Monthly Archives: January 2015

The Lovely World of the English Language: Do You Know the Origin of These Words and Phrases?

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Nodcock ~ From the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), this is one of many words meaning “fool or idiot” It dates back to the 1500’s. Synonyms include “noddypoop, noddypoll, and niddicock.” [I wish I had known this word when a gentleman told me I … Continue reading →

Posted in etymology | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Oh, the Places We Will Go… [in Jane Austen’s Novels]

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Oh, the Places We Will Go…in Austen Novels Through Jane Austen’s novels, I was first introduced, at the age of 12, to beautiful English estates and a land beyond my imagination. I fell in love with the time, the homes, … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Regency era | 2 Comments

Jack Sheppard, Extraordinary Escape Artist, but Mediocre Thief

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Jack Sheppard, Extraordinary Thief A favorite figure in verse, plays, and burlesque, John Sheppard was an 18th Century English thief. Born in Stepney on 4 March 1702, Sheppard spent several years (from the age of six) in the workhouse in … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Georgian Era, Great Britain, legends and myths, Living in the UK, real life tales | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Eccentrics of the Georgian Era: Richard Barry, 7th Earl of Barrymore

Posted on January 2, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Eccentrics of the Georgian Period: Richard Barry, 7th Earl of Barrymore For today, we’ll take an look at another of the Prince Regent’s inner circle, a man known by one and all as “Hellgate,” Richard Barry, 7th Earl of Barrymore. Fast … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Georgian Era, Great Britain, real life tales | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The Tale of Aradia, Daughter of Diana and Lucifer

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

The Tale of Aradia, Daughter of Diana and Lucifer In researching my Austen-inspired cozy mystery, The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy, I spent multiple hours in reading LOTS of tales of paganism, witchcraft, and folklore. Believe me, this is not my … Continue reading →

Posted in legends, paranormal | Tagged , , | 1 Comment