Category Archives: British history

Scotland’s Nostradamus: The Brahan Seer

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

The Brahan Seer, Kenneth Mackenzie (or Coinneach Odhar), is Scotland’s most famous prophet. Often referred to as the Scottish Nostradamus, Mackenzie lived in the 17th Century. Most experts believe that he was born on the Isle of Lewis (at Baile-na-Cille … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, castles, gothic and paranormal, Great Britain, legends and myths, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Victorian England: The Stockport Viaduct, One of the Largest Brick Structures in Europe

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

The Stockport Viaduct is a large brick-built bridge which carries the West Coast Main Line across the valley of the River Mersey, in Stockport, Greater Manchester (grid reference SJ89089030). It is the largest brick structure in Europe and was designed … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, buildings and structures, Great Britain, Uncategorized, Victorian era | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Victorian England ~ The Penny Black: First Adhesive Postage Stamp

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

The Penny Black was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It was issued in Britain on 1 May 1840. Unfortunately, not all post offices in the UK received official issues of the new stamps. … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, real life tales, Victorian era | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Victorian England: Sir Rowland Hill, Reformer of the Postal System

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Sir Rowland Hill KCB, FRS (3 December 1795 – 27 August 1879) was an English teacher, inventor and social reformer. He campaigned for a comprehensive reform of the postal system, based on the concept of Uniform Penny Post and his … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, real life tales, Victorian era | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Victorian Celebrities: Thomas Henderson, First Person to Measure the Distance to Alpha Centauri

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

A Scottish astronomer and mathematician, Thomas James Alan Henderson (28 December 1798 – 23 November 1844) was the first person to measure the distance to Alpha Centauri, the major component of the nearest stellar system to Earth, and for being … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, real life tales, Scotland, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

November 30 – Saint Andrew’s Day

Posted on November 29, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Who was Saint Andrew ? Despite what many may think, St. Andrew, who is the patron saint of Scotland, did not live and work in that country. In fact, his legendary connections to Scotland appeared centuries after his death. Andrew, … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, religion, Scotland | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Regency Celebrity: Mary Ann Duff, Anglo-American Tragedienne, One of the Greatest on the American Stage

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Mary Ann Duff, born Mary Ann Dyke (1794- September 5, 1857), was an Anglo-American tragedienne, in her time regarded as the greatest upon the American stage. She was born in London, England, and died in New York City, USA. Biography … Continue reading →

Posted in acting, British history, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Regency Celebrity: Mary Ann Duff, Anglo-American Tragedienne, One of the Greatest on the American Stage

Happenings During the Reign of William IV: The Merthyr Rising of 1831

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

The Merthyr Rising of 1831 was the violent climax to many years of simmering unrest among the large working class population of Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales and the surrounding area. Beginnings Throughout May 1831, the coal miners and others … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Living in the Regency, South Wales, William IV | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Regency Celebrity: Maria Theresa Kemble, Actress and Playwright

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Maria Theresa Kemble (1774–1838), née Marie Thérèse Du Camp, was an actress on the English stage and wife of Charles Kemble. She wrote a number of comedies. Early Life The daughter of George De Camp, real name possibly De Fleury, … Continue reading →

Posted in acting, British history, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Regency Celebrity: James Harvey D’Egville, English Dancer and Choreorgrapher

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

James Harvey D’Egville (ca. 1770 – ca. 1836) was an English dancer and choreographer. James’ father Pierre D’Egville was ballet master at Drury Lane and Sadler’s Wells Theatres. His other son George D’Egville was also a dancer. James D’Egville performed … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, Napoleonic Wars, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities, royalty | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment