Category Archives: British history

A Regency Lexicon – And Then There Was “D”

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

A Regency Lexicon The Daily Courant – England’s first daily newspaper; founded in 1702 Damask – a fancy silk or linen fabric used for table linen; usually had a flower design raised “Dark Lady” – sometimes used to refer to … Continue reading →

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What is in a 17th Century Witch Bottle?

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

In writing my next novel, “The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy,” I have been exploring many of the superstitions and beliefs of 18th Century England. In doing so, I have looked at fairies, the Cerne Giant, and witchcraft. One of … Continue reading →

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Death and Dying in Regency England

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

As with any good (or bad) mystery, there are several deaths in my next Jane Austen adaptation/sequel, The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy. However, death and funerals were not on the order of present day “farewells.” If one has ever … Continue reading →

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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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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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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

Posted in British history, Jane Austen, Regency era | 2 Comments