Once again the holidays are upon us and it is time to take our annual visit to an 19th century English village. Our destination, this year,

is the little seaside village of Queensport. Since this village is located along the coast the simplist way to arrive is by

steamer--The HMS Britannia. (Please roll your mouse over the Britannia)
HMS Britannia tied up at the Queensport docks

From the sea the first feature of Queens port one sees is the lighthouse that stands on Stoney Point Island. However it is the great stone bridge

over the Stones River that dominated the scene at light.

Queensport of a busy shipping center with ships always arriving.

The Emily Louise just came in to load a cargo of local wines for sale in the southern English cities.

Arriving at Queensport always means a first stop at the Customs office locaed at the seaward end of Portside Street.

I see the Customs Official is checking the manifest for the wine shipment before authorizing loading on the Emily Louise.

The wharf side market always keeps a fresh supply of produce and fish for sale both in town and for the sailing packets that

frequent the port.

The Queensport warehouses along Portside Street a a mjor source of employment for residents. Workers load and unload all the

vessels that arrive daily and check in cargo for future voyages.

Clearly it is not all work at the yards as Charlie seems to be sampling some of the King's Ale while carefully watchig an additional

pint for his buddy George who delivering goods to the Emily Louise.

This time of year Ebeneser Scrooge must really be happy, his warehouse is overflowing with merchandise, so much so he has had

to hire two men from town to stand watch.

Stones River Falls stands at the landward endof Stones Island. One ofthebest views of the falls is from the end of

Portside Street.

Most of the ships' crews that stop over at Queenside like to eat at the Melancholy Tavern on Stones Island. The tavernis will known for

its fine stews and soups. It also serves the finest of local ales. John Edwards, the owner spends his time waiting for customers

doing wood carvings and sampling his ales. I bet there is a really grand view of the falls from the backrooms of the Melancholy.

John Edwards hard at work at the Melancholy
The island has always been a favorite place to come and enjoy an afternoon listening to the sounds of the surg and just read the paper.

Let's head up into the town of Queensport and see what is going on.

At the head of the long staircase stand the main street of the town--Portobello Road
Directly at the top of the stairs is the Horse and Hounds. One of the best places in town to sample the local faire. You can get a plate of lamb curry, or just a local favorite bangers and mash. When the Horse and Hounds is a bit crowded, sometimes folks just come out and sit on the curb and enjoy a drink until a table opens up.
Portebello Road is always busy. Delivery wagans, taxis and just shopper all mill about together.
You can purchase the daily addition of the Times (once the Britannia has arrived) or get a cup of fresh coffee from a street side vendor.
The gardens of the Coffee House, along with the food served is one of the favorite places to town for both visitors and locals alike.
If you go to the Coffee House, don't forget to throw a coin in the Lion's Head Fountain. Not only is it lucky, but tradition says it guarantees you will return to Queensport in the future.
As we walk up Portebello Road, just to left of the stairs stands St. Stephen's Church. The church is the favorite of seamen who stay in town and contains a cemetry for seamen. I see they also have a collection box for Boxing Day.

Behind St. Stephen is the Town's ancient but elegant hotel, the Timbers. Because of the Royal Obseratory and Palace across the river there are a great number of visitors and tourists who come to Queensport. Thus Queensport makes a steady income from these travelers in its eating establishments, and variety shops. There is a fine bookseller next to the Timbers where those interested are able to purchase many fine old editions most leather bound.
If books aren't your pleasure you can just sit inthe courtyard and enjoy of view of the harbor and the sailing ships.
At the corner of St. Stephens is the entrance to Market Street. On the corner is a fine Clock and watch shop. I think Mr. Chester is delivering a grandfather clock to some lucky customer.
At the end of Marker Street is the Leacock Poultry shop. Many a fine Christmas goose has been purchased here. It is said that when Ebeneser Scrooge purchaed his first Christmas goose, he had it purchased here. I see Eddie Tipler is offering some samples of wines at the Wine and Spirit shop

Back on Portobello Road and up the stairs from Market Street is Shadey Lane. At the head of the stair stand St. Michael's Church the original and oldest church in the village.
St. Michael's always has an annual Christmas bazaar with many homemade goodies. The ladies have their booth open againthis year.
The oldest residential dwelling in the village is Puddlewick's

Next to Puddlewick's and straightout of the pages of literature is the home of the famous Sherlock Holmes. I see the famous detective is discussing a case with his assistant Dr.Watson.
Shadey Lane is always a busy place. I see that Lisa Doolittle has gotten away from Profesor Higgins' lessons this afternnon and is selling flowers, the shoeshine boy is trying to make some extra money forthe holidays and even a tourist had climbed to long staircase to visit the town monument in honor of Lord Nelson who once stopped here to outfit his ship on the way to Trafalgar
As Queensport gets more crowed some of the newer residents and taken to building London style Rowhouses. They have tried to make good use of the limited land and still erect garden arbors. Looks like onehappy couple has taken a break from thehectic pace to enjoy a snuggle under the arbor.
Looks like Mrs. Willingham and her daughter Sarah are getting home from thier holiday shopping just in time as their new potbellied stove is being delivered.
At the far end of Shadey Lane is the private sector belonging to the infamous Ebeneser Scrooge. Scrooge seems to be hard at work in his counting house, but it looks like Bob Cratchet has taken part of his lunch break to get Tiny Tim out for some fresh air.

The only joyful place on the block is the Biffin's Bakery. I note Mrs. Biffin's in true holiday spirit, is giving some muffins to a needy mother and daughter.
Let's take one last look at Queensport before wehead across the river

OK, now let's head across the river to visit the Observatory and the historic church.

Click HERE to continue your visit to Queensport and cross the bridge.