Apsley House, also known as "Number One, London", is famously known as the home of the Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Apsley House was originally designed and built by Robert Adam between 1771 and 1778 for Baron Apsley – from whom it takes its name. It passed to the Wellesley family in 1807, being first owned by Richard and then his younger brother Arthur Wellesley – the first Duke of Wellington. Some Adam interiors survive: the semi-circular Staircase, the Drawing Room with its apsidal end, and the Portico Room, behind the giant Corinthian portico added by Wellington. The house was given the popular nickname of Number One, London, since it was the first house passed by visitors who travelled from the countryside after the toll gates at Knightsbridge. It was originally part of a contiguous line of great houses on Piccadilly, demolished to widen Park Lane: its official address remains 149 Piccadilly, W1J 7NT. In 1807 the house was purchased by Richard Wellesley, 1st Marquess Wellesley, the elder brother of Sir Arthur Wellesley, but in 1817 financial difficulties forced him to sell it to his famous brother, by then the Duke of Wellington, who needed a London base from which to pursue his new career in politics. Wellington employed the architect Benjamin Dean Wyatt to carry out renovations in two phases: in the first, begun in 1819, he added a three-story extension to the north east, housing a State Dining Room, bedrooms and dressing rooms.[5] The second phase, started after Wellington had become Prime Minister in 1828, included a new staircase and the "Waterloo Gallery" on the west side of the house. The Waterloo Gallery is, of course, named after the Duke's famous victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. A special banquet is still served annually to celebrate the date — 18 June 1815. A statue of Napoleon as Mars the Peacekeeper stands before the grand staircase (pictured below). The Duke's equestrian statue can be seen across the busy road, cloaked and watchful, the plinth guarded at each corner by an infantryman. This statue was cast from guns captured at the battle. Gerald Wellesley, 7th Duke of Wellington, gave the house and its most important contents to the nation in 1947, but by the Wellington Museum Act 1947 the right of the family to occupy just over half the house was preserved "so long as there is a Duke of Wellington". The family apartments are now on the north side of the house, concentrated on the second floor. The house is now run by English Heritage and is open to the public as a museum and art gallery, exhibiting 83 paintings from the Spanish royal collection. Although the 8th Duke of Wellington still uses the building as a part-time residence. It is sometimes referred to as the Wellington Museum. It is perhaps the only preserved example of an English aristocratic town house from its period. The practice has been to maintain the rooms as far as possible in the original style and decor. It contains the 1st Duke's collection of paintings, porcelain, the silver centerpiece made for the Duke in Portugal, c. 1815, sculpture and furniture. Tourist Information
149 Piccadilly Hyde Park Corner, London W1J 7NT Phone: 020 7499 5676 Ticket Prices Adult £6.90 Child (5-15 years) £4.10 Concession are you eligible? £6.20 Family (2 adults, 3 children) £23.10 Opening Times Please check the official website for Apsley House for Opening Times. At the time of this post the site is closed for Winter Renovations and will reopen Spring 2015. Check the official site below for more details!! For more information about the history of Apsley House and the Wellington Museum check out the official website below! Cheers!
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The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom. The library is a major research library, holding around 170 million items from many countries, in many languages and in many formats, both print and digital: books, manuscripts, journals, newspapers, magazines, sound and music recordings, videos, play-scripts, patents, databases, maps, stamps, prints, drawings. The Library's collections include around 14 million books, along with substantial holdings of manuscripts and historical items dating back as far as 2000 BC. The British Library is the largest library in the world by number of items cataloged. As a legal deposit library, the British Library receives copies of all books produced in the United Kingdom and Ireland, including a significant proportion of overseas titles distributed in the UK. It also has a program for content acquisitions. The British Library adds some three million items every year occupying 6 miles of new shelf space. The library is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It is located on the north side of Euston Road in St Pancras, London (between Euston railway station and St Pancras railway station) and has a document storage center and reading room near Boston Spa, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) east of Wetherby in West Yorkshire. Part of the library was originally a department of the British Museum and from the mid-19th century occupied the famous round reading room. It became legally separate in 1973, and by 1997 had moved into its new purpose-built building at St Pancras, London. For sightseers, only one room matters: the Treasures Room. It showcases early gospels on papyrus, the first complete New Testament — written in Greek from the fourth century, illuminated manuscripts with pages lovingly illustrated by monks — some of the finest art from Europe’s Middle Ages, and the Gutenberg Bible from 1455. Gutenberg’s revolutionary movable metal type made printing affordable. By bringing information to the masses, this innovation helped power Europe into the modern age. The Magna Carta, from 1215, documents the first steps toward government by people rather than kings…and the king was forced to hang his seal on it. Cases are dedicated to the titans of English literature, showing, for instance, early editions of Shakespeare’s plays. You’ll see precious musical manuscripts: a hand-written score of Handel’s Messiah, a Beethoven work tracing his stormy creative process, and hand-written Beatles lyrics. The British Library was created on 1 July 1973 as a result of the British Library Act 1972. Prior to this, the national library was part of the British Museum, which provided the bulk of the holdings of the new library, alongside smaller organisations which were folded in (such as the National Central Library, the National Lending Library for Science and Technology and the British National Bibliography). For many years its collections were dispersed in various buildings around central London, in places such as Bloomsbury (within the British Museum), Chancery Lane, Bayswater, and Holborn with an interlibrary lending centre at Boston Spa, Wetherby in West Yorkshire (situated on Thorp Arch Trading Estate) and the newspaper library at Colindale, north-west London. Initial plans for the British Library required demolition of an integral part of Bloomsbury – a seven acre swathe of streets immediately in front of the Museum, so that the Library could be situated directly opposite. After a long and hard-fought campaign led by Dr George Wagner, this decision was overturned and the library was instead constructed on a site at Euston Road next to St Pancras railway station. Tourist and Research Information
The British Library 96 Euston Road London,NW1 2DB Phone: +44 (0)20 7412 7332 Opening Times: The British Library building at St Pancras, Central London, is open to visitors seven days a week (apart from a few public holidays). Mon, Fri: 9:30am - 6:00pm Tue, Wed, Thu : 9:30am - 8:00pm Sat: 9:30am - 5:00pm Sun: 11:00am - 5:00pm Last admission is an hour before closing For more information about the library including research information, exhibitions, alternate opening times, food and drink services, etc. check out the official website below! Cheers! Time Out, which includes magazines, websites, apps, guidebooks and other commercial products, is a global publishing and e-commerce business aimed at helping people to make the most of their city. It was founded by Tony Elliott. The magazine, apps and sites contain information on events in film, theater, fashion, literature, other artistic events, eating out and nights out. It is the premiere way of finding out what is currently being offered throughout London. Rick Steves highly advises his travelers to use this publication when they are planning on what to do in London. The original Time Out magazine, with listings for London, was first published in 1968 by Tony Elliott with Bob Harris as co-editor. Early issues had a print run of around 5,000. It began as an alternative magazine alongside other members of the underground press in the UK, but by 1980 it had abandoned its original collective decision-making structure and its commitment to equal pay for all its workers, leading to the foundation of a competing magazine by former staffers, City Limits. By now its former radicalism has all but vanished. As one example of its early editorial stance, in 1976 London's Time Out published the names of 60 purported CIA agents stationed in England. Where to find Time Out Magazine!
To see the full list of retailers that carry Time Out Magazine, check out both of the lists below by clicking on the pictures. To check out daily updates and deals check out the official Time Out Website below!!!
Paxton & Whitfield are one of the oldest cheesemongers in England. Their main shop is located at 93 Jermyn Street, London (just off of Piccadilly). Paxton & Whitfield was first recorded as a partnership in 1797, but its origins began in 1742 when Stephen Cullum set up a cheese stall in Aldwych market. As London became increasingly affluent Sam Cullum (Stephen's son) moved his cheese business closer to his wealthy customer base, near to Jermyn Street where there is still a shop today. He also took on two new partners - Harry Paxton and Charles Whitfield. Ironically it is their names, not his, which grace the shop fronts now. The Company's reputation grew steadily, culminating in 1850 with the honour of being appointed cheesemonger to HM Queen Victoria. It was the first of many Royal Warrants that the Company has held. While the earlier years were good for Paxton & Whitfield, times were tougher from the 1860s. Smart society's appetite for traditional English farmhouse cheese was fading in favour of Continental cheese and, in England, factory style production was becoming the established practice. Many artisan cheeses totally disappeared as small farmers sent their milk to industrial creameries. This trend continued throughout the two World Wars and, in the 1940s, with eggs, butter and cheese in short supply 93 Jermyn Street became an ordinary grocery shop. After World War II and a series of different owners, business improved as Paxtons rekindled their contacts with the traditional cheesemakers of rural Britain and started bringing in the best that Europe could offer. Two new Paxtons opened, in Stratford upon Avon and Bath not to mention their virtual shop on the web. Customers who value quality know they will always be able to find it at Paxtons. As Winston Churchill once observed "a gentleman only buys his cheese at Paxton & Whitfield". In Paxton's third century of trading they hope you will allow them to help you enjoy the fascinating and diverse world of cheese too The concept of the Royal Warrant of Appointment dates back to the advent of the monarchy. The King and his Court had to be provided for and, not surprisingly, had first call on the services of the best in the land. In return, being a Royal Tradesman conferred certain trading benefits over those not recognised. By the 15th century, Royal Tradesmen were formally appointed in writing by means of a Royal Warrant issued by the Lord Chamberlain, a practice which continues to this day. Paxton & Whitfield gained their first Royal Warrant to Queen Victoria in 1850 and today they hold Royal Warrants of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, and HRH The Prince of Wales. Over the years they have also held Warrants to HM King Edward VII, HM King George V, HM King George VI and HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Store Information Paxton and Whitfield
93 Jermyn Street London SW1Y 6JE Phone: +44 (0) 20 7930 0259 Hours of Operation 9:30am - 6:00pm Monday to Saturday 11:00am - 5:00pm Sundays For more information on the store's products, branches, and ONLINE ORDERING, check out the official website below! Cheers! Located within the stunning Victorian railway arches of London Bridge since 1999, Vinopolis is composed not only of London’s premier wine tasting experience and visitor attraction, but also five bars and restaurants and over eight event spaces available for private and corporate hire. Visitors come from near and far to taste the 100+ wines they have on offer* and to enjoy a bite to eat in their unique location, only a stone’s throw from Borough Market. Vinopolis was developed by the wine merchant Duncan Vaughan-Arbuckle. He chose a site beneath the arches of a Victorian railway viaduct that was built in 1866 by the South-eastern Railway Company to carry an extension line from London Bridge Station over the Thames to the north bank. Vinopolis opened on July 23, 1999. Its first program was a four hour guided tour through static wine displays with tastings. The business has evolved over the years, and today it operates as both a wine tour and a corporate events venue. It is located at Bankside, to the east of Southwark Bridge and close to London Bridge on the south side of the River Thames. There is an attached restaurant, Cantina Vinopolis, and wine is available for sale at the attached Lathwaites Wine Store. Vinopolis spans 2.5 acres and is devoted to the world of wine, including its history, development and taste. Within the complex is also a specialist whisky retailer The Whisky Exchange which offers a range of several hundred whiskies and other spirits for sale. The Whisky Exchange also organises various whisky tasting events throughout the year at Vinopolis. Tourist Information Vinopolis
No.1 Bank End London, SE1 9BU Phone: 0207 940 8300 Opening Times Wednesday: 6:00pm-9:30pm (last admission 7:30) Thursday and Friday: 2:00pm- 10:00pm (last admission at 7:30pm) Saturday: 12:00pm-9:30pm (last admission at 7:30pm) Sunday: 12:00pm (12:30 & 1:30 for Vinopolis Sunday ticket holders) -6:00pm (last admission at 3:00pm) Tickets and Packages Check out the official website below for all of the different ticket packages, offers, and all other information! Cheers! London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo. It was opened in London on 27 April 1828, and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. It was eventually opened to the public in 1847. Today it houses a collection of 806 species of animals, with 19,178 individuals, making it one of the largest collections in the United Kingdom. The zoo is sometimes called Regent's Zoo. It is managed under the aegis of the Zoological Society of London (established in 1826), and is situated at the northern edge of Regent's Park, on the boundary line between City of Westminster and Camden (the Regent's Canal runs through it). The Society also has a more spacious site at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire to which the larger animals such as elephants and rhinos have been moved. As well as being the first scientific zoo, ZSL London Zoo also opened the first Reptile house (1849), first public Aquarium (1853), first insect house (1881) and the first children's zoo (1938). ZSL receives no state funding and relies on 'Fellows' and 'Friends' memberships, entrance fees and sponsorship to generate income At the beginning of the 1990s, the Zoo had almost 7,000 animals; the nearest any other collection came to in Britain was Chester Zoo, with just under 3,500 animals. Many of the species in London Zoo could not be seen anywhere else in the country, such as the wombat, Tasmanian devil or long-nosed potoroo. Although this vast collection was part of the Zoo's appeal, it may also have been one of the main causes of its financial problems. This contributed to the Zoo being faced with closure in the 1980s. Due to the public change of attitude to animals kept in captivity and unsuitably cramped space, the Zoo also suffered dwindling visitor numbers. However, when it was announced that London Zoo would close in 1991, a swell of public support in visitors and donations allowed the Zoo to continue its work, attempt to balance its books, and take on the huge task of restoring its buildings and creating environments more suitable for animal behaviour in the late 20th century. One benefit of the 'swell of public support' was the development of volunteer staff. Employed by both Education and Animal care, these volunteers give one day a week to assist the running of London Zoo and can be recognised by their red sweaters. The Zoo has been seen and mentioned in many films and books. My particular favorite is one of the opening scenes from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2000). It was filmed int he Reptile House, when Harry speaks with the Python and makes the glass from its case disappear. Tourist Information ZSL London Zoo
Regent's Park London, NW1 4RY Phone: 0844 225 1826 Opening Times 7 Days a Week- 10:00am- 4:00pm, Last Entry- 3:00pm London Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. Tickets Tickets may be purchased either in advance online or at the gate upon arrival. Online Prices Adults £19.09 Children (3-15 years) £14.09 Children under 3 years FREE Exclusive online family offer £59.72 (2 adults + 2 children OR 1 adult + 3 children) Gate Prices Adults £20.00 Children (3-15 years) £15.00 Children under 3 years FREE Concessions (senior, student & disabled adult) £17.72 As part of your ticket, you can add an optional 10% donation which goes towards their conservation work in the UK & abroad. To learn more about the animals, maps, events, deals, etc. check out the official website below! St Martin-in-the-Fields is a landmark church in the heart of London. It is a hospitable, vibrant and forward thinking community with worship at its heart. Located on the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields is steeped in beautiful Georgian architecture which has been imitated across the world. With over twenty services a week, St Martin’s is a place of prayer and worship for Londoners and visitors alike. They are listed as a ‘welcoming and open’ congregation by Changing Attitude, meaning they are open and fully accepting to all, regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity or background A strong musical tradition flourishes at St Martin-in-the-Fields. An outstanding church music programme is provided by the Choir and Choral Scholars of St Martin-in-the-Fields, some of London’s finest voices and regular perfomers on the BBC and in concert. Their concerts series includes over 350 free and ticketed performances every year and features some of the UK’s finest chamber orchestras, choirs and musicians. In the Crypt you will find the award winning Café in the Crypt and the Shop at St Martin’s, selling a wide variety of gifts, souvenirs, CDs and books. You can even make your own work of art with our brass rubbing materials, available from the shop. Over 750,000 people visit St Martin’s to participate in a service, enjoy a concert, an event or our hospitality. All profits from St Martin-in-the-Fields Ltd support the work of the church. St Martin-in-the-Fields cares deeply about building a more just and sustainable world. Their pioneering work with homeless people started in the early twentieth century and continues today through the Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields and the Vicar’s Relief Fund, which gives out thousands of small grants averaging £170 to people in desperate financial need. Both are supported by the annual BBC Radio 4 St Martin-in-the-Fields Christmas Appeal, which has been running for over 85 years. Through their education work they bring together inspiring speakers to help people explore the Christian faith and the big issues of our times. Whether you are joining us for worship, enjoying a delicious apple crumble in the Cafe in the Crypt, or relaxing to classical music in a candlelit church, St Martin’s offers everyone a warm welcome in the heart of London. This site was suggested to me buy Rick Steves himself and his guest speaker Siobhan Wall in a recent radio interview as a wonderful place to relax a midst the hustle and bustle of London. Tourist and Worship Information St Martin-in-the-Fields
Trafalgar Square London WC2N 4JJ United Kingdom Phone: 020 7766 1100 Hours: All are welcome to visit the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields at the following times: Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 8:30am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-6:00pm. Wednesday: 8:30am-1:15pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm Thursday: 8:30am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-6:00pm Saturday: 9:30am-6:00pm Sunday: 3:30pm-5:00pm Why these times? The church is generally open throughout the day, but they close to sightseers when there is a service or concert in progress. Everyone is welcome to join in for these, see regular service times or the music pages for information. Photography Visitors are allowed to take photos during the hours above. However, tourists are asked to refrain from taking pictures during services and concerts. For more information including service and concert times, Cafe menus and hours, and other information, check out the official website below. Located in the old Flower Market Building in the Covent Garden Piazza adjacent to the Jubilee Antique Market, the London Transport Museum explores the story of London and its transport system over the last 200 years, highlighting the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, culture and society since 1800. The museum cares for over 450,000 items - preserving, researching and acquiring objects to use in our galleries, exhibitions and other activities. As well as exploring the past, the Museum looks at present-day transport developments and concepts for urban transportation in the future, which includes a contemporary collecting policy for the benefit of future generations. The Museum was granted charitable status in 2007 which has enabled them to secure funding from new sources such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, and trusts and foundations including the Luke Rees-Pulley Charitable Trust, thereby extending our learning and engagement programs. This funding enables the Museum to offer learning opportunities, skills development and engaging programming to a wide variety of audiences. Tourist Information London Transport Museum
Entrance Address- Covent Garden Piazza Postal Address- 39 Wellington Street London WC2E 7BB Phone: +44 (0)20 7379 6344 Museum Hours Monday-Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm (Last entry 5:15) Friday 11:00am - 6:00pm (Last entry 5:15) Admission Prices Children and teens under 17 years of age are admitted FREE!! Individual Admission Adults £15.00 Concessions £11.50* Group Admission Adults £9.50 Concessions £7.50* *Concessionary admission and event ticket prices, unless otherwise stated, apply only to senior citizens, students (on presentation of a valid student ID card) and those in receipt of state benefit assistance. For all other information including current exhibitions, shop and cafe hours, etc. Check out the official website below. Cheers! The Royal Mews is an important branch of the Lord Chamberlain's Office and provides road transport for The Queen and members of the Royal Family by both horse-drawn carriage and motor car. It is also one of the finest working stables still in existence, responsible for the training of the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays, the horses that pull the royal carriages. State vehicles are housed and maintained at the Royal Mews. They include the carriages used for royal and State occasions, such as State Visits, weddings and the State Opening of Parliament. Carriages from the Royal Mews are also used on roughly 50 occasions each year to convey newly appointed High Commissioners and Ambassadors from their official residence to Buckingham Palace to present their credentials to The Queen. Since 1843 the daily messenger Brougham has set out from the Royal Mews to collect and deliver post between Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace. The most dazzling of all coaches housed in the Royal Mews is the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation since that of George IV in 1821. The latest coach to join the collection of royal coaches is The Diamond Jubilee State Coach (pictured above) which was built to commemorate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Royal Mews is one of the finest working stables anywhere in the world and home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages, the stables are still to this day responsible for all road travel arrangements for Her Majesty The Queen. The Royal Mews in London offers regular guided tours where visitors can learn the history of the Mews and its association with the British monarchy. Tourist Information The Royal Mews
Buckingham Palace London, SW1W 1QH You can visit the Royal Mews at your leisure using the complimentary audio tour, which lasts approximately 45 minutes. Between April - October guided tours also depart at regular intervals throughout the day. Admission Times 1 April – 31 October Open daily 10:00-5:00 (last admission 4:15) 1-30 November Monday to Saturday 10:00-4:00 (last admission 3:15) 2 February - 31 March 2015 Monday to Saturday 10:00-4:00 (last admission 3:15) Admission Prices (Includes Audio Guide) Adult £8.75 Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £8.00 Under 17/Disabled £5.40 Under 5 Free Family (2 adults, 3 under 17) £22.90 I would highly suggest you get a combo ticket. This gives you combined admission to the Royal Mews and the adjacent Queen's Gallery. The Prices are below: Combined visit: The Royal Mews and The Queen's Gallery Adult £16.75 Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £15.25 Under 17/Disabled £9.30 Under 5 Free Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £42.80 For more information including current closures and opening times and all other information, check out the official website through the Royal Collection Trust, below. Cheers! Built by Messrs Harland & Wolff of Belfast in 1936, Anne Chamberlain, wife of the then Prime Minister launched Belfast on St Patrick’s Day 1938. After fitting out and builder’s trials HMS Belfast was commissioned into the Royal Navy on 5 August 1939 under the command of Captain G A Scott DSO RN. Designed for the protection of trade and offensive action she was immediately called into service patrolling the northern waters in efforts to impose a maritime blockade on Germany. However, disaster struck after only two months at sea when HMS Belfast hit a magnetic mine. There were few casualties but the damage to her hull was so severe she was out of action for three years. On rejoining the home fleet in 1942 she was still the largest and most powerful cruiser in the Royal Navy and most importantly she was equipped with the most advanced radar systems. HMS Belfast was immediately called into action and played a crucial role in protecting the arctic convoys, Russia’s supply route throughout the war. Most notably in her role during the Battle of North Cape which saw the sinking of the German battle cruiser Scharnhorst and the loss of all but 36 of her 1,963 crew. HMS Belfast remained protecting the arctic convoys until 1944 when she spent five weeks supporting the D-Day landings and reportedly fired one of the first shots on D-Day itself. After the Second World War HMS Belfast played an active role in the Korean War from 1950-1952 working with other Allied Forces to support the retreating American and South Korean troops. Her final years were spent performing peace-keeping duties until she was retired from service in 1963. As early as 1967 the Imperial War Museum had been investigating the possibility of preserving a Second World War cruiser. This led to the formation of a trust, headed up by one of HMS Belfast’s former captains Rear-Admiral Sir Morgan Morgan-Giles. After some years the trust was successful and HMS Belfast was brought to London opening to the public on Trafalgar Day, 21 October 1971. Today she is the last remaining vessel of her type – one of the largest and most powerful light cruisers ever built. She is permanently docked on the south bank of the Thames in between Tower Bridge and London Bridge. Tourist Information HMS Belfast The Queen's Walk London, SE1 2JH Phone: 020 7940 6300 Opening Hours 3 November to 28 February 10am – 5pm (last admission 4pm) 1 March to 31 October 10am – 6pm (last admission 5pm) They are closed 24, 25, and 26 December. During adverse weather, it may become necessary for certain ladders and upper decks on HMS Belfast to be closed at short notice. Please ask a member of staff on board for more information. Occasionally they may need to close early – any planned closures will be noted on the official website. Tickets Adults £15.50 Child (under 16) Free Concessions (Senior, Student, Disabled) £12.40 IWM Members Free Admission prices excluding voluntary donation: Adult £14.05, Concessions £11.25 *HMS Belfast is part of Imperial War Museums, which is a registered charity. Your ticket price includes a 10% voluntary donation. By making a donation, you will be making a valuable contribution to the care and conservation of this historic site. And, if you are a UK tax payer, your donation will enable us to claim Gift Aid on your entire admission payment. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult! For more information including current opening times, closures, exhibits and what to see, check out the official website below. Cheers!
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