Category Archives: British history

Oh the Places You Will Go…Real-Life Places in Jane Austen’s Life

The grand country estates and locations used in the film adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels often lead her fans into believing that “our Jane” lived in some of Britain’s finest homes. But where, oh where, did Jane Austen call home? … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Jane Austen, Regency era | Tagged | Comments Off on Oh the Places You Will Go…Real-Life Places in Jane Austen’s Life

Dorset’s Demon Judge

In June 1685, James Scott, the first Duke of Monmouth, the illegitimate son of King Charles II, landed at Lyme Regis in Dorset, bringing with him a bloody swatch of rebellion. In the days that followed, horror filled the hearts … Continue reading

Posted in British history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Dorset’s Demon Judge

Weymouth’s History – Learn Something of the Site of Olympic Sailing Events

With the Olympic’s Sailing venue being based in Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour this year, I thought I would add to the “legend” of Weymouth with some background information. Weymouth plays a significant role in my next Austen-inspired novel, The … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Of Water Nymphs and Mermaids – Have You Heard of These UK Legends?

Fairy maidens inhabiting the oceans, rivers, springs, meadows, woods, and wells are collectively known as nymphs. Nymphs resemble humans in height and overall appearance, but they are known for their enchanting beauty and seductive charms. According to most legends, water nymphs are … Continue reading

Posted in British history | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Legend of Merlin and King Arthur’s Round Table

In the old days of King Arthur, Of which Britons speak great honour, All was this land filled with fairy, The elf-queen with her jolly company. From Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” Of late, I have spent more hours than I care … Continue reading

Posted in British history | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Stir-Up Sunday: Do You Know How to Celebrate with the Christmas Pudding?

Stir-up Sunday is an informal term in Anglican churches for the last Sunday before the season of Advent. The term comes from the opening words of the collect for the day in the Book of CommonPrayer of 1549 and later (a translation of … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Jane Austen, legends and myths, real life tales, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Stir-Up Sunday: Do You Know How to Celebrate with the Christmas Pudding?