ROSEMARY MANOR MARKET FRIDAY 7 OCTOBER 9-5

This month Rosemary Manor is celebrating the Age of Victoria. This is the period from around the 1830’s to the beginning of World War II. Nearly all the modern day inventions e.g. cars, telephones electricity had their birth in this period, not that that has anything to do with our celebration. We are focusing on the splendour, crafts, fashion, culinary trends and social activities.

The Victorian culture included local fresh produce markets in all the little hamlets and towns as well as well established produce markets in bigger cities. All ingredients were bought fresh and served as soon as possible. The focus was on seasonal produce. This resulted in wonderful flavourful dishes made with the best of what was available. This rings a bell when we consider the present trends in cooking. Out with artichokes from Timbuktu and in with what is in season.

You will notice our fresh strawberries and chocolate kebabs and seasonal salad on the menu. Smoothies made with fresh fruit taste so good when enjoyed in the exhilarating sun of a spring morning. Another culinary delight that was part of the Victorian age was dainty cakes and treats enjoyed by lady friends in the parlour. Our Cherry Ganache cupcakes will hopefully take you back to a time of  tea parties and croquet on the lawn.

I include the article on the wedding of Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra. It was so refreshing to read about a girl who won over a very stuffy court with her innovative and creative approach to protocol. Here at Rosemary Manor we love to improvise and share with friends all that is beautiful and creative and uplifting to the heart!

The Crown Prince of England and the 18 year old Princess of Denmark wed 1863.

Lacking royal jewels, the beautiful princess wore a tiara of white orange blossoms with cascades of orange blossoms and myrtle on her dress.  The lack of jewels was speedily remedied as the gifts to the bride from Queen Victoria and the groom, HRM Prince Edward Albert, included stunning royal jewels from the farthest reaches of the Empire.

Soon after the death of her beloved Prince Albert, Queen Victoria began the search for a wife for her eldest son, Crown Prince Edward Albert.  She found the perfect Princess - only one problem, she was only 15 years old; the lovely Princess Alexandra of Denmark.  

The Prince had to wait till her 18th birthday.  Her arrival in London by ship drew thousands.  The royal cortege welcomed her to the Palace, in the same carriages recently used in the 2011 Royal Wedding.  The Princess Alexandra chose to wear a white court gown, reflecting Queen Victoria’s first white wedding in the history of England.  The courageous Danish bride faced British nobility without a pearl and won their hearts, adorned with white blossoms.

She wore a 21 foot train, (Diana’s was 25 ft, modelled after the Danish Princess) and honoured her new homeland by selecting “an opulent creation” of British design - a white court gown of Honiton lace, adorned with Roses, shamrocks and thistles, emblems of England, Ireland and Scotland.

An athletic young woman and expert horsewoman, Alexandra enjoyed the dangerous sport of tandem driving, with a fast pair of horses and lightweight carriage. She was fond of dancing and ice-skating and Queen Victoria was horrified to find that she enjoyed hunting (and asked her to stop, without success). Even after the birth of (six) children, she continued her active life.  

Always spirited and courageous, Alexandra devoted her life to charitable works, sparing Queen Victoria public appearances.   After six children, her waist was as dainty as ever, smile as welcoming.  Upon the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, Albert Edward became King-Emperor as Edward VII, with Alexandra as Queen-Empress consort.  And thus was the beginning of the 10-year Edwardian Era.

©2011 by Patrice LePera ~ Authority, Victorian Era, Historical Writing ~ www.afterimage-art.com