My favourite early pic of #QueenElizabethII With her maternal grandmother Cecilia, Countess of Strathmore, probably taken at St Pauls Walden when her parents, the Duke & Duchess of York, were on a royal tour of Australia & New Zealand #Royals #RoyalFamily #History

Lesley Downer, author of The Shortest History of Japan, looks at different roles taken by women during that country's history: court ladies, warrior women and courtesans. Through the ages, they've used their skills to make their voices heard. See more at bit.ly/HistoriaJapanW…

Glad I captured this second blooming a couple of days ago, before the deluge. Happily the buds are still hanging on in there. #Roses #gardens #Autumn #nature

Happy publication day to Lesley Downer's The Shortest History of Japan. ‘A terrific overview of Japan’s long and rich history’ Peter Frankopan ‘Brisk, brilliant and compulsively readable' Christopher Harding 'A delightful and illuminating read' Library Journal Lesley Downer

Visited lovely Lady Waterford Hall in Ford #Northumberland Louise, Countess of Waterford (1818-91) was a Pre-Raph watercolourist & philanthropist. On death of husb she re-built village incl. school (this hall). She painted frescoes using villagers' faces #artist #Victorian

Among the watercolours by Louise, Countess of Waterford in village of Ford, which she re-built & endowed, is this pic of a sick boy. So poignant, so #Victorian . #art #Northumberland #children

One more watercolour by Louise, Countess of Waterford (1818-91) in the hall she turned into a school in village of Ford #Northumberland This is 'James Williams after death,' dated 5 Dec 1888. He was a child of Louise's butler & his wife. So very poignant & #Victorian #art

Jane Seymour's bro Edward was Lord Protector to her son Ed VI & was created 1st Duke of Somerset. I've interviewed his descendant John, 19th Duke (and the Duchess) & met his son. So interesting seeing the past in the present. #History #Tudor #Royals

On the 80th anniversary of her death, #MI6 remembers Noor Inayat Khan, the first female wireless operator sent into occupied France by the UK’s Special Operations Executive. Noor was courage personified, and we shall always be in awe of her extraordinary service and bravery. #SOE

Anne of Denmark was born Anne Bowes Lyon & was a cousin of #QueenElizabeth She married 1st husb Viscount Anson in 1938 in a magnificent ceremony Westminster Abbey w/15 attendants: more than a royal one! She divorced him in 1948 & in 1950 married Prince Georg of Denmark #Royals #RoyalFamily

Our author Jane Dismore is featured in the September edition of Majesty Magazine & Joe Little, talking about the surprising links between the Windsors and the Walpoles. Her upcoming book with us 'No Country for a Woman' about #DollyMills is also mentioned! Out March 2025 📘 ✨

Nice email after I gave a talk to a Women's Institute group: ' I would like to thank you again for your excellent talk today. We were amazed that you had no notes, just an amazing memory. You made it a most enjoyable afternoon for us all.' #writerslife #books #Royals #biography

Delighted to have been at Lesley Downer 's launch and wishing her every success with her book on #japanhistory

And 2 years later, April 1616, Pocahontas came to #England with her husband John Rolfe of #Norfolk (England) at the request of King James. I wrote a feature on their visit for History Today (now also on TIME website) #History #Stuart Brigitte Webster

In 1735 #OTD Sir Robert Walpole, Britain's 1st #PrimeMinister moves into 10 Downing Street: he wants it to be residence of First Lord of Treasury, rather than given to him personally. My piece Majesty Magazine & Joe Little looks at links betw. Walpoles & Windsors #Royals #RoyalFamily #History