Category Archives: British history

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 →

Posted in British history, gothic and paranormal, legends and myths | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in British history, Jane Austen, Regency era | 3 Comments

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

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

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

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 →

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Dorset’s Demon Judge

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

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 →

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

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

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 →

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

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

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 →

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Legend of Merlin and King Arthur’s Round Table

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

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 →

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