The Strand Magazine, Volume V, Issue 28, April 1893 | Page 4

in their inspection. It is not only their costliness and
their beauty, but the associations which make them of so much interest.
This one was presented by the King of this place; this one by Prince
So-and-so; this by such a town, and this by such an order or society,
until the vision is quite dazzled with beauty.
Perhaps as a strong contrast you may get a peep at the Prince's
morning-room, a room plainly and usefully fitted and furnished in light

oak. There you will see such a batch of correspondence that you will be
inclined to wonder when it will be got through, but the Prince is a
capital business man, and nothing is lost sight of.
The libraries must not be overlooked: there are quite a suite of them,
well stocked with English and French literature more particularly. A
large number will be noticed as presentation volumes, in handsome and
unique bindings. One of these rooms also contains many mementos of
travel and sport in various climes.
[Illustration: THE CONSERVATORY.
From a Photo. by Bedford Lemere.]
Two additional stories have within the last few weeks been completed
over the bowling alley and billiard-room, making a total of about
eighteen apartments, henceforth to be known as "The Bachelors'
Wing."
[Illustration: THE BILLIARD SALOON
From a Photo. by Bedford Lemere.]
For some years the large hall at the entrance was made to do duty for a
ball-room, and no mean one either; but the Prince thinking it not quite
so commodious as he would wish, he, some nine years ago, had a new
and larger one built. This, and one or two other rooms, really constitute
a new wing. The turret of this wing has just been raised, in order to
place therein a clock purchased by the local tradesmen as a memorial to
the late Duke of Clarence and Avondale. The ball-room is of immense
size and lofty construction, with fine bay windows at either end, and
large alcoves on either side, one containing a magnificent fire-place,
and the other windows. The walls are artistic triumphs, being finely
painted in delicate colours, and on them arranged a fine collection of
Indian trophies. The floor is of oak, and kept in such a condition of
polish as to be a pitfall and snare to any dancer not in constant practice.
More than one or two couples have been known to suddenly subside,
even in the most select of the select circles there assembled.

[Illustration: THE BOWLING ALLEY.
From a Photo. by Beford Lemere.]
If during your visit one of the annual balls should take place, you are
most fortunate. There are three of such--the "County," the "Tenants',"
and the "Servants'," the first, of course, bringing the élite; but the two
latter sometimes presenting a curious mixture. The tenants, I may say,
are allowed to introduce a limited number of friends, a privilege highly
valued, and much sought after by the most remote acquaintance of each
and every tenant on the estate. A most wonderful display of colours
distinguishes these Norfolkites, bright of hue, too, and more often than
not dames of fifty got up in the style of damsels of eighteen.
[Illustration: THE PRINCE'S BUSINESS ROOM.
From a Photo. by Bedford Lemere.]
[Illustration: THE LIBRARY.
From a Photo. by Bedford Lemere.]
And what appetites these yeomen and cattle-dealers have got, to be sure!
And if you had a few tramps across the "Broads" you would not
wonder at it, for hunger is soon the predominant feeling. The dancing,
too, is a study; country dances, reels, and jigs following each other in
such quick succession, that the band in the gallery at the far end do not
have any too easy a time of it. Through everything, the same kindly
interest is displayed by the Royal host and hostess; their interest never
wanes, and their courtesy never flags, but everyone is noticed, and
made to feel as much at their ease as it is possible for them to be.
Perhaps the servants' ball is as pretty a sight as one could see in the
room--the toilettes of the Royal Family and their visitors, the rich state
liveries of the footmen, the scattering of Highland costumes, the green
and buff of the gamekeepers, and the caps of the maidservants, all
blending into an ever-moving kaleidoscope, picturesque in the extreme.

Few that are familiar with Sandringham can enter this room without
thinking of the occasion when the proud and loving mother entered,
leaning on the arm of her eldest boy, on the day he attained his majority.
The fairest and bravest of all England were there assembled to do him
honour; and from all parts of the world "happy returns" and long life
were wished for he whom all regarded as their future King. Some