly signed over the clan leadership to Simon’s father in 1696.

Lord John Murray, Earl of Tullibardine and the most powerful man in Scotland, disputed the succession and fell out spectacularly with Simon in Edinburgh. The young Fraser hothead duly went north to Castle Dounie to try and persuade Hugh’s widow Amelia to give him the hand of her daughter, also Amelia, in a dynastic marriage that would seal his succession. Tullibardine was having none of it and moved his niece to the Murray stronghold, Blair Castle, where he planned to marry her off to Alexander Fraser, heir to the Lordship of Saltoun.

Simon retaliated by kidnapping Alexander and frightening him away, and to make matters worse in October, 1697, he went back to Castle Dounie and forced the widow Amelia into a sham wedding, raping her to consummate the “marriage”.

Tullibardine ensured Simon and his father were declared outlaws and when old Thomas died in 1699, Simon was unable to legally claim his title as 11th Lord Lovat which later passed to one Alexander Mackenzie who had legally married the younger Amelia.

Simon Fraser somehow managed to persuade King William that he was no threat, despite having his own personal army, and he was pardoned in 1700, only to be declared an outlaw again the following year over the forced marriage and rape.

Simon went off to the court of the Stuarts in France where he devised the plans that were eventually used in the 1715 and 1745 uprisings. Long before the former, however, Simon was double dealing, giving Queen Anne information about the plans of James, the Old Pretender. He was found out and King Louis XIV clapped him in jail for three years.

Even after he was released he was prevented from travelling to Scotland and thus missed the Act of Union which he opposed.

Still desperate to get his Lovat title and the chieftainship of his clan back, Simon sided with the forces of the new King, George I, during the ’15, and was given back his title as a reward, with Alexander Mackenzie imprisoned for being a Jacobite. The two men would fight in the courts for the next 15 years as to who was entitled to the income of the estate. Simon eventually won and spent his time building up the Fraser estates and wealth, even taking command of one of the Independent Companies of Highland soldiers established by the Hanoverian regime – the Fraser Highlanders.

As I said early Fraser was a man of contrary and to me was very like “Bobbing John” The Earl of Mar another Jacobite who a tendency to shift back and forth from faction to faction, no sooner had Fraser built up this “Hanoverian” army that he started openly campaigning for the restoration of the Stuarts. The Government responded by cancelling his military role.

When Bonnie Prince Charles landed in Scotland he was still playing games.

He allowed his sons to fight for the Stuarts, but stayed at home himself “loudly lamenting the wilful disobedience of children,” as Sarah Fraser has put it. Lovat did meet Charles, however, and expressed his anger at the lack of “siller” which he knew would be necessary for a successful campaign. They met again after Culloden, at which Clan Fraser fought bravely and suffered many casualties, and Lovat advised the prince to get away and re-form his forces. Charles fled through the heather, as we know, and made it to France while anyone associated with the Bonnie Prince was hunted down. The Duke of Cumberland’s troops were not taking any more games from Fraser and burned Castle Dounie.

Lovat managed to make it to Loch Morar but was captured there while hiding in a hollow tree. Although approaching his 80th birthday, The Fox was taken south to London.

He pled not guilty but his trial was a formality and he must have know his fate would be the same as previous nobles, the Earls of Kilmarnock, Balmerino and Derwentwater who were executed for treason the previous year.

At his trial, ever the Fox he insisted strongly upon his affection for the reigning family. Such were the characteristics of Simon Fraser, but of course he was found guilty the sentence, hanging, drawing and quartering was commuted later to a mere beheading by the King.

In a way, Lovat had the last laugh. Newspapers and pamphlets of the time recorded that as he was led out to the scaffold on Thursday, April 9, 1947, a wooden stand that had been erected near the Tower to seat crowds eager to see the execution collapsed sending hundreds plunging down. At least nine people died and dozens were injured, which amused Lovat – the phrase ‘laughing your head off’ is said to date from that event.

According to a woodcut print made on that fateful day, Lovat “with some composure laid his head on the block which the executioner took off with a single blow.”

As I mentioned at the top Lovat has been in the news quite recently. Simon had requested burial at the family mausoleum at Wardlaw near Inverness and the government initially agreed but changed its mind thinking his body could become a rallying point for further trouble. He was therefore buried in the floor of the chapel within the Tower of London, St. Peter ad Vincula. The chapel was refurbished in the 19th century and the floor was relaid. One of the coffins uncovered during the works had the nameplate of ‘Lord Lovat’. The names of those found are now recorded on a plaque on the wall of the chapel.

Fraser folklore, and written in several books says that his body was spirited away from London, the stories even go so far as to name the boat ‘The Pledger’ that sailed north to The Beauly Firth, where he was taken to the family mausoleum, there is even a plaque in the crypt that reads “In this coffin are laid the remains of Simon Lord Fraser of Lovat who, after twenty years in His own Land and abroad with the greatest distinction and renown, at the risk of his own life, restored and preserved his race, clan and household from the tyranny of the Athol and the treacherous plotting of the Mackenzies of Tarbat. To preserve an ancient house is not the greatest credit. Nor is there any honour for the enemy who despoiled it. Although that enemy was strong in his plotting and unrelenting warfare, yet Simon who was also skillful and cunning defeated him in war.“

In 2018 the headless skeleton inside the coffin was exhumed to be examined by experts from the University of Dundee in January this year they announced that the bones in the coffin did not belong to Simon Fraser, but to a young woman. So it looks like his body did end up rotting in The Tower’s Chapel, although the Frasers will still tell you otherwise.

Scottish actor Clive Russell played The Old Fox in the television adaptation off Outlander.

#scotland #scottish #history #execution #jacobite

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aimeedaisies · 8 months

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The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in August 2023

03/08 Attended the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dress Rehearsal at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥁💂‍♂️

04/08 unofficial Princess Anne, Sir Tim, Peter and Zara along with their families hosted day one of the Festival of British Eventing at at their home, Gatcombe Park. 🐎🏅

05/08 unofficial Princess Anne, Sir Tim, Peter and Zara along with their families hosted day two of the Festival of British Eventing at at their home, Gatcombe Park. 🐎🏅

🛥️ ~ Summer break in Scotland ~ 🛥️

27/08 not counted Princess Anne, Sir Tim, the King and Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay (P&PoW) and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended a church service at Crathie Kirk, Balmoral. ⛪️

29/08 Attended a Career Insight Day at Aberdeen Riding Club. 💼

Total official engagements for Anne in August: 2

2023 total so far: 306

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in August: 0

2023 total so far: 70

#hardest working royal 🫡#no choice but to stanne #this is based on the court circular #monthly engagement count #august 2023 #and yes i’m doing a seperate count for tim too #because i’m rooting for…#operation working royal tim #STILL WAITING CHARLES #not all engagements are listed on this post #if you want a full list plz dm me #princess anne #princess royal #tim laurence #timothy laurence

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blairstales · 1 year

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Scottish Historical Beltane/May Day

Bealtiunn (Beltane) is a cross-quarter day, meaning it is approximately half-way between a equinox and solstice. Due to this, it was one of the four main fire festivals of the year, and a time when the veil between our world and the otherworld was said to thin. This was thought to allow fairies in particular to be extra dangerous.

"The first–called “Beltaine” in Ireland, “Bealtiunn” in Scotland, “Shenn da Boaldyn” in the Isle of Man, and “Galan-Mai” (the Calends of May) in Wales–celebrates the waking of the earth from her winter sleep, and the renewal of warmth, life, and vegetation. " Celtic Myth and Legend by Charles Squire[1905]

It was once a huge celebration that may even last a whole week, but it also served as a marker for when to start farming practices. For example, it marked when to sow barley, or put cattle out to graze.

Due to the pagan origins of the day, opposition towards May Day celebrations was not uncommon, and eventually led to it’s fall in popularity.

"In 1696 a number of persons were tried before the Kirk Session of Aberdeen and censured for celebrating May Day morning." Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland

For customs click "keep reading." ⬇

May Pole

May Poles are a pole that was raised on beltane and raised with a crown of flowers on the top.

“The May Pole is up , Now give me the cup, I’ll drink to the garlands around it, But first unto those Whose hands did compose The glory of flowers that crown’d it.” “Faiths and Folklore: Volume 2,” By William Carew Hazlitt (1905)

It was also often decorated with flowers, leafy garland, ribbons, and more. Thought to be a fertility symbolism, with it came the queen and king of May.

"We may infer,’ says Frazer, ‘that our rude forefathers personified the powers of vegetation as male and female and attempted, on the principle of homeopathic or sympathetic magic, to quicken the growth of trees and plants by representing the marriage of the sylvan deities in the persons of a King and Queen of May, a Whitsun Bridegroom and Bride, and so forth. Such representations… were charms intended to make the woods to grow green, the fresh grass to sprout, and the flowers to blow. And it was natural to suppose that the more closely the mock marriage of the leaf-clad or flower-clad mummers aped the real marriage of the woodland sprites, the more effective would be the charm." Silver Bough 2 By F. Marian McNeill

Dressing the Home

Due to the veil being thinner, all sorts of supernatural dangers were thought to be at play. To counteract that, people dressed their homes in flowers, greenery, and other decorations.

“To counteract their evil power pieces of the rowan-tree and woodbine, chiefly of rowan-tree, were placed over the byre doors, and fires were kindled by every farmer and cottar. “ “Notes on The Folk-Lore of the North-East of Scotland,” By Walter Gregor (1881)

It was not just leafy garlands, however, but flowers as well.

"In the country west of Glasgow it is still remembered how once the houses were adorned with flowers and branches on the first of May” “Essays in the study of Folk-Songs,” by Countess Martinengo-Cesaresco (1886)

May-Dew

The very first thing many girls wanted to do in the morning was race out to collect the morning dew.

“COUNTY OF EDINBURGH. At Edinburgh about four o’clock in the morning there is an unusual stir ; and a hurrying of gay throngs through the King’s Park to Arthur’s Seat to collect the May-dew.” “British Popular Customs, Present and Past; Illustrating the Social and Domestic,” by T. F. Thiselton-Dyer (1876)

Depending on the area, where you would collect it from may change. It might be from a specific hill of grass or a specific type of trees.

This liquid, called may-dew, was said to have curative or beautifying powers.

"It was long an article of popular faith in Eastern and Western Europe , that a maiden , washing herself with dew from the hawthorn on the first day of May at daybreak , would preserve her beauty for ever, the operation being of course annually repeated.” “Faiths and Folklore: Volume 2,” By William Carew Hazlitt (1905)

“Till quite lately there was a belief in some parts of England that a weakly child would be made strong by being drawn over dewy grass on the morning in question. To effect a complete cure, the treatment had to be repeated on the two following mornings.” “Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs,” by James M. Mackinlay (1893)

However, the dew inside a fairy ring would have the opposite intended effect.

“May-dew from the grass was equally efficacious, except when gathered from within a fairy ring, as the fairies would in that case counteract the influence of the charm.” “Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs,” by James M. Mackinlay (1893)

Egg Rolling

Egg rolling, something we trend to associate with Easter, was occasionally practiced on Beltane. Colorfully decorated eggs would be rolled down a hill.

"Egg rolling, something we trend to associate with Easter, was occasionally practiced on Beltane. Colorfully decorated eggs would be rolled down a hill." “The Folk-lore Journal, Volume 7; Volume 24,” By Folklore Society (Great Britain)

Visiting Healing Wells

“Besides saining with fire, there was also saining with water, and Beltane was the great season for visiting “magic” or “holy” wells. The custom has by no means died out, the most notable survival being the annual “pilgrimage” to the Cloutie Well on Culloden Moor, near Inverness, which described elsewhere.” The silver bough vol 2

Visits to healing wells was a common occurrence for people on May day.

Two centuries earlier an attempt was made by the kirk-session of Perth to put a stop to an annual gathering on May Day at a cave in the face of Kinnoul hill adjoining the town. This cave was called the Dragon Hole, and was the scene of ancient rites of a superstitious nature. Other illustrations might be selected from the Folklore of May Day, but those given above show that the season was held in much superstitious regard. Accordingly, we need not be surprised that well-worship took its place among the rites of May Day, and of May Month also, since the whole of May was deemed a charmed time. "Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs" (in regards to Hone’s Every-Day Book on Edinburgh)

Mock Human Sacrifice

During the quarter days, quarter cakes were eaten ritually. For Beltane, this was called bannoach Bealltain or Beltane Cakes.

"Beltane cakes were also made at Keith, being baked the day before. The upper side was watered with a batter, made of whisked eggs, milk, and oatmeal. Struan Michaels and Beltane bannocks were prepared in Ross-shire down to the close of the nineteenth century." “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

Exactly how they were eaten would depend on the area.

"In Caithness, within the last seventy years, each family in the neighbourhood of Watten carried bread and cheese to the top of a hill called Heathercrow and left it there. After sunrise, the herds might take away the spoil for their own homes." “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

For some, it involved a mock human sacrifice.

The boys would go out, kindle a fire, have a meal, and sing and dance around it for fun. After, someone would produce a bannock and divide it for the group.

"Towards the close of the entertainment, the person who officiated as master of the feast produced a large cake baked with eggs and scalloped round the edge, called am bonnach bea-tine—i.e., the Beltane cake. It was divided into a number of pieces, and distributed in great form to the company.John Ramsay, laird of Ochtertyre, near Crieff, the patron of Burns and the friend of Sir Walter Scott." The Golden Bough by Sir James George Frazer[1922] Chapter 62. The Fire-Festivals of Europe

One piece stood out from the others, and the person who picked it was doomed to be “sacrificed.” It was just a symbolized sacrifice and the group would act as if (but would not actually) throw the person into the fire.

“There was one particular piece which whoever got was called cailleach beal-tine—i.e., the Beltane carline, a term of great reproach. Upon his being known, part of the company laid hold of him and made a show of putting him into the fire; but the majority interposing, he was rescued. “ John Ramsay, laird of Ochtertyre, near Crieff, the patron of Burns and the friend of Sir Walter Scott." "The Golden Bough" by Sir James George Frazer[1922] Chapter 62. The Fire-Festivals of Europe.

Unfortunately for the poor boy, the victim would then be referred to as dead for as long as people remembered for the year.

“Similarly at the Beltane fires in Scotland the pretended victim was seized, and a show made of throwing him into the flames, and for some time afterwards people affected to speak of him as dead.” “The Golden Bough,” by Sir James George Frazer (1922)

Luckily, in other places, the sacrificed only had to jump the fire(typically either three or seven times), then that would be the end of it.

“….then lots are cast, and he on whom the lot falls, must leap seven times over the fire, while the young folks dance round in a circle. Then they cook their eggs and cakes, and all sit down to eat and drink and rise up to play.” Old Scottish Customs, Local and General by Ellen Emma Guthrie 1885

For others, it was not as dramatic.

"While the fire was blazing, a common meal was partaken, part of which was offered to the spirit of the fire." “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

After making and kneading a bannock, the boys would bake it on a flat stone placed on embers. When it is properly baked, they divide it to the same number of people there is in the group (trying to keep the pieces the same shape).

"They kindle a fire , and dress & repast of eggs and milk of the consistence of a custard . They knead a cake of oatmeal , which is toasted at the embers against a stone . After the custard is eaten up , they divide the cake into so many portions , as similar as possible to one another in size and shape , as there are persons in the company ." PERTHSHIRE . In Sinclair’s Stat . Acc . of Scotland ( 1794 , vol . xi . p . 620 ) British Popular Customs, Present and Past; Illustrating the Social and Domestic

Only one piece is selected and covered with charcoal until it is completely black.

That done, all the pieces are placed in a bonnet, and everyone is blindfolded to pick out a piece. The person who is holding the bonnet gets the last.

Whoever was unlucky enough to pick up the black piece is the symbolized sacrifice and must jump the fire three times.

“The boy, to whose share the black piece falls, is obliged to leap three times through the flames, at which the repast was prepared.” Statistical Account of Scotland, 1794, XI. 620, Witchcraft & Second Sight in The Highlands and Islands of Scotland

For others still, they would take a bannock, face towards the fire, and break a piece of the bannock while throwing it over the shoulder as an offering of protection. The request was different for each throw.

‘This I give to thee, preserve thou my horses,’ and ‘This to thee, preserve thou my sheep,’ and so on. After that they use the same ceremony to the noxious animals, This I give thee, O fox, spare thou my lambs! This to thee, O hooded crow! This to thee, O eagle!’ When the ceremony is over they dine on the caudle.” “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

Fires

The Beltane fires were man’s response to the attack of the powers of darkness which were believed to be abroad with peculiar force at this season. “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

A large heap of old thatch, straw, or other materials were piled. Traditionally, this was done on a hill.

“To the south of the Forth several sites are known to have been specially associated with Beltane fires. In Lanarkshire two such sites were, the hills of Tinto and Dechmont. “Tinto, indeed, means the hill of fire. It was used for beacon-fires as well as for those connected with nature-festivals, and was well adapted for the purpose, being 2335 feet above the sea, and 1655 feet above the Clyde at its base. Though not nearly so high, Dechmont hill commands a splendid view over the neighbouring country. Early in the present century a quantity of charcoal was discovered near its summit hidden beneath a stratum of fine loam. The country people around expressed no surprise at the discovery, as they were familiar with the tradition that the spot had been used for the kindling of Beltane fires. In Peeblesshire, too, the Beltane festival long held its ground. Folklore of Scottish Lochs and Springs

For some, this would serve as the need-fire; which was a purification fire that was lit by friction.

"Tein-ēigin, neid-fire, need-fire, forced fire, fire produced by the friction of wood or iron against wood." Carmina Gadelica, Volume 2, by Alexander Carmicheal, [1900]

It was a saining practice done on quarter-days, when there was some sort of calamity, or just when someone needed extra luck for an especially important event. It was considered bad luck to bring fire out of the house or gift any to someone on the day. For Bealtane, two fires might be lit, and cattle would be driven through to purify them.

"When the sacred fire became kindled, the people rushed home and brought their herds and drove them through and round the fire of purification, to sain them from the ‘bana bhuitseach mhor Nic Creafain,’–the great arch witch daughter Cranford, Mac Creafain, now Crawford." Carmina Gadelica, Volume 2, by Alexander Carmicheal, [1900]

After, the ashes would be scattered, sometimes with yells to “burn the witches.” The intent was to destroy and scare off the forces of evil, which would allow the area to become fertile.

“The fire in consuming them destroyed the powers hostile to man, purified the air, and allowed man and beast and vegetation to thrive and become fertile.” The circumambulating the fields with blazing branches carried the virtue to areas a considerable distance from the bonfire. “ “Primitive Beliefs in the North-East of Scotland,” by Joseph McKenzie McPherson (1929)

It would work in a way, too. The ash would fertilize the soil, helping to make it healthier for the coming growing season.

Other

Another significant ceremony, as showing the adoration of nature, was the combat between winter and summer which took place on May-day (Laa-boaldyn); the latter, which was represented by a young girl, decorated with leaves, being victorious, and thus typifying the victory of Nature’s reproductive power. The Folk-Lore of the Isle of Man by A. W. Moore[1891]

"On the night preceding it, i.e. Beltane eve, witches were awake, and went about as hares, to take their produce (toradh), milk, butter, and cheese, from the cows. People who believed in their existence were as earnest to counteract their machinations. Tar was put behind the ears of the cattle, and at the root of the tail; the animals were sprinkled with urine to keep them from fighting; the house was hung with rowan-tree, etc., etc. By having a churning past and a cheese made (muidhe ’s mulchag) before sunrise, the Fairies were kept away from the farm for the rest of the year. If any came to ask for rennet (deasgainn), it should not on any account be given to them. It would be used for taking the substance out of the giver’s own dairy produce.When the day arrived, it was necessary, whatever the state of the weather, though people sank ankle deep in snow, or (as the Gaelic idiom has it), though snow came over the shoes, to get the cattle away to the summer pastures among the hills (àiridh)." Witchcraft & Second Sight in The Highlands and Islands of Scotland

John Duncan’s “Riders of the Sidhe” (1911) “The artist here represents the fairy folk “setting forth on a Beltane eve in a kind of ritualistic procession, carrying symbols of their faith and power, and their good pleasure dowering mortals with spiritual gifts.” E.A. Taylor; Art. Some Pictures by John Duncan in The Studio, Vol. 80 (1930)

#folklore #scottish folklore #fairies #fairy #fae #scottish mythology #mythology #scottish #scottishfolklore #FairyDays #beltane #Bealtiunn #Beltaine #may 1 #ImportantScottishDays

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thewales · 2 years

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The King and Queen Consort have been seen driving through the village of Ballater close to Balmoral as they make their way to Aberdeen airport where they will fly back to London.

#queen camilla #King Charles III #brf #queen elizabeth ii

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princessanneftw · 2 years

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla have left Balmoral and are on their way to Aberdeen Airport for their return journey to London.

#:(#feels so strange writing that #queen elizabeth ii #prince charles #camilla #british royal family #brf

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coraofwales · 2 years

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King Charles III and the Queen have left Balmoral and are en route to Aberdeen airport

#i haven’t been able to stop watching the news #source is bbc btw

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grandmaster-anne · 1 year

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Court Circular | 18th January 2023

Balmoral Castle

The King this afternoon attended a Reception for British Muslim Faith Leaders participating in the Mosaic Leadership Programme at Dumfries House, Cumnock, Ayrshire. His Majesty this evening received Sir Ian Cheshire (Chairman, The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund) and Ms N Jeffery (Chief Executive Officer) at Dumfries House. The Queen Consort, Chancellor, this morning visited the Science Teaching Hub at the University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Aberdeen (Councillor David Cameron, the Lord Provost). The Princess Royal, on behalf of The King, held an Investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse this morning. Her Royal Highness, on behalf of His Majesty, held an Investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse this afternoon.

Kensington Palace

The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this morning visited Foxcubs Nursery, 30A Runley Road, Luton, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire (Mrs Susan Lousada).

St James’s Palace

The Countess of Wessex this afternoon received the Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP (Minister of State for Development and Africa).

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Princess Royal, Chancellor, the University of Edinburgh, this evening held the Chancellor’s Dinner at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and was received by the Reverend Neil Gardner (Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh).

#court circular #princess anne #princess royal #king charles iii #queen camilla #princess of wales #countess of wessex

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trashcanband4 · 2 years

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The Bastards Ch. 1

Fandom: Reign (2013) Pairing: Sebastian (Bash) x Oc. Setting: French Royal Court. Warnings: None The Bastards Masterlist

The BastardsCh. 1

"The Bastards gotta stick together, right?" Ten year old Liam Hayes taunted his seven year old sister Maisie where she stood next to King Henry's bastard son, Sebastian.

"I'm not a bastard!" Maisie yelled, stomping her little foot into the snow with her gloved hands on her hips.

"Yeah ya are." Her other brother Jack, two years older than her, argued.

"Am not!" Maisie yelled back. Her face red with anger.

"Are so! Why do you think you have red hair and brown eyes when Momma and papa have blond hair and blue eyes like us?" Liam asked with an attitude.

"Let's go play." Sebastian, three years older than her, grabbed her hand and started pulling her away from her brothers.

"Gladly." Maisie grumbled and followed after Sebastian while the two boys behind them chanted, "Bastards stick together, bastards sick together."

RRRRRRRRRR

The carriage hit a hole in the king's road, jerking Maisie awake. "Have a good nap?" Greer asked her from where she sat on the opposite bench.

"I've had better." Maisie answered, stretching her neck. "Do we know how much longer it'll be?"

Kenna, who was sitting beside Greer, looked out the window. "We're here."

Maisie was the last one out of the carriage and as she was stretching her legs when a second carriage pulled up in front of the French court from the opposite direction as the one that had contained the five eighteen year old girls who were Queen Mary's ladies in waiting. "There's Mary." Aylee, the more shy of the five girls, said excitedly as Queen Mary stepped out of the black and gold carriage, her eyes instantly finding her ladies making a smile stretch over her pretty face as she walked over to them. The five girls curtsied before Mary embraced them in a could of giggles.

“We missed you so much.” Kenna said as they all pulled away and looked at their friend.

“Oh, Kenna, Maisie, Greer…I’m so happy to see you.” Mary told them, holding Kenna and Aylee’s hands as they were closest to her in the circle they’d formed. “Lola, Aylee…we’re all together again.”

At the sound of scuffling feet they all turned to see that people had lined up on each side of the sidewalk leading to the castle’s main door. “Mary, you’re hair. Didn’t the nuns teach you anything?” Greer asked as she hastily attempted to fix Mary’s windblown, slightly frizzy hair before the royal family could see her like that.

Mary, however, was more interested in the trunks that were getting taken from the carriage that contained the ladies' things. “Oh, Greer, those can't all be clothes.” Mary said noticing most of the trunks bore Greer's family crest.

“There’s jewelry and silver too. Making up in volume for what I lack in station I suppose.” Greer replied, making them all giggle.

Horns were blown, drawing everyone's attention to the castle. “Here they come.” Kenna said, clearly eager to see the king, queen and Mary’s betrothed.

“His royal highness King Henry the second!” someone announced as the horns continued to play.

“Well, that’s King Henry, but…is that Catherine?” Mary asked, taking a step away from where she’d stood in a line with her ladies.

“No, they’re still waiting on her.” Kenna answered. “That’s Diane De Poitiers, his mistress.”

“So the rumors are true.” Aylee said with a bit of a judging look at Diane. Maisie however, didn't look down on Diane and instead gave the woman a small smile, unsure if she'd remember her.

“Unlike her you’ll have no trouble finding husbands here.” Lola added.

“Oh we’ll certainly enjoy the hunt.” Kenna said with a look at Greer, Aylee and Maisie then looked at Lola. “What about you?” Lola gave her a flat look, making Kenna roll her eyes. “Eh, don’t tell me. It’s about that boy from Aberdeen.” Kenna sing songed the last word mockingly.

“Colin said he’d wait for me.” Lola told her, a little upset by Kenna’s prodding.

“Till when? We might never be back on Scottish soil. Not if it all works out and Mary reigns here.” Greer pointed out.

“What do you mean if?” Aylee asked.

“Make no mistake. We’re here now to get our young queen in the game.” They all looked at Greer with frowns. “Alliances can shift. Before they do, Mary needs to win the prince's heart.”

Kenna rushed to Mary's side excitedly. “Is that Francis? He’s gorgeous.”

Maisie looked up to see a dark haired, light blue eyed man who was, as Kenna just said, very gorgeous.

“No, that’s not Francis. I know it isn’t.” Mary answered, sounding very sure of herself.

“That’s Sebastian.” Maisie replied as she moved to stand beside Kenna.

“Diane’s son. I hear the king favors him.” Kenna added.

Maisie watched as Sebastian walked around the king and his mother to stand behind them. More horns were blown as queen Catherine was announced and walked to stand slightly in front of Diane. Not long after, a blond-haired, pale skinned, clearly royal man, avoided the sidewalk altogether and moved to stand across from Mary. After he bowed to her the two young royals engaged in an amusing greeting that made the ladies giggle at their queen before they started down the path into the castle.

RRRRRRRRRR

Mary's ladies stood in a room with a stuffy woman dressed in black. “You have returned to the court at your own queens bidding. As nobile ladys you must counsel her. Prepare her, account for her. For the princess Elizabeth's wedding, as with any event, you must acquaint yourselves and Mary with all visiting royal and dignitaries. Who amongst you is fluent in italian?”

They all just looked at one another before their eyes settled on Aylee. “I suppose I am.” she spoke up though it sounded more like a question.

“You will sit next to the pope’s cousin.” the stiff woman answered before she took in a deep breath and rolled her eyes. “He has no teeth and speaks very quickly.” The other girls giggled, Maisie only cracked a smile and smacked Kenna on the arm faining disapproval.

RRRRRRRRRR

Now in Mary's chambers the girls played around with makeup, jewelry and dresses. "Maisie, try this one." Lola said as she held up a lavender gown with silver beading on the satin corseted bodice and a flowing skirt of tulle. "It'll go good with your hair." Maisie took the dress, iffy about the tight corseted top. She usually opted for more loose fitting dresses for fear of being too much attention to herself.

After putting it on and letting Kenna lace up the back she looked at herself in the full length mirror. Most women would kill for Maisie's hourglass waist, but she hated it. "Where have you been hiding that waist?" Kenna asked as she took a step back. Maisie blushed as she picked up a purple beaded headband.

"Away from the eyes of the boys back home hoping to snag a wife." Maisie answered as she put the headband on.

"Are you saying you don't want a husband?" Mary asked where she sat at a dressing mirror applying kohl to her eyelids.

"I'm saying I didn't want a Scottish husband. We've all known since we were children that we would return to France eventually. It was just a matter of when and..." Maisie paused debating if she wanted to tell them the truth.

"And what?" Mary asked.

"Okay…I know this is going to sound silly but when we lived here as children, I promised my heart to a boy. I'm hoping to find him." she answered as she tied the band behind her head then adjusted the lock of hair to the left of her face that was always braided with silver beads intertwined into it.

"It's been nine years. Don't you worry he's forgotten you?" Aylee asked.

"Yes, that is a concern, I’m sure he will remember me just as I remember him." Maisie shrugged.

"Are all these gowns really from Paris?" Greer asked, changing the subject as she finished putting on a dress with a green boddes and cream satin skirt.

"Yes, every single one." Aylee answered where she was trying a gold beaded belt around the waist of her soft pink dress.

"If Collin could see me now he'd marry me in a second." Lola said as she twirled in her cream dress with green beading. "I look of age now. We all do."

"You know what I'd like to do?" Aylee asked and they all looked at her. "Explore. We haven't been here since we were children. Surely the castle has changed. Who's with me?"

"I am." Lola answered.

"Go, I'll catch up. There's something I want to see." Marry told her ladies as they all rushed out the door.

RRRRRRRRRR

At the wedding reception Maisie was standing with Aylee and Mary when Colin, who had decided he couldn’t wait to be with Lola and came to be with her, walked up and offered Mary a glass of wine. “Your grace, beautiful evening is it not?” he asked as she took the glass from him. When he kneeled and kissed Mary’s hand Maisie's eyes found Lola, watching from a few feet away, a hurt look in her eyes.

As soon as Collin walked away Mary noticed she’d accidently hurt Lola. “Maisie, I want to go dance.” Mary told her as she took her hand.

“It’s improper to dance alone.” Maisie argued, but she didn’t let go.

“I won’t be alone.” Mary argued and Maisie looked at Aylee for help.

She received none and Mary only released her hold on Maisie's hand to grab Lola's. “Lola come dance with me.” Lola looked at her the same way Maisie had, like she was crazy. “Take off your shoes. Come on, dance with me, take off your shoes.” Mary encouraged her ladies so they all kicked off our shoes and followed her out onto the empty dance floor.

As they grabbed hands and circled together as if playing a game of ring around the rosie, Maisie felt herself letting go, feeling like a carefree child. A girlish giggle left her lips as the larger circle broke and she and Greer grabbed hands, twirling around a few times before she let go and all of the ladies danced freely around their spinning queen. Eventually others joined in with them.

When feathers started falling from overhead, Maisie stopped and looked up. Still, with a smile upon her face she watched a feather float down until Greer sweeped by, making her lose track of it and insead, notice the light blue eyes of Sebastian looking right at her. Butterflies stirred in the pit of her stomach and only picked up speed when he gave her a soft smile.

A yelp slipped from her lips and pulled her out of the moment when Aylee grabbed her hand and Greer grabbed the other, pulling her back into a dancing circle that formed around Mary, who once again twirled, her arms above her head. As soon as the music was done everyone started exiting the ballroom. “Why’s everybody leaving?” Mary asked, slightly out of breath.

“It’s time for the consummation.” Lola answered.

“The ritual, the ceremony, the mystery…aren’t you curious?” Kenna said as she grabbed Mary’s hand and pulled her after everyone else.

“Where are we going?” Maisie asked when they branched off from the people who followed the royal couple into the bedchamber.

“I played in this area often as a child. I know where we can watch without getting caught.” Kenna answered quietly.

“You mean they really watch them…you know?” Aylee asked innocently.

“It’s tradition for royals.” Greer answered.

“Yes, but we’re not allowed." Aylee argued as they came to a stop in a small dark corridor. A curtain hung on the wall.

"Don't you wanna know what you're in for someday?" Kenna asked, wonder and curiosity clear in her voice as she pulled the curtain aside. Kenna always had been the most curious when it came to men. They watched the servants ready Elizabeth for bed before Philip walked in, wearing only a long night shirt.

Elizabeth looked around, nervous about the other eyes in the room watching them. But Philip cupped his hands on each side of her face, making her see only him before they kissed. From the way Elizabeth relaxed it was clear she'd already forgotten everyone else but him. They watched until long after Philip had laid her back on the bed doing things that pulled sighs and moans from both of them as everyone watched their silhouettes move in time as one. "We should go." Aylee spoke up, pulling the rest of them from their thoughts before they followed Aylee out of the corridor and into the hallway.

"Split up." Mary whispered so they all went in different directions.

Maisie had found her way back to the ballroom, hoping to snag one of the berry tartlets she'd spotted before. Unfortunately the tray was now empty. "Drat." She sighed to herself.

"Worked up an appetite, have you?" The voice of Sebastian came from behind her and a smile took over her lips before she wiped it off her face and turned around. "What with all that dancing."

"I may have." She answered and as a server walked by Sebastian took a pomegranate tart off the tray and held it out to her. "Thank you, Bash."

"You're welcome, Maisie." He told her with a soft smile as he watched her take a bite of the tart.

"Is it safe to assume you remember me?" Maisie asked. "Or have you simply familiarized yourself with the names of Mary's ladies?"

"I remember you." He told her with a twinkle in his eyes. "A boy never forgets his childhood love."

A blush colored her cheeks as she laughed. "Childhood love huh?"

"I did vow to marry you one day." He pointed out.

"Actually you wished it, on a shooting star, when I was seven." She corrected him.

"I was sure you would have forgotten about that and me." He said with a look of wonder in his eyes.

"A girl never forgets her childhood love." She answered with a blush and a shy smile.

"Would you like to take a walk with me?" He asked as he held out his hand.

"I'd love to." She answered as she took his offered hand.

They made their way outside into the cool night air. "So how does it feel, being back at court?" Bash asked.

"Nostalgic." She answered. "It has me remembering things I'd forgotten about."

"Like what?" Bash asked as they walked along the sidewalk.

"Like how we climbed that tree over there. My bare foot slipped off the limb and I got a huge splinter." She said with a point to the large tree in the distance.

"I remember that. I brought you to my mother and she got the splinter out." Bash added.

"She was so kind to me even though my parents looked down their noses at her." Maisie replied.

"I'm sure they looked down on me too. I'm surprised they even let you play with me." Bash added.

"They didn't look down on you." Maisie replied, earning an interested look from him. "If anything I think they pitied you a bit. They said you couldn't help the situation you were born into."

"I know for sure your father didn't like me." He argued.

"I think that may have had more to do with the fact that you were sweet on his daughter." Maisie told him with a pointed look.

Bash laughed "You're probably right. How are they, your parents?"

Maisie's eyes fell. "They passed away, not long after we moved back to Scotland. Our house caught fire, my brothers and I made it out, they didn't."

"I'm so sorry." Bash said as he rubbed her hand in his with his thumb.

"It's fine." She answered as she steered them over to the stone half wall of the pathway they'd been walking and let go of Bash's hand to place hers on the wall, looking out at the lake. "My uncle, father's brother, took us in. He and my aunt had no children of their own." A comfortable silence settled over them. Eventually Maisie's eyes moved from the lake to Bash's hands that rested on the stone wall beside hers. A small smile stretched her lips as she turned toward him, rested her hip on the wall and held her right hand out to him. He took it and slipped his pointer finger over a small scar on the fatty part of her palm between her thumb and wrist. "Do you still have yours?" She asked.

He held his left hand out to her, showing her the scar on the same part of his hand. She pressed her palm to his, like they had when their scars were fresh, bleeding cuts, inflicted by the sharp blade of Bash's hunting knife. "I know it's none of my business but I have to know-"

"There's no one else." She answered knowing what he was about to ask because she was dying to know the same. The worry on his face eased. "Never has been, though the people back home would give you a different answer."

"What does that mean?" He asked with curious wide eyes.

She laughed. "There's this boy, Keelan, we're best friends, nothing more, but we let people think there was more to protect him from gossip." She explained. "We figured out when we were fourteen that he prefers boys. If people found out it wouldn't be good for him. So since I had no interest in other boys and he had no interest in girls, we used our friendship to protect him." She looked away from their hands and into his eyes. "What about you? Is the gossip true?"

"Depends, what's the gossip say about me?" He asked, looking amused.

"I think the words Aylee used were "He has a terrible reputation with women." Though I didn't get any specifics and I don't know her source." Maisie answered.

"There have been others." He answered. Her shoulders and heart fell. She tried to take her hand off his but he slipped his fingers between hers and closed them. "They meant nothing to me."

"Any man can say that." She whispered, her eyes on their hands. His gripping her relaxed one.

"I mean it." Bash assured her. "Give me a chance to prove it?"

She took her time thinking about it. He could have lied about his past, but he owned up to it. She wasn't stupid. Girls were pressured to safeguard their virtue while boys weren't considered men if they were still virgins at a certain age. After the promises they'd made as children and nine years of saving herself for Bash she owed it to both of them to give him a chance. So she closed her fingers, holding his hand. "Don't make me regret it."

"I wouldn't dare. Especially if you can still throw that punch I taught you." He replied and she laughed. “Not only did you bloody your knuckles but my nose as well.”

“I only did what you told me to.” Maisie said defensively. “And you healed just fine. I can’t say the same for the poor boy back home. His nose is still a bit crooked.”

“And what offense landed him on the receiving end of your dainty, and clearly still powerful, fist?” Bash asked.

“He thought it would be a good idea to grab my backside.” she answered. “It was like an instinct I didn’t know I had. I turned and punched before I'd even fully registered what had happened. I got in so much trouble for that.”

“You got in trouble?” Bash asked with a frown. “He was the one in the wrong.”

“It’s not proper for a Lady to know how to throw a punch.” she said with a roll of her eyes.

“Every woman should know how to defend themselves, titled or otherwise.” Bash argued.

“I agree with you.” Maisie said with a smirk. “And I have you to thank for not just that moment of self defense but several others over the years. So, thank you.”

Bash gave her a soft smile. “You’re welcome.”

"I should probably turn in for the night." Maisie pointed out realizing it had gotten late.

"Then I'll bid you goodnight like a gentleman." He told her as he moved her hand around in his, brought it to his lips and kissed the back of it.

She closed the space between them, stood on her tiptoes and placed a kiss to his stubbly cheek. "Goodnight, Bash."

#reign #reign fanfiction #sebastian x oc #bash x oc #reign sebastian #reign sebastian x oc #reign bash x oc #reign bash #bash fanfiction #reign bash fanfiction #reign 2013 #reign sebastian fanfiction

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queen-victoria-roses · 11 months

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On this day, 7th June 1844, a reception was held in the Saloon at Buckingham Palace for Emperor Nicholas I of Russia and the King of Saxony.

Queen Victoria’s journal:

“Breakfast the same, as all these mornings, after the Emperor had been to Prayers, with Albert. — At a little before 11, we set off for Slough, with the Emperor & King, taking the train there. When we were in the carriage the Emperor kissed my hand & pressed it with great warmth, saying he must thank me for all my kindness to him at Windsor, & he also thanked Albert. No one was in our railway saloon but ourselves & the Sovereigns. There was an immense crowd at Paddington station & all the way to Buckingham Palace, which we reached at 12. Took the Emperor to his rooms, for he lodges here now, as well as almost the whole of his suite. — I rested, & wrote, &c —. The Emperor came upstairs, to Albert's room, just before luncheon, & then led me down to the small Drawingroom, where we lunched with him & the King. The Emperor began to talk about politics & did so very frankly & fairly, — much in the same strain, as he did to me, the other evening, viz: of Austria & the terrible position that country was in, — with the Sovereign a complete cypher, the Archdukes taking no part in anything, & the Nobility being of no assistance whatever; that someone must stand by them & support them, & must not shut one's eyes in tranquillity, but be prepared for what the future may bring. He regretted & dreaded the growing fanaticism about religion, & appealed to the King, if he was not right in thinking it very bad. The latter, quite agreed, for though he is a very good Roman Catholic, has extremely liberal religious views. Then the Emperor talked of the King of Prussia, saying much the same about him, as he had before; - of the Diet, & of his great wish to keep things as they were; - that I could rely (& I must say I do trust his word) upon him, & trusted he might rely on me, to which I of course, suited, & bowed assent that he wished our keeping together, not to be in the slightest degree exclusive of others. Albert often put in a clever word of his. The Emperor said that because he spoke so "franchement", he had been accused of having "des arrières pensées" & being prompted by "le Diable". "Mais je trouve que le Diable ne parle pas quelquefois si Mal," he added, laughing. When we got up from luncheon, he kissed my hand, begging my pardon for having said all he had, but that he had been anxious to lose no opportunity of being well understood. - Walked out with Albert & it was very mild. - Rested, when we came in & wrote. - Punctually at 8 we dined. Besides our suites & ourselves & Ld Aberdeen, Aunt Gloucester. The Gentlemen were all in full dress uniform, the Emperor looking very magnificent & dignified. The servants were in their state liveries & the whole dinner was a very fine sight. I sat as usual between the Sovereigns. After dinner there come about 259 invited guests, & all the rooms were thrown open. I presented some of the Ladies to the Emperor, who was extremely kind & civil about it, & full of anxiety lest I should fatigue myself too much. Whilst Albert was presenting all the Gentlemen, I sat with Aunt Gloucester, in the Saloon, & they joined us afterwards. The Emperor only sat down for a moment near me, as he walked about for the greater part of the evening. At ¼ to 11, we went into the Throne Room, where refreshments were served, the Emperor leading me in, & after a little while, we returned to the Saloon. At ½ p. 11, we all retired. Felt very glad that everything had gone off so well. Naturally, I felt very tired. -”

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justforbooks · 2 years

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Queen Elizabeth II has died, Buckingham Palace announces

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.

With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

"The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

All the Queen's children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way.

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com

#JUST FOR BOOKS #Queen Elizabeth II #in memoriam

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scotianostra · 8 months

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Marion Patterson nee Chalmers, was born on August 26th 1911 in Aberdeen.

Marions parents emigrated to canade in 1919, where she lived for 20 years, in August 1939, she, her husband Guthrie Patterson, (who hailed from Dundee,) and their son Douglas moved back to Aberdeen.

War broke out shortly after moving back to Aberdeen, Scotland in 1939, and Marion enlisted as an ambulance driver. She really enjoyed her job and attended classes when not on duty to become more proficient in her work. She became a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star and belonged to the White Shrine. Marion was Queen in the order of the White Shrine for two years and was also Prelate in the Order of the Amaranth for a number of years. In the summer of 1942, an emergency bulletin was issued, "All Canadian children and parents wishing to return to Canada, should apply to a steamship office in Glasgow." Marion did not think the War would last very long, but, the thought of taking Douglas to the shelter every night, effects on his schooling and his health, made her decide to send him to her mother in Toronto. She wanted to stay with the ambulance service until the War was over so that she and her husband could return to Toronto together. The next day, two Red Cross ships carrying Canadian children and 200 wounded, were torpedoed in the Glasgow harbour. Her son Douglas was not injured. The damaged ships returned to Glasgow for 10 days for repair and eventually made their way safely to Toronto.

The War raged on, the damage to Aberdeen was indescribable and times were bleak. Marion decided to open her own Hairdressing salon, which had been a dream of hers for many years. She did this with enthusiasm and was very happy to be working at hairdressing again after such a long while. Marion wanted to contribute in some way and in October of 1942, became a Senior Fire Guard for the Civil Defence in Aberdeen, Scotland. One day, while on duty, Marion was using a stirrup pump to extinguish a burning building on South Market Street, when she heard cries for help coming from the building. With stirrup pump in hand, she could see a way to start burrowing under some walls that had collapsed. It took quite some time, but she managed to get to the sailor who was trapped below. Unfortunately, his legs were trapped under some timber beams and Marion could not free him. He was too weak to help. She looked around and found some loose pieces of wood and by pushing on the loose pieces, had enough leverage to partially lift the timber. At that point, the sailor was able to wiggle himself loose. Marion kept calling above for help and finally a rope was lowered through the damaged walls. She was able to tie the rope around the sailor's waist and with help got him out of the burning building. They were both exhausted, but safe. One minute after escaping from the building, it collapsed.

The incident was written up in the London Gazzette on December 4, 1942. Marion was invited to attend at Buckingham Palace on the 12th of February 1943 to receive a presentation of the George Medal by King George VI. During the presentation, it was announced that Marion was the first street Fire Guard to win a medal while engaged in fire duties. As part of the award, Marion was also selected for portraiture in a special section of the National Gallery of England set aside for heroes and heroines of the blitz. She was also invited to be a guest at Balmoral Castle so as to be able to visit at any time she wished, for the remainder of her life. The famous Scots Artist, Mr. Robert Sivell, R.S.A. had been commissioned by King George VI to paint Marion's portrait. Mr. Sivell worked at the Aberdeen College of Art and Marion was scheduled to meet with him for several sittings.

Marion kept the portrait a secret from her family because it came as such a surprise to her; she wanted it to be a big surprise to them too. She was able to dash away from her hairdressing shop to attend special sittings for the portrait. When it was finally completed, Marion again attended Buckingham Place for the presentation. The original painting was hung in the National Gallery, London, England and was shown in a Special Wing for Heroes and Heroines of the 1939-1945 War. Her portrait had the honour of hanging between General Eisenhower and General Montgomery. Two replicas were also created and a sketch in black and white. One replica is in the Ottawa, Ontario War Museum in Canada and was part of the Women at War Display in 1985. The black and white sketch was sent to the Gallery in Aberdeen, Scotland. Just under 40 women in UK were awarded the UK George Medal. Marion was awarded another 5 medals during WWII for her actions as a Civil Defence Senior Fire Guard. Her medals are on display at the Aberdeen Art Gallery having been purchased in 2005 by the Aberdeen City Council and the Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums. They form part of the Artists at War display.

Marion moved back to Toronto after the war where she worked as a hairdresser and lived with her family until her death. She enjoyed traveling and was able to make many trips to Scotland and England. She faced many challenges throughout her life during and after the war, including breast cancer in 1975, which she also battled and conquered. She had three grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. She is shown below in August of 1982 with husband Guthrie and great grandson Darryl James Wannamaker.

#scotland #scottish #history #world war two #heroine #war heroine #scots-canadian

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hummingbird-of-light · 1 year

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Against All Odds

Part 275

McCoy

“I’d love to see more of Aberdeen,” McCoy said in answer to Francine. “But whatever you guys want to do is fine too.”

“Are ye sure that’s a good idea?” Robbie asked.

McCoy looked over at the younger boy.

“I just meant, it’s only a day since, yer father… wouldn’t that just make headlines?”

McCoy raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“What do ye mean?” Scotty asked his brother.

“Well,” Robbie began to color as they all looked at him. “Wouldn’t the papers try to make it into a bad thing? ‘Prince out having fun, while king is laid up?’”

“Robbie has a point sir,” Spock said.

McCoy let out a sigh. Robbie was right.

“That’s a bright lad, Robert,” said Granddad proudly.

“I guess I should check into that with Father. Or Leah I suppose,” said McCoy. He hid a smile as he looked over at Robbie again. Some of Leah’s royal sensibilities must be rubbing off.

“I could use a hand with some things around the house,” said Granddad, “if that isn’t below ye.”

“Never,” McCoy returned a smile to Granddad. “What things?”

“The garden’s looking a wee bit ragged. It needs some tending too. It’s getting harder to keep up and harder to admit that,” Granddad chuckled.

Scotty’s knee pressed harder into McCoy’s. As McCoy thought about it, it was the first time he had heard such a laugh out of Granddad. It had a warm, rich note to it.

“Of course we’ll help,” Scotty said.

Jim was the only one who looked pained at the idea of doing chores. Scotty and Robbie were used to it, Spock had his own jobs to keep up at the palace and McCoy enjoyed opportunities to get his hands dirty.

“Ye can help me in here Jim,” Francine said. Her smile had a secret hidden in it. Jim looked over in interest, and nodded.

After breakfast, McCoy sat in Scotty’s room with his PADD. He and Jim had finally each moved their things between rooms. Granddad had told them to take a bit of time before he would need them outside. McCoy decided to call Leah and see how their father was doing.

He was watching Scotty work on something at his desk and missed when Leah answered.

“Hi Lenny.”

McCoy jumped as his eyes darted back to the screen.

“Hey. How’s Father today?”

“Continuing to improve. Dr. Boyce is quite pleased with how he’s recovering.”

“Good.” There was relief in the word. “Umm, did you have a good chat last night?”

Leah stared at her brother before answering. “Yes.”

“Good,” McCoy said again. “I won’t pry, but did you get yourselves on the same page about everything?”

Leah slowly nodded. McCoy could see her slight hesitation.

“We did.”

“Glad to hear it.”

McCoy saw Scotty turn his head slightly as if trying to hear.

“Hey, so another question, we had thought about going to town today, but Robbie pointed out that might look bad. Is there a magic number of days we should wait? Wouldn’t want to cause any stupid articles about an uncaring prince.”

“Ugh,” Leah groaned. “That’s a good point. Not that we care about those because we know the truth, but good for him for catching that. Maybe wait until Father is released to go back home? That should just be another day or two.”

“Ok. I just wanted to check first,” McCoy said. “I’ll let you get back to being queen now.” He grinned.

“Take care Leonard.”

“Bye.”

McCoy sat the PADD aside and stood. Crossing over he wrapped his arms around Scotty from behind.

“Ready to go help Granddad?” he asked.

Part 276

Scotty

Scotty hadn’t meant to pry but he couldn’t help overhearing the talk between Leonard and Leah either. Were they talking about Robbie? They had to. And Scotty wondered what their call had been about. But he wouldn’t ask. It was none of his business after all.

The Scotsman’s eyes were still fixed on his little project when Leonard wrapped his arms around him.

“Ready to go help Granddad?”

Scotty nodded slowly, not looking up from his work though.

“Aye, just a wee moment.”

He felt Leonard’s chin resting on his shoulder as his boyfriend eyed his movements closely.

“What are you working on?”

Scotty smiled to himself.

“Just a wee surprise for someone’s birthday.”

“Birthday?” Scott heard the confusion in Leonard’s voice. The prince seemed surprised since it obviously wasn’t his birthday Scotty was talking about.

“Granddad’s.”

Now Leonard’s head finally moved and he stepped beside Scotty, staring at him in disbelief.

“What? When?”

“Tomorrow.”

There was a sly smile on Scotty’s face and it only widened when he saw Leonard’s face.

“What?! Why didn’t you tell me? I… I don’t have anything for him.”

But Scotty quickly shook his head.

“Ye don’t need to. Granddad doesn’t care about presents. Or his birthday itself as a matter of fact. He just likes us to be there for him.”

Leonard still didn’t look too happy about not knowing earlier.

“But you have something.”

Scotty chuckled.

“Well… I can just say that it’s from both of us if that makes ye feel better. Aaaand… I’m done.”

Before Leonard could say anything, Scotty was already at his feet and kissed him.

The prince seemed taken aback by it a first but when Scotty pulled his head back and grinned, he just shook his head.

“Unbelievable.”

Scotty laughed before he pulled Leonard along.

“Let’s get to work. But, shhh, no word to Granddad. Mum is planning a surprise party for him and we have to keep him distracted by keeping him outside in the garden so she can bake and hide the presents.”

Now Leonard was smiling too.

“Ahh, so that’s what she needs Jim’s help for,” he said and Scotty nodded.

“Aye… I just hope the lad can keep his mouth shut.”

“Alright, yer highness, ready to get yer hands dirty?” Granddad asked Leonard once the boys got outside. There was a grin on his face but Scotty knew that he was just teasing the prince.

“Always. I am actually quite excellent at gardening. Just ask Mother.”

Scotty could believe that. He knew that Leonard was quite athletic so a wee bit of work in the garden would be easy for him.

“Well then… how about the two of ye take care of the huge laurel. It’s gotten far too big over the year.”

Scotty exhanged a glance with his boyfriend.

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

Together they would surely be able to cut that tree down.

#star trek #montgomery scott #leonard mccoy #scones #au #against all odds

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