Category Archives: British history

UK Regions: Penrith, Cumbria

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

In my upcoming release, A Touch of Honor (Book 7 in the Realm Series), John Swenton travels to Penrith to meet with John Loudon McAdam (see December 19, 2013 post). I have discovered many interesting details of the area, and … Continue reading →

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“Here We Come A-Wassailing” ~ Plus the Release of Susana Ellis’s A Twelfth Night Tale + Giveaway + Excerpt

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Today, I am so pleased to have Susana Ellis join me on my blog to speak of one of a Christmastide’s long-lasting traditions. To celebrate her appearance, Ms. Ellis has generously offered a special giveaway to accompany her post. Enjoy … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, food and drink, Great Britain, holidays, real life tales, Regency era, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 35 Comments

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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