Torrejon – tower – in corner of main patio. Today a major monument in Seville opened to the public for the first time ever in its centuries-long history. The Casa de las Dueñas is the official residence of the Dukes of…
My last Duchess – an interview with the Duquesa de Alba
Back in 2009, I interviewed the Duquesa de Alba, who passed away last week in her palace here in Seville at the ripe old age of 88. The Duquesa was an aristocrat – the most titled noble in the world,…
A to Z of Sevilla: Part One, A-F
The Alcazar, Seville’s Mudejar delight: a perfect example of the synthesis between Spanish kings and Moorish craftsmen. What defines a city? What is that essence which gives it an identity all of its own – the strange, arcane customs? The architectural…
Our Jubilee in (occasionally) sunny Suffolk
I might as well admit it now: I come from a family of staunch, conservative monarchists – ex-armed forces, Conservative Thatcherites. While I – and my brother – reject most of their political beliefs (which inspires some good, heated debates…