Dickens Christmas 2022
Greenwich Park (overview)
Greenwich Park is a small seaside village located near the Rive Thames near the English Channel. The village is accessed by ship and also be the new mode of transportation the railroad. Here we see A view of the village as seen by an approaching ship. To the left of the lighthouse you can see where the steep roadway begins its climb up to Lord Sheffield's castle where later tonight we be the Lord's guest for a traditional Christmas dinner. To the right of the lighthouse you can see the village quay where the Emily Louise is moored. A bit further to the right is the oldest building in the village the Grapes Inn. Finally, on the far right you can see the arched gatekeeper's quarters where our visit will begin.
Entrance Archway.
Standing in the archway is George Bixby the village watchman holding his lantern. The small building on the right is his watchhouse where he can shelter from bad weather. To the left of the arch is the sign for the most popular eating establishment in town, the Horse and Hounds Pub. Let's pass under the arch and begin our tour of the village.
The Counting House of Ebenezer Scrooge
Just past the archway, and on the right and accessed by a small stairway, is the Counting House of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Old Scrooge took over the business after his partner Bob Marley died. He is rarely seen by the villagers as he keeps to himself and his money. It is said he has some quite frightening dreams every year at this time. Currently, he has engaged Charles Morgan to shovel the new fallen show from his walkway. Scrooge does like his security as you can see by the iron fence and gate restricting access to his property. Just to the left of the Counting House is the rundown building Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's employee, call home. You can see Bob taking his son "Tiny" Tim out for some air on this crisp evening. Bob has to carry his son Tim who suffers from a crippled leg.
Portobello Road
From this position near Scrooge's counting house we can see the village landmark, St. Paul's Cathedral, We will stop by and see the church in a few minutes.
Activity along Portobello Road
As we passed under the entrance arch a few moments ago we saw the residence of Scrooge on the right and now if we look to the left we can see the ale wagon driven by Ned Driver making a delivery to the Grapes Inn. Thomas Jenkins, the barman, is passing the time enjoying a mug of ale and talking to Ned. He should be moving that barrel of ale into the inn.
Daily Life on Porftobello Road
Along the Boardwalk
The entrance to the Grapes Inn is by way of the boardwalk that passes behind the inn and then along quayside to the entrance. The inn is a favorite stop for the seamen. The inn has affordable sleeping accommodations (not more than three to a bed) and ale one could ever hope to consume. Captain Pellew can be seen enjoying the view from the boardwalk and likely reminiscing about his past voyages. Coming down the boardwalk carrying a barrel of ale is Sam Berrens. Now we know why Thomas Jenkins as so much time to chat with Ned.
The Grapes Inn
Retired Seaman Cecil Forester can be seen sitting on an empty ale barrel next to a tub of fresh caught fish (on ice) that will likely be served tonight with chips in the inn. There are plenty of both fish and shellfish to be caught in the water along the quay. It is a good way for the former seamen to supplement their income while not doing any serious work.
Greenwich Light and the berthed Emily Louise
From the boardwalk the sailing ship Emily Louise can be seen safely moored at her berth at the Custom House. I can see several large pieces of ice collecting here her hull. Some poor seaman will certainly have along night breaking them up so the ship will not be sealed in by morning.
Saint Pauls Cathedral
As we return top Portobello Road and just past Bob Cratchit's home at the bend of the road stands the famed village landmark, St. Pauls. Construction on the church began in 1675 after the original building was struck by lightening. The church and its many works of art has graced the village ever since. On Christmas eve at midnight the villagers will gather on the steps and will fill the street to spend an hour singing traditional Christmas carols. It is always well attended and is a highlight of the village year. This year they have added some lit trees to provide a more festive atmosphere.
The Antiquarian Bookseller
Just after the bend in Portobello Road and next to St. Paul's is the village bookseller. Currently in stock is the latest work from author Charles Dickens titled "A Christmas Carol" I'm sure it will become quite popular with the appearance of several ghosts to add to the Christmas story. Also in stock are the new stories from Nell Trent.
The Timbers Hotel
Once Greenwich Park became is regular port for ships plying the southern English coast the Timbers Hotel was built . While the Grapes Inn offered accommodations suitable for seamen upper class passengers demanded better lodgings. Lord Henry of Kingwood financed the construction more nearly 300 years ago and the family still owns the property. Now the hotel has stumbled upon good times with the coming of the railroad to Greenwich. It couldn't have a better location being next door to the train station. Here we see a couple of fine gentlemen enjoying an evening pipe with a hotel staff employee struggles with their luggage.
London and Brighton Railway
The rail line serving Greenwich Park is part of the London and Brighton Railway that was incorporated 1837 opened 21 September 1841. Early trains did not have the power to climb hills and rock outcroppings and so tunnels were dug to provide service to more remote locations. Here in Greenwich there are two tunnels, The Great Sheffield Tunnel which passes under Lord Sheffield's Castle and the tunnel shown here known as The Great Harry named after the founder of the Timbers Hotel. With the trains arriving daily a newsstand has opened and the Times along with other papers can be obtained. Outside the railroad station stands the official timepiece of Greenwich Park and is checked daily for accuracy by one of the rail operators.
Greenwich Square
Portobello Road winds through Greenwich from the entry arch all the way to the Royal Custom House. It passes by the Grapes Inn, St. Pauls and then the Timbers Hotel. Just across the roadway from the Timbers is the gated entry to Greenwich Square, the business district of the village. The gateway stands between Tipler's house of wines and spirits and the Horse and Hounds Pub. A gentleman and his lady have just passed through gateway. Ernest Tipler, proprietor of spirit shop is extolling the quality of his wares to a potential client in the hope of making a sale before Christmas. Along the edge of the quay Mrs. Harrison and her two children are enjoying a view of the quay while waiting for their husband and father to get ship's leave from the Emily Louise and meet them for dinner at the Horse and Hounds.
The Horse and Hounds Pub
Continuing around the square we see James Anderson waiting for Mrs. Anderson to finish her shopping at the Old Curiosity Shop. The Horse and Hounds offers traditional bangers and mash, fine meat pies and spicy curry among other favorites for dinner. Customers may dine indoors or eat on outdoor tables. One young man seems be drinking his evening meal and has a fine bottle of champagne chilling on ice for later.
The Old Curiosity Shop and the House of Lanterns
The Old Curiosity Shop opened at 1841 and is owned and managed by Nell Trent and her grandfather. Nell has documented the many adventures she has had with her grandfather. The collected writings can be purchased in the Antiquarian Bookstore we passed on Portobello Road. They have become so popular that even Queen Victoria and a copy and is said to enjoy them immensely. Next to the Curiosity Shop if Welbourne's Lanterns, the newest shop in the square. Here one may purchase fine glass lanterns that come from as far away as Italy. In from of the story Jacob Wellbourne is busy hawking his wares.
Looking back up Portobello Road
While looking back up Portobello Road I just noticed a very special couple walking over the bridge. The couple (Sir David and Lady Linda) have been part of the village for many years. They can be seen here enjoying the view of the town square and the harbor.
Custom House
After crossing the bridge at the train station we arrive at the Custom House. Here cargoes from arriving ship and unloaded and stored until they are picked up by those expecting them. This evening there is a great deal happening at the Custom House. William Harrison, the village lamplighter. His nightly job is to pass through the village and light all the street lamps. Hauling his ladder and torch to the 42 lamp poles scattered throughout the village each night has to be a backbreaking job. In front of the custom House is Edward Tipler, the son of the spirit house owner on the village square. He is inspecting the newest shipment of wines that have been imported from France. He, and his father, are hoping they will be popular with the shop's patrons this Christmas. I also see Captain Anderson is about to grant leave to First Officer Benjamin Harrison so he can head off to meet his family for dinner at the Horse and Hounds. Early each evening during Christmas week the monks of Durham Monastery sing Christmas Carols in front of the chapel. Harold Chapman and is wife Mary have arrived early and taken a seat on the Custom House steps so they will have a good seat for today's performance.
Here we go a-wassailing
The monks of Durham Monastery, Bernard, Thomas and Francis, are beginning the Christmas Carol concert. I can see a young couple snuggled together on a bench ready to enjoy the music. Others have gathered at the Custom House and more are coming from the Hotel back up the street. Maybe there will be a sing-a-long a bit later. Old Nigel Fezziwig (who looks somewhat like a "Right Jolly of Elf") has loaded his delivery wagon with parcels picked up at the Custom House and is heading off to make his deliveries. He is always cheerful and is known for tossing pennies to poor children he meets on his delivery route, very much in contrast to Old Scrooge. With his wagon heading in this direction I bet he is heading to Sheffield Castle to make a delivery. Behind the monk you can see a gateway to the private garden of the monastery. He can't see it from here but I will be able to show it to you later on our way up to the castle.
Sheffield Lane leads to the Castle
Once of the busy Portobello Road we can begin the long climb up the The Earl of Sheffield's castle that is locally known as the Owl's Nest. We best step to the side to allow the Earl's brother Tom to pass by. He seems in a hurry to take his wife to someplace down in the village. Our first stop on the way to the top will be at the Earl's stables.
The Stable
The great barn where the Earl keeps his horses is looked after by Martha Ridgeway. It would appear she is expected by at least one of the horses who is coming out of the stable in the hopes of getting a special treat from Martha.
The Gin Mill
Tucked back in the deep forest and along side a stream is the Earl's Gin Mill. Since Parliament passed the Gin Act three years ago the distilling of gin has become a profitable line of business among many of England aristocracy. It seems a new batch is ready and is beings sampled George Henderson who runs the mill. It seems he may have a buyer for this fresh batch of gin.
Monastery Private Garden
Now that we have passed the Gin Mill and the stone archway we have an unobstructed view overlooking the monastery garden. The garden looks a bit bare during the winter but we can s till see the small cascade under the pine tree at the far corner. The water is diverted from the stream that powers the gin mill and run behind the garden wall before emptying into the quay. The small pond is filled with koi that often hide under the footbridge. Sister Beatrice spends a lot of time in the garden and during the winter when food is scarce she feeds the birds and seems a pair of bunnies as well. The wooden pergola behind her looks like it would be a comfortable place to cool off on a hot summer day.
Owl's Nest
The castle stands on the great rocky outcrop high above the village affording the Earl quite a grand view. The manor house is nestled in a thick alpine forest that is home to not only the Earl and his family but also an abundance of deer an occasional fox and a wide variety of birds. If you fully enlarge this image you can easily see the red shouldered hawk spreading his wings in the pine forest on the far rights. The Earl is awaiting our arrival while sitting on his favorite bench and reading his paper. I can hear our evening's entertainment warming up. do you see the piper standing on the castle drawbridge on the left?
Owl's Nest Castle
From this overview we can see a fuller view of the and the herd of deer that roam the grounds.. Also if you look in the lower left corner you can spot the Grey Owl for whom the castle is named.
Thank you for visiting my Dickens Christmas Village for 2022. I hope you enjoyed your stay.
Questions or comments about the display may be sent to the Village Landlord at treadwl@comcast.net
