Category Archives: British history

The Characterization of Elinor Dashwood in Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility”

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Austen began writing Elinor and Marianne as an epistolary novel in 1795. It was published as Sense and Sensibility in 1811. The novel set the tone for many of Austen’s titles: defiance of the social and economic barriers to marriage and … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

To Describe the Aristocracy During the Regency, Would One Use the “Ton,” the “Bon Ton” or Something Else?

Posted on March 18, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Le bon ton is a French phrase meaning “the good style” or “good form.” So one could be part of the ton, if one had the style for it, which is why Beau Brummell could be a leader of fashion … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, customs and tradiitons, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, political stance, Pride and Prejudice, Regency era, Regency personalities, titles of aristocracy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on To Describe the Aristocracy During the Regency, Would One Use the “Ton,” the “Bon Ton” or Something Else?

“Obstinate, Headstrong Girl,” Introducing “Austens of Broadford,” a Guest Post and Chapter Excerpt from Carole Penfield

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

A life lesson universally acknowledged is that when you marry someone, you marry into their entire family. Not infrequently, some family member may act to interfere with the happiness of a couple during their courtship. Such was the case for … Continue reading →

Posted in book excerpts, book release, books, British history, England, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Guest Post, history, Jane Austen | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on “Obstinate, Headstrong Girl,” Introducing “Austens of Broadford,” a Guest Post and Chapter Excerpt from Carole Penfield

Ben Jonson’s “Song to Celia” ~ The Poem You Did Not Know Was a Song

Posted on March 11, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

 One of my favorite love songs comes to us from the poet Ben Jonson. According to Poets.org, “The poet, essayist, and playwright Ben Jonson was born on June 11, 1572 in London, England. In 1598, Jonson wrote what is considered his … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, literature, love quotes, music, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Major General Adam Stephen, Real-Life Model for Doctor Spurlock in My Tale, “Captain Stanwick’s Bride”

Posted on March 9, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

In my tale “Captain Stanwick’s Bride,” I based Elizabeth Spurlock on my own 8th great-grandmother, a Powhatan Indian Princess. But where did I find the inspiration for the lady’s husband? Easy enough to answer. I am from West Virginia originally, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American History, Appalachia, British history, British Navy, West Virginia | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Major General Adam Stephen, Real-Life Model for Doctor Spurlock in My Tale, “Captain Stanwick’s Bride”

Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s “Visionary”

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

To really understand Prince Albert’s role in British history, one must know more of his early life. Albert Francis Charles Augustus Emmanuel of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was born on 26 August 1819 at Schloss Rosenau, in Bavaria, the younger son of the duke … Continue reading →

Posted in Act of Parliament, British history, Great Britain, titles of aristocracy, Victorian era | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Turmoil in Europe and Queen Victoria’s England

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Mourning was one of the great constants in Queen Victoria’s life. The Queen and her beloved Albert lost his maternal step grandmother, Princess Karoline Amalie of Hesse-Kassel, in February 1848. In her journal, Queen Victoria wrote, “My poor Albert is quite … Continue reading →

Posted in Act of Parliament, British history, commerce, Great Britain, history, real life tales, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Tolpuddle Martyrs, Changing the Face of Employment Rights in Victorian England

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

  This year is the 181st anniversary of when six Dorset farm labourers were sent to an Australian penal colony, but their ‘crimes’ helped change the face of employment rights for generations to come – and it all began in … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, commerce, Dorset, history, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Paston Letters, the Earliest Known Archive of Private Correspondence in English

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

The Paston Letters is a remarkable collection of letters between different members of the Paston family, their staff and their friends. In truth, the collection might better be referred to as the Paston Archive, as the medieval section contains many … Continue reading →

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Caister Castle, Only English Example of a “Wasserburg-Style Moated Castle”

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

A 90-foot tower is all that remains of Caister Castle, which was originally commissioned in 1432 by Sir John Fastolf, who served bravely during the 100 Year War. However, from the tower, visitors can view the castle ruins and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Age of Chaucer, British history, buildings and structures | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments