A tale of two gardens... or spot the difference!

The first images from our recent holidays...
One picture is of the "garden" as it was called by the company from whom we rented the holiday cottage previously mentioned. Needless to say it was never used by us at all.
The other picture is of Wordsworth's childhood home ,maintained by the National Trust , in Cockermouth. I will write more on this later. It had a working kitchen ( as of 1770) and a garden planted with varieties from the 18th century. It was a fantastic place to visit with fascinating things to do for all- well worth a visit ,unlike the holiday cottage! Spot the difference if you can- no prizes upon offer I'm afraid!

Tradgardmastre on tour...

Just back from a holiday in the Lake District with the family.We are back 3 days early due to our rented cottage being dirty and the "garden" turned out to be tiny stone-covered yard beside a bookie's shop and hotel extractor fans complete with dog poo around the chairs ...
We did see some interesting things -some pertaining to the 18th Century. Stories and pictures to follow...

Living stone...

Two months ago I worked in the palace kitchen,three before that and I begged upon the street...
Now I begun again, I am reborn and rise from the waters to greater heights.
My masters returned from their Grand Tour to Stagonia and Rome .They were unwilling to return with a piece of ancient masonry displaying the glory of the ancients. Mean more like ,unwilling to blow moths from their velvet purses I say...
But this has been my gain. For I am the living sculpture ,once kitchen porter and spit turner - now any hero my masters wish me to be. Hop on to the plinth,green grey with the artist's pallet applied. Now I am off to be the statuary of Europa for my masters- what wonders will I see?

Further Swiss...

A scan from a book showing infantry from Solothurn . More images and figures soon I hope...

These are dragoons from Berne.

18th century Switzerland

Uniform of a Swiss Jaeger from circa 1770.

The first basis for a Federal Contingent was established by the DEFENSIONALE of Wil and Baden. It fixed the number of men and artillery every ruling Canton ( 13 in total) had to provide. The first Cantonal military regulations date to 1755-1757 . In particular to an order of Nov 10th 1755 which concerned weapons,uniforms,annual reporting etc.

The Cantonal Regiment was formed of 2 battalions ( each of 4 companies of 100 men + staff) + 2 "banner companies" ( very old or very young men) + 1 artillery company. Men were enlisted for military service from 16 to 60 years unless dispensed with for health reasons.Every man had to supply his own uniform,weapon and equipment.

This morning I have begun work on some Canton Zug infantry and standard bearer. It is proceeding quite well so far subject to time and energy...

P.S those interested in the Swiss army of 1900 -1914 or so might enjoy my other blog - http://armyredwhite.blogspot.com/

Swiss thoughts...

Last summer I contemplated venturing forth into 18th century Switzerland on the blog. The feeling has never really departed...

I have posted an illustration by Gerry Embleton of 18th century Swiss from Canton Aargu. I was particularly taken by the "District Captain" who looks as if he has stepped out of landsknecht times.

A correspondent in Switzerland has scanned some 19th century and modern illustrations of 18th century canton troops ( I cannot post them here ,alas, as I only have hard copies now) which include flags. They are excellent and informative illustrations.

I have a notion for some Tradgarland units be hired or become otherwise involved in a Cantonal Civil war with some real and some imaginary units. We shall see what develops....

Midsommer

This year,of late, in Tradgardland the Midsommer celebrations have taken place. The Duke and Duchess walked amongst the dancing and feasting culminating in the lighting of the bonfires to commemorate St John. What will the journey towards the Winter Solstice bring for Tradgardland muses the Duke as he watches the sparks fly ever higher...