Category Archives: aristocracy

The Nature of “Making Calls” and the Use of “Calling Cards” in the Regency Era

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Regina Jeffers

“Calling cards first became popular in Europe in the 18th century and were favored by royalty and nobility. Their popularity spread across Europe and to the United States and soon calling cards became essential for the fashionable and wealthy. Society homes often had a silver … Continue reading →

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What is a “Letters Patent” and Why Is the Term Always Plural?

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Regina Jeffers

Letters patent is defined as a “type of legal instrument in the form of a published written order issued by a monarch, president or other head of state, generally granting an office, right, monopoly, title or status to a person or corporation. Letters patent can be used … Continue reading →

Posted in Act of Parliament, American History, aristocracy, British history, commerce, England, George IV, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, history, kings and queens, laws of the land, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, peerage, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities, research, terminology, Victorian era, word play, world history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on What is a “Letters Patent” and Why Is the Term Always Plural?

Half-Pay Officers During the Regency Era

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Regina Jeffers

Question from a follower: I’ve often wondered about the term “half-pay officer.” Does an officer who sells out still receive half pay or only officers who retire without selling their commissions (if there is such a thing). My question concerns … Continue reading →

Posted in aristocracy, British history, British Navy, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, history, military, Napoleonic Wars, Pride and Prejudice, Regency era, Regency romance, research, war, War of 1812 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

This and That Regarding the Concept of “Heirs” and “Naturalization” – A Bunch of Historical Facts Tossed Together for Your Enjoyment

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Regina Jeffers

The first boy born to a marriage is usually referred to as the “heir,” though a more legal term might be “heir apparent.” Birth notices are usually something to the effect of: “The Duchess of Devonshire, a son and heir.” The … Continue reading →

Posted in Act of Parliament, America, American History, aristocracy, British history, estates, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, history, Inheritance, laws of the land, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, peerage, real life tales, Regency era, research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on This and That Regarding the Concept of “Heirs” and “Naturalization” – A Bunch of Historical Facts Tossed Together for Your Enjoyment

Celebrating the Release of “Two Earls to Love” With Two Excerpts and a Giveaway

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Regina Jeffers

The first of the “two earls” featured in this collection was released in the summer of 2022 as part of the Regency Summer Garden Anthology (which is only available in print format). Rose Vickers has been sent home by her … Continue reading →

Posted in aristocracy, book excerpts, book release, books, British history, eBooks, excerpt, Georgian England, Georgian Era, giveaway, heroines, historical fiction, Living in the Regency, publishing, reading, reading habits, Regency era, Regency romance, research, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Celebrating the Release of “Regency Summer Scandals,” featuring my story “Loving Lord Lindmore” + a Giveaway

Posted on July 10, 2023 by Regina Jeffers

Regency Summer Scandals, the latest in our summer anthologies from Dreamstone Publishing released yesterday. Today, I would like to give you a taste of my story in the anthology, which is entitled “Loving Lord Lindmore.” Meet my Main Characters: Matthew … Continue reading →

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Portland Place, London’s Widest Street and the Adam Brothers’ Legacy

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Regina Jeffers

Portland Place was designed by Robert and James Adam in 1767. Originally, Robert Adam had thought to make this area a veritable street of palaces. Unfortunately for Adam, all attempts to do so failed, and rows of townhouses, though spacious and more than a bit intimidating at times, was settled upon. A “close” of great houses it has been called. The width of the thoroughfare/street was determined by the 3rd Duke of Portland’s obligations to his tenant, Lord Thomas Foley, whose northward view from Foley House could not be interfered with: Therefore, the width of Portland Place is the width of Foley House. At around 125 feet wide, the street is commonly referred to as the widest street in London. The agreement was signed in January 1767 and confirmed by an Act of Parliament in April of that year. James Adam negotiated the understanding for the development, which, initially, only covered the southern half of Portland Place, as well as the streets leading off it to either side, going as far north as Weymouth Street. The agreement for the northern half was negotiated in April 1776. Continue reading →

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The Privilege of Peerage in Avoiding Punishment

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Regina Jeffers

Not all crimes allowed a use of privilege, which was close to the Benefit of clergy that everyone else could use without the farce of the neck verse. The woman’s father or guardian would generally have to bring the suit–unless she was of age. The charge would be abduction. Continue reading →

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The Duke Is Dead, Long Live the Duke . . . Now What?

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Regina Jeffers

During the Georgian era, a will could be declared void it the person was insane or drunk at the time of its creation or be voided if it was proven to have been written for a convicted felon, a prisoner, or an outlaw/thief. So it was also for those who committed suicide or had been excommunicated from the church or if the person was a slave. A married woman required the consent of her husband to have a will drawn up. Worst so, the husband had the right to withdraw his permission up until the will was probated. Because the legal age to marry during the time was 14 for boys and 12 for girls, such was the same ages for wills. Continue reading →

Posted in Act of Parliament, aristocracy, British history, estates, family, Georgian England, Georgian Era, history, Inheritance, laws of the land, legacy, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, real life tales, Regency era, titles of aristocracy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Could Longbourn Be Lost to Mortgage Debt? + the Release of “Amending the Shades of Pemberley” + a Giveaway

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Regina Jeffers

Only registered debts like mortgages and those on which the stamps and fees had been paid were legally enforceable. The law of the time said an heir was only liable for debts to the sum of the assets he inherited. Most mortgages could be continued, just by paying the interest. Continue reading →

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