Friday 9th– Saturday 10th September 2016

Yesterday Frost Magazine’s Margaret Graham and Dr Kathleen Thompson had a treat– a look behind the scenes of the Portuguese Embassy in London, as part of the National Trust’s Europe & Us programme. I must declare a particular interest: my uncle and aunt, and their numerous children lived in Lisbon for much of their lives, (something to do with the trams) and some are still there. They love it, even those over here.

The Portuguese Ambassador’s home is situated in Belgrave Square, an area that was bomb damaged in the war. No 12 was no exception, but walking around, as you can all do tomorrow and Saturday, you would never guess. Entering through imposing double doors we were faced with an airy hall into which led  graceful marble staircase and a ceiling imported from a church – just like that, as Tommy Cooper would have said. It was impressive, but not too large or ostentatious. What was particularly marked was the silence. Behind these doors the bustle of London was just a memory.

Margaret Graham in the Catherine Room
We were able to look around the Catherine of Braganza room. Catherine was married to Charles II; it is often said that their marriage would lead to Britain becoming the largest empire in history because, as part of Catherine’s dowry, Charles was given the seven islands in Bombay, which he would later rent to the East India Company.Even more importantly, dare I say, Catherine liked her cup of tea, and soon, so did the British. So when any of us next sit down to tea and buns, let’s give a heartfelt vote of thanks to Catherine .

There was to be no toddling up the wooden hill as they say in children’s books, but instead we swanned up the marble staircase, the walls of which were hung tapestries. How on earth were these physically worked? I mean, how did they get to the middle? Something to ask on your own tour.

In all the rooms interesting art hung, and my own love, ancient globes, were in evidence: I love to see how the world has changed.
The tour opened my eyes to the inner sanctums of diplomacy, just as the blurb said it would. The strictly limited openings, as part of Heritage Open days, will indeed allow you insights into how these important government buildings are used to allow envoys to entertain while promoting their countries’ interests to the ‘Court of St James’.  Visitors will get to explore these fascinating buildings on guided tours and view the furniture and decorative art that reflects each nation.

National Trust Creative Director Ivo Dawnay comments, In this year when our relationship with Europe has been front and centre of our thoughts, the National Trust is running a programme, dubbed ‘Europe & Us’, that seeks to gain insights into our long relationship with the continent.

Hurry. Make sure you visit one of these Embassies. It really is fascinating. To be honest, I could live in the Portuguese Embassy: it managed to be a home, as well as a showpiece. Sadly, this is unlikely but so glad I managed to get behind the double doors.
For security reasons applicants will be asked to apply with their full names, addresses and contact details and will be admitted only with photo ID.

Tickets are available by application at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/embassy-openings.