The CAA is happy to host 50 members for the Royal Windsor Horse Show. We kicked things off today with a tour of Eton and a welcome reception.
Our hotel, The Christopher, is a converted coaching inn, dating back to 1711. When first built, the balcony rooms of the current building were used as a magistrate’s court. In Eton by Christopher Stone he describes The Christopher thusly:
“A great deal was eaten and drunk there; old Etonians lounged over the rails and chaffed the ostlers in the court below, or exchanged a word and a laugh with the beautiful Pipylena, who came to the door of the bar for a breath of air and sunlight; here was old Garraway bustling out to receive the London coach, or discoursing wisely on stable matters to a group of young bucks; here passes a little Colleger with a bowl of “bishop” [a mixture of rum, red wine, leomon juice, and sugar] — at twelve shillings a bowl — under his gown…; and perhaps you might see what Gladstone used to see from his window at Mrs Shurey’s opposite — the prisoners being taken across the archway to the coffee-room, where the magistrates sat — now a pupil-room [classroom].”
One of the stops was Kings Stable Street. This street originally housed the horses and carriages for Windsor Castle. They were kept in Eton, across the River Thames, as the bridge was not stable enough to support heavy loads. The area has been used since the 11th century.
Following our walk, we enjoyed an afternoon tea. We’re currently experiencing warm (80’s) and dry days in Windsor so many members moved to the deck after the tea, enjoying the lovely weather, before retiring for the evening.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 9th, the Royal Windsor Horse Show starts. Highlights for members may include Hackney Horse and Pony classes as well as Light, Middle & Heavy Hunters.