by : Andrew Dartmouth, History, Seated Titles, Tourism

The International Agatha Christie Festival in Devon

The International Agatha Christie Festival Makes a Triumphant Return to Devon

Devon’s famous International Agatha Christie Festival is an annual event that most recently took place from 11-18 September 2021. The festival is devoted to the legendary Queen of Crime, who was born in Torquay in 1890. Dame Agatha Christie’s 78 ingenious crime novels, which feature such unforgettable characters as the moustachioed private detective Hercule Poirot, have enthralled readers in Britain and beyond for decades. Continue reading “The International Agatha Christie Festival in Devon”

by : Andrew Elite Titles, Lifestyle, Tourism

Cliveden House – Britain’s Most Aristocratic Hotel?

“Nothing ordinary ever happened here, nor could it.”

That’s the motto of Cliveden House, the famous five-star hotel in Berkshire. Cliveden is no stranger to the headlines; most recently, it captured the media’s attention when Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, stayed there on the eve of her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. Moreover, it has its own documentary series, A Very British Country House, on Channel 4. Continue reading “Cliveden House – Britain’s Most Aristocratic Hotel?”

by : Andrew Elite Titles, Lifestyle, Tourism

The Aristocratic Origins of Afternoon Tea

It’s difficult to imagine a more elegant, quintessentially English custom than taking afternoon tea. This well-loved meal, which typically consists of finger sandwiches, scones, cakes or sweet pastries and tea, has famously been served in fine houses and hotels for over 150 years (using the best china and silverware, naturally). But did you know that afternoon tea owes its existence to an aristocratic lady who felt peckish before dinnertime?

Continue reading “The Aristocratic Origins of Afternoon Tea”