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My maternal grandfather was born in Toronto, Canada. I don't know a lot about his younger years other than he had two brothers who moved to New York to become stock brokers. Grandfather left Canada to serve in the Canadian army during the Boer War (1899-1902) ~ this pic must have been taken during that time ~ and, following that conflict in South Africa, moved to England and continued his military life by joining His Majesty's Coldstream Guards. Not long after my mother was born, he was assigned to Windsor Castle and the family lived in the lovely town of Windsor where my mother and her siblings often played in the castle grounds.
Windsor is the largest inhabited castle in the world, dating back to the time of William the Conqueror. It is one of the principal residences of Queen Elizabeth II.
Aerial view of Windsor Castle.
Unfortunately, this is the only photo I have of my grandfather. I recall seeing others of him in his Coldstream Guards uniform, complete with bearskin hat, however they have disappeared.
Following retirement from the Guards, he purchased a pub in Devon and moved the family there. Later, during WWII, he returned to London and owned a pub across from the famous Harrods department store. He died shortly after I was born and, as far as I know, never met me.
Visit our Favorite Family Foto hostess Deborah at Pictures, Pots & Pens today to enjoy some fun photos and family histories.
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Mary, you continue to up the ante for all of us on Friday with your photos and intriguing family history.
ReplyDeleteI am always intruiged by your family history.
Mary,
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful picture. Wow.
I love Windsor Castle and the great dollhouse inside. That inspired me to push for my first dollhouse.
It is great that your Grandfather owned pubs. Wouldn't that be fun to go into a family owned pub. Right across from Harrod's would be double great. I stil lhave never been inside Harrods. Maybe someday.
Nancy
Hi!
ReplyDeleteHe's a very handsome gentleman in his uniform! Playing on the castle grounds, how much fun could that be!! Thanks for sharing your granddad's story. Have a great day!!
Sherrie
You have such an interesting family history. It would be so amazing to see a journal chronicling your family's life.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary, and I hope you find more family photos to share with us.
Love,
Deborah
I am continually amazed at the wonderful histories and stories my fellow bloggers share .....
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, I do love your grandfather's photo. How handsome he is. How sad that you never knew him. He sure was a colorful guy and led an interesting life too. I would love to go to England and see the Windsor Castle. I would also love to go to Harrods. Some day!! Is the pub still there?
ReplyDeleteWe still do not have our drive cleared of ice. It is shaded by the woods and melts very slowly right where it is the steepest. Bill took the truck today and is bringing some salt home. This is five days now. Don't worry I am very careful. If anyone would fall it would be clumsy me. LOL.
Love...Jeanne
You win today's best Foto Friday and who knew that we were related?? A Canadian Grandfather. Toronto is a five hour drive from where I live. What a small world.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story and to think they played in the Castle's back yard??
Yup... you win
Love Claudie
xoxo
What a history.You should be so proud,I know you are...Ann
ReplyDeleteWhat fun history! Isn't it neat to know so much about your family!!
ReplyDeleteYour grandfather looks quite debonair in his uniform! It sounds like he had a very interesting life. You have a wonderful weekend, too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo! I never met either of my grandparents on my father's side. I really love the picture I have of them, and I feel some connection with my grandmother, even though I never knew her. ~Lori
ReplyDeleteLove the photos. no Canadiasn in my family. Isn't all this stuff so very interesting?
ReplyDeleteWhat a handsome Grandfather! Too bad you never knew him, but at least you have the photos and the marvelous story! I want to own a pub!
ReplyDeleteMalisa