Monthly Archives: August 2012

The Isle of Portland and Nanny Diamond Fairies

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

The Isle of Portland is a limestone tied island, 6 kilometres (4 mi) long by 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi) wide, in the English Channel. Portland is 8 kilometres (5 mi) south of the resort of Weymouth, forming the southernmost point … Continue reading →

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Beware of Using Images from Google Searches

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Recently, author Roni Loren shared her unfortunate experience of being sued for using copyrighted photos in a blog, pictures she had found on a Google search and pictures she had thought would be acceptable if she added to a personal, not-for-profit … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The Nomenclature of Nineteenth Century Address

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

How did one keep all those numerous titles straight when he addressed the members of the aristocracy and the titled? Here are some of the MANY differences of which one needed to be aware: “Lady” – used for the wife … Continue reading →

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“Dancing” in Austen’s Novels

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

I won’t dance; don’t ask me… “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” (Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 3) During Austen’s time, young people looked for a potential mate at dances. Austen, herself, enjoyed a … Continue reading →

Posted in Jane Austen, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Dorset’s Cerne Abbas Giant and Fertility Legends

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

The Cerne Abbas Giant is a quirky figure carved out on Trendle Hill in Dorset, UK. Some 180 feet tall, the naked “Giant” holds a club aloft in his right hand. How he came to be resting on this hillside … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, gothic and paranormal, legends and myths | 2 Comments

A Lesson on Victorian Prison Reform

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Victorians were worried about the rising crime rate: offences went up from about 5,000 per year in 1800 to about 20,000 per year in 1840. They were firm believers in punishment for criminals, but faced a problem: what should the … Continue reading →

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We Get Stacks and Stacks of Letters…

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

On the Perry Como Show, the chorus used to sing: “Letters, we get letters. We get stacks and stacks of letters.” However, during the Regency Period, the mail was expensive. MPs were the only ones who had a “free” ride … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Jane Austen, Regency era | 3 Comments

The Peerage

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

If one reads Regency romance, he encounters his fair share of England’s titled gentlemen, often referred to as the “peerage.” In order of rank, one finds dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons. Baronets and knights were NOT peers. The House … Continue reading →

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The Life of the Gentry During the Regency Period

Posted on August 6, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

During the Regency Period, wealth and social class separated the English citizenry. Beginning with the Royals, citizens found their place based on birthright and wealth. The nobility stood above the gentry, who stood above the clergy, who stood above the … Continue reading →

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Oh the Places You Will Go…Real-Life Places in Jane Austen’s Life

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

The grand country estates and locations used in the film adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels often lead her fans into believing that “our Jane” lived in some of Britain’s finest homes. But where, oh where, did Jane Austen call home? … Continue reading →

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