What with all the hoopla about "The King's Speech" winning Best Picture this year, I thought it would be timely to show you Glamis Castle where the Queen Mother grew up in Scotland. I had the privilege of visiting this stunning home in 1998 with my #1 daughter Jamie as we toured England, Scotland, and a bit of Wales.The family has lived in Glamis Castle since 1372 when Sir John Lyon was granted the thaneage by King Robert II. In 1376, Sir John married the King's daughter, Princess Joanna and since then, Glamis has been visited and lived in by many members of the Scottish and British Royal Families. The current Lord Strathmore lives in the castle with his wife and three sons.
I didn't take many photos while there because I purchased the souvenir booklet. As such, except for the last photo of D#1 (the tiny white dot on the right) outside the front entrance to the castle, I've scanned a few photos of the rooms I personally visited and which really made me gasp in awe. Take note of the ceilings! I particularly liked the Chapel as it seems so personal, spiritual, and conducive to being in the presence of God. I hope you enjoy this little virtual visit to Glamis Castle. We start with the Line of Descent. Please enlarge the photos to see detail. Once the photos are enlarged, simply click on it again and you'll get an even larger, albeit a bit fuzzy view.
The Chapel....
Here is the Queen Mother's sitting room - the photo spread across the center of the page, hence the bit of distortion.
Wouldn't you love a game of billiards in this stunning room?
The Drawing Room (below) is where the Royals would entertain.
My daughter and I joke about "our arrival for tea with the Queen Mom" since she was still alive at the time of our visit. Click here to find out more about ABC Wednesday and be sure to check out other participants' contributions. Join in - the more the merrier! 
I just read the biography of the Queen Mother (it was 4 inches thick... phew!) During World War 1, Glamis Castle was used as a hospital for American and British Soldiers. All the soldiers fell in love with the beautiful young Elizabeth, and she received many (!!!) marriage proposals from them. She was born in 1900, so she was at the height of her teenage beauty during the war, and she was quite the girl -- spirited and flirtatious. She loved to play the piano and sing for the soldiers.
ReplyDeleteThe Queen Mother loved Glamis Castle, and I can see why. It looks like a very happy place. :-)
I loved The King's Speech. cool trip, and a genealogist's dream.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
Wow, just wonderful, Leslie. I adored the Queen Mum, what a sweetie she was, but with a mind of her own.
ReplyDelete-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
PS
ReplyDeleteSomething about Glamis, something literary, was peeking out of the back of my brain just long enough for me to catch a glimpse of it, then retreating, for hours.
Suddenly, just now, I thought "Macbeth" and of course that's it. A couple of mentions in Shakespeare's "Scottish play"! Whew, I'm glad that finally stopped taunting me.
-- K
I must see the King's Speech! Excellent post Leslie - Scotland? Now there's a possibility when you visit!
ReplyDeleteDenise
ABC Team
Enjoyed your post very much!! great shots as well, I must see The King's Speech!!
ReplyDeleteG is for...
Very Grand and magnificent Glamis castle!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post for the G Day! I'm looking forward to seeing the movie!! Your photos are terrific and what a lovely place -- it does indeed look like a happy place! Hope your week is going well!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
ABC Team
Fascinating! It looks like a glorious place to 'tea and pool' or to 'read and relax'.
ReplyDeleteI can see myself sitting in the Queen Mum's sitting room, curled up on the lovely sofa, in front of a roaring fire with a good book and a glass of wine...aahh!
ReplyDeleteJane x
A castle with a most interesting history Leslie - I first came across mention of it reading 'Macbeth' in long ago schooldays. Great choice for G!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post for G day! Love visiting castles and yours seems a very nice one to visit!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing;o)
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Have a great week****
Gorgeous! Great choice for this week's G.
ReplyDeleteG is for....
That billiard room is stunning. thanks for all the information and pictures. Great choice for the letter G.
ReplyDeleteFascinating post & photos. Shame on me I'd not heard of it before!
ReplyDeleteWonderful place to visit, I haven't seen the film yet but I am looking forward to seeing it.
ReplyDeleteWow-what a castle! Can't imagine cleaning it though...
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tour in Glamis Castle. Did you know it's said to be haunted by a sad lady sitting in one of the upstairs rooms? I am sorry that I didn't visit this castle. I saw several other castles in Scotland, Wales and England. I love castles, so I like your choice for G very much!
ReplyDeleteBeauty and perfection everywhere one looks. What a lovely place to grow up in.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have not seen the film yet but I might do so next week. I like visiting historic places. Thank you for showing this one. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe actually stayed in the grounds of Glamis Castle in our caravan in the 1980s. Driving through the gates with the van in tow was lovely.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous castle! I never got to see it when we were in Scotland/England many moons ago - but I did get a tour of a number of castles. Love the history of the renaissance especially!
ReplyDeletehave a wonderful weekend Leslie.
Not a bad pad, that!
ReplyDeleteoh those are great photos and a wonderful story....thank you
ReplyDelete