Diary of Evelyn Davies, 18 May 1915 - 20 [July] 1915 - Part 4

about, however we saw a fair amount, the
attendant spoke like a book but of course without
H's etc. but their knowledge of dates & events 
is wonderful. Saw the Coronation Chair the Suffragettes
partly burned with bombs.
Visited Cloisters which were teeming with interest some
of the inscriptions were marvellously quaint.
Would like to return some day & take a copy of them.
We walked past St James' Park and near
Buckingham Palace a most wonderful statue
is in front of Palace in form of a Fountain.
Asked a Policeman if the Queen was home he
didn't turn a hair but told me 'Yes! they are
not going out today', took bus back to the the
Flat had tea & back to the Ivanhoe, N Leitch
& I both a bit wretched with vaccination. 
In the evening took a bus ride as we thought
to London Bridge but it went in opposite direction
however we took another & went right through
to Tower Bridge a terrific way.  still we were bent
on going reached Hotel not long after 10pm.
Feeling tired. Had some bananas.

1^st Went out with Miss Noble (a nurse friend of S. Young's)
S. Young, & A. Barron.  Went up Picadilly, down
Strand & saw some magnificent gems 
also some extraordinary women with dogs, Mercy
fancy preferring dogs to children. Ugh!
Had dinner at an Aerated Bread Company
place had some beautiful Strawberries & cream
saw some Raspberries in a shop, but here they
pick them mostly on the stalks.  What a pang
I had for home! – After dinner we went
to the Academy & saw some very fine
works, there were several war pictures, one
depicting a Scotch soldier having his arm
dressed in a Surgical Ward at the London
Hospital was excellent 'Wounded' I think it was.
The half flinching expression on the patient's
face was excellent. there were several other
soldiers in the Ward. On fearful impressionistic
daub 'The hobby horse' was terrific it was
more like a poster than anything else.
In the Sculpture section was a beautiful one of
Wendy also another one of a baby's head the
dearest of babes one could ever see. Was greatly
taken with resemblance of postures of 'Grief' 'Deserted'
& a fallen Idol the whole posture was so descriptive

1^st Had afternoon tea at Boots Chemists shop in
Regent a wonderfully dainty place, the colour
scheme was pink at the end of the room was
a trellice work of flowers & leaves (most natural
looking) behind glass. The tea was served so
daintily too. Took a bus back to Oxford Str then
I returned to Hotel as Misses M^cIlroy & Bissett.
were to be escorted to M^r Morris's for tea by me.
Landed at about 6pm M^r Brahe was there
had tea D^r. was home too (but went out after tea.)
They all talked until time to go home. Left films at Boots.
2^nd Dodged round all morning, nothing definite, in
afternoon met at Hotel 1.30pm. where 25 of
us were taken in Char-a-Banc to Windsor Castle
had not particular Pal still managed to get a good
deal of fun out of the trip. The Country was wonderful
past green fields. thatched cottages, Woods & most
romantic, winding, country lanes, Passed through
Reading skirted bank of Thames for a while, would
have loved to try rowing it was so inviting.
Arrived at the Castle we found a man to takes
us round, went through the beautiful old 1st Chapel of
full of history & interest, with some wonderful
Statuary
Also visited the Curfew Tower, a huge square town
built of enormous beams of Oak all pegged with
pins of Oak no nails; The bell ropes (hand
made) were a great age the clock was a 
wonderful thing too had been made
in William the Conqueror's time by a
Blacksmith, had a huge handle (Windlass
pattern) to wind same & it took fifteen
minutes each day to wind. The old Keeper
could fortell the weather by the condition of
the beams. After leaving the Tower we were
taken to the Stables & saw wonderful Gray
horses belonging to the carriages, also riding hacks
Wonderful carriages. & harness, the floors were
parquetted & polished.
On leaving the stables we were taken right round
the Castle the grounds are beautifully laid out
and one gets a magnificent view of the Thames
& surrounding districts. Had tea in the village.
bought P. cards. & returned. Each batch of
children we passed were most enthusiastic
it was amusing also to see the Adults, & they
would stop! look! listen! (as it were) then perhaps
wave, but the Englishman is most conventional.

2^nd Had time only for a hurried wash & brush-up
then took Taxi's to the Garrick Theatre where
the management had invited all the Sisters
to 'Oh be Careful' Matron had a Boquet of
roses with a kangaroo (more like a teddy bear) perched
on the top. A rather ungainly still expensive
looking array. The Officers were there also, but
we were all very subdued. The performance
was very 'light' still enjoyable. Yvonne
the leading lady tried to Cooee but was not
very successful: came back by Taxi &
had lemon drinks & then to bed.
3^rd Saturday supposed to be leaving on Monday
morning so the Sisters are all shopping like mad.
At first we were told we should go to Fr France
then word came that it was to Lemnos we
should go instead so that necessitated buying
extras, bathing gowns etc. Gum boots & all sorts of 
things, M^c Intoshes, Primus stoves, irons.
At 1.20 pm met Misses Bissett, Hall, M^cIlroy
M^rs Norris sent a car round & together with some
lunch each we were going out to Harefield
Hospital with M^r Norris. An A.N.A. Picnic was also
being held out there also a private Party given

by some lady of note. We were crushed in the Car
still the drive was beautiful passed through some
slummy parts at the beginning of the journey
but later on it was glorious, passing Harrow-on-the-Hill
and through most interesting
looking villages with their Pond & Common &
thatched houses. Arrived at Harefield at about
3.30 pm & found the whole place in a state
of uheaval through visitors. Each of us hunted
out a pal & left. M^rs Norris with Miss Gray (matron
Found N. Lucas having a rather slack time so
joined her. it was sad to see the fine
fellows minus sometimes an eye other times

a limb & yet they were happy enough in
their way. Had afternoon tea then listened to
the Concert on the lawn, some very good
artists were there, one a Society entertainer was
exceptionally good something like Margaret Cooper.
but even better, A man with concertina looked like
an artist but I really couldn't follow him.
We each took our lunch down the garden.
made the tea & had quite a Picnic
down by the Pond some of the girls joined
in & we had quite a nice time.

3^rd Went home back, dropped the other three at
the Ivanhoe then M^rs Norris & I left the
car at Hyde Park & listened to the
speakers for some time it was quite

entertaining, however it rained so M^rs Norris
suggested that we should go into a Picture
Show we went but were really to close to
the screen to fully appreciate the pictures
however, some were very good, but we didn't
sit them right out. Home a bit late.
4^th Sunday Rose moderately early after Breakfast
Mrs Brown, Aitken, Leitch & Self. set out for Westminster
were in good time for 10 a.m service & obtained
good seats. The service was very simple
& the choir only moderate, although one boy
had a glorious voice; but must confess we
expected greater things from an Abbey. Not
High Church but a grander service somehow.
After Service N. Leitch & self left the others

and took a bus to Hyde Park. listened to some
speeches, walked about a little then each
took our separate ways she to Kensington Gardens
to see an Aunt while I went to M^rs Norris's
Had dinner then after washing up D^r said
4^th
take us for a Motor drive he had a beautiful car
with a seat that sloped backwards, we went
through Hyde park & in a Circuitous route to
Richmond Park of oh it was wonderful, in
the park are hundreds of acres of land, some
wood lands other parts common & bracken
(which is softer, more luscious, & greener than in Australia)
there were numerous herds of deer of all
varieties some with the most perfect antlers, &
all quite tame. We alighted and walked a 

short distance to see the Valley of the Thames
it is a wonderful picture. Then D^r. took us
on to the hill where we obtained another view
of the River really it was a wonderful sight.
Then we returned through the Town of Richmond
& eventually to the Albert & Victoria Museum &
looked at some Serbian Sculptor's work it is
truly wonderful but awful he gives bare facts
without any elaboration whatever. One of the
crucifixion is wonderfully realistic but awful.
the whole attitude is that of a suspended corpse
& the expression on the face defies description.
We had afternoon tea at the Museum after which
we returned to D^rs Office in Victoria Street.

4^th
We left D^r there while M^rs Norris & Self went
to the Tate Gallery. I did enjoy the pictures
Turner's were wonderful but M^rs Norris said

that his best had been removed. Landseer's
The Statuary was good one in particular, think
it was bronze of a man leading two shaggy
dogs & they are 'Straining at the Leish' it is
wonderfully done. On the way back from to
the office we visited the R.C. Westminster
Cathedral a wonderful place of an architecture
quite apart from others Gothic I think it was
but inside it was wonderful all inlaid with most
beautiful marble of all colours, the pillars are
square & of brick but gradually as subscriptions
come in the Church are having each pillar encased
in marble & the effect is magnificent.
The Altars are beautiful real works of art, but
it will take years to complete the whole work
Went back to the Office then I was dismissed.
Came back met Miss Slack going for a
bus ride so N. Yeaman & I joined her
had a round trip & struck some very
hilarious ladies. had tea at Fleming's & home.
Monday 5^th Went to Commonwealth bank in a.m.
Tube to Liverpool Stn. fixed up business, had lunch
then returned to Hotel about 3 were taken a
Char-a-banc to Burnham Beeches, set out
past Maidstn Vale way passed through some
very slummy places; out Hendon way & right
out in the Country saw Windsor Castle in the
distance. The glimpses of farms as we passed
was a sight to be remembered, after passing
through several villages we came to Burnham
Beeches, had afternoon tea, took some snaps of
N. Leitch (which afterwards turned out failures) then
wandered about the woods, some of the girls rode donkeys.
I had never laughed so much for months. Woods were
wonderful. one glorious tangle.  On way back passed
the Queen's Carriage in Piccadilly, but didn't see
her until we passed. Went to M^rs Norris's for tea
came back late.

Tuesday 6^th Up fairly early set out with Miss Leitch &
Aitken to the Tower, passed up East through
very slummy streets  Costers galore. It was hot
still we enjoyed it men dressed as Beef eaters
showed us round, saw Crown jewels which are 
wonderful, Armour accoutrements etc.

hurried back had dinner (went to Boot's for Prints.)
met other girl at St Bartholemew's Hospital. about
60 Nurses, were escorted round by the Matron
hospital is old but of course huge, board room
walls lined with paintings, paintings on walls of
Staircase. One ward filled with wounded soldiers.
Afternoon tea with Matron & Nurses very swagger.
Afterwards were shown over Old St Barts. Church
a wonderfully historical place. Then up Cloth Fair
& Dick Wittington's house. Later, tea then Theatre
Gamblers all which we enjoyed moderately although
the rain simply teemed when we came out again
we slumped home but were very damp on reaching
the Ivanhoe.

Wednes 7^th Dodged round in a.m. In afternoon
went to London Museum with M^rs Norris. In basement
saw wonderful models of old London & one of
Fire of London. The remains of a Roman gallery
was also interesting had been unearthed recently
Then Debtor's Prison, most unwholesome places
very realistic forms on straw couches & rats also.
Upstairs we saw most wonderful costumes, jewellery
& adornments worn in the olden times
mostly in a wonderful state of preservation.
Dresses worn by Queen Victoria little dumpy
things, Wedding & Coronation Robes worn by
Queen Alexandria also Queen Mary. Coronation
Robes & Crowns worn by King Edward & King George
After leaving Museum went to D^rs Office had Tea
in great style, then took bus into Town.
Went to Coleseum booked seats then went
into Regent Str. (Oxford Str. end) & gazed at
2^nd hand book stalls. Caught a glimpse up a
side street of Tenement houses & an open court
where scores of children played.

Went back to Theatre & saw a splendid show
Irish acting. A Revue 'Skit'. Cake Waling by Negroes
A splendid farce with Mannikin act by French artists.
DeGallion & his tottering Ladder was good. Two
acrobats & two dogs were marvellous. & finish up
were some wonderful Tableaux real work of art.
The Colleseum is a gorgeous place, very little woodwork
mostly marble The Curtain is red velvet or
plush, & heavily bespangled, wonderfully rich.
another curtain has painted ^on it all the chief actors
& actresses of the day a marvellous work of art.
Reached home alright, but some-what late.

Thursday 8^th. A cold dull day, joined party with Miss
Aitken & M. Leitch & others in taking Launch to
Hampton Court. Left Embankment at 11 am as
went along became bitterly cold & rained a bit
had Dinner on board in tiny Saloon, then
went on upper deck. fair number joined Boat
at different stopping places. Passed through a
lock & was most interesting. River divides into
two our Launch passed into Left hand branch
through a door way into an enclosure, the water
was then pumped from the other branch (on R Side
into enclosure until the water in enclosure was
same depth as water outside the door at
opposite end of enclosure when that door was then
opened & the Launched passed out; the idea
being to keep the water of a uniform depth upstream
otherwise in places it is liable to become too shallow
for navigation. Below the Lock is a Weir with flood
gates and over-flow. Passed several islands
in the Centre of River would have loved to roam
alone & have Picnics on them. Then we passed
House Boats some of them resplendent in window
boxes of bright Geraniums & trailing Creepers others
looked rather uninteresting.
Arrived at Hampton Court visited Picture Gallerys
badly lighted, through banqueting Halls, & Boudoirs
with heathenish looking beds upholstered in heavy
Brocade & fearfully dark. Saw wonderful tapestries.
and quaint furniture. Passed into grounds &
went into "The Maize" after wandering about for
some time were rescued by two small boys,
who afterwards rescued the other Members of our
Party. Took snaps of Party & small boys. Visited
Historical Grape Vine hundreds of years old, also
famous Yew-tree walk. Had tea in Village
most appetizing Strawberrie jam and Cake.
Took bus some outlandish place, then tube to
Picadilly Circus went on travelling stair case,
managed little better than previously, wuzzled about
next tube so took bus home. Wrote letters in
p.m to bed moderately early.
Friday 9^th. Char-a-Banc. after 1pm. trip to Epsom
Were packed tightly nevertheless enjoyed it well.
Passed through wonderful Country, Dorking, Box-Hill
Lether-head and Epsom there were
wonderful hill covered thickly with woods in
some instances others were bare with perhaps
Bracken in patches.  At Epsom we alighted

at an Hotel and most of us climbed a steep
hill, but the view obtained compensated, for
miles & miles one could view the surrounding
country. more romantic little Cottages nestled
in amongst the trees, but all so complacent
and unlike Australian Bush. Returned to Hotel
& passed right through on to a beautiful lawn
with tables spread with all that a hungry Australian
could wish for at the back of the lawn, was an
enclosed & more romantic looking walk, really
Englandish Woods seem full of romance.
Returned to London in a round about route
the children as we passed were most enthusiastic
one boy remarked 'Girl Scouts' to our great
amusement. Crossed the Tower Bridge & were
'held up' in the traffic for quite a long time.
Took a circuitous route past Embankment
& eventually home. In the evening went with
Mrs. Aitken & Mrs. Leitch to 'The man who stayed
at Home ^M^rs Brough had a rotten seat but sat on the
back of it. was rather good but was 'puffing'

walked home.
Saturday 10^th. Shopped in a.m. in p.m. joined
party to Parliament House organized by M^r William
(of Cheapside) Tube to Regent St. then to Westminster
some were slow in disembarking & were carried
on however they turned up again. Two of M^r
William's Clerks escorted us round. Went to a
Museum with mostly Naval subjects in, saw a
Torpedo, what a brainy but fiendish man who
invented it. the attendant spouted like a book
as per usual.
Then we visited The House of Parliament
Went to the Chapel saw an Altar Cloth worked by
Queen Elizabeth. some enormously heavy Chandeliers
Chapel is used mostly for christenings.
Then to House of Lords, saw the 'Bale of Wool;
sat in some of the seats, & also appropriated
some note paper. passed through a Hall with some
more wonderful paintings the Reproductions of
some of them are in the Gallery at home.
Then to House of Commons with Linen fold
pannelling. The King's Robing Room was wonderful

with Carvings about the walls.
Passed out on to 'Piazza' overlooking Thames.
then departed in taxis for Waldorf.
 

arrived in great style & had a gorgeous afternoon
tea, to music & dancing & applause.
Shook hands with our hosts as we passed out
quite like a Church meeting.  Walked home,
bought P. cards. then went to Mrs Norris's talked
& then home.
Sunday 11^th Up early. were Sr Albans, Holburn to
Church a little Church tucked right away in a
back street High Church bordering on to Romanian
Holy Water at door, Crucifix, candles, incense
& great procession of clergy in wonderful robes
which they, dressed & undressed & changed
frequently.