Category Archives: British history

An Old-Fashioned Holiday Season? Perhaps Not!! Be Careful For What You Wish

An Old-Fashioned Holiday Season…Or, Perhaps Not!! Be Careful For What You Wish. Have we lost the meaning of the holidays? As many are conserving their energies for Black Friday shopping tomorrow, others are wondering how we lost the true meaning … Continue reading

Posted in British history, food and drink, Great Britain, holidays, real life tales | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The British Royal Navy and Jane Austen

In referring to the cult-like following of those who extolled all things involving Admiral Horatio Nelson, Jane Austen once wrote, “I am sick of Nelson.” Yet, the author always appreciated the lives of men in the Royal Navy. Two of … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Regency era | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Thomas More’s Life and Literature and Being a Reformation Martyr

 I am continued my journey through my undergraduate degree by looking at English literature through the ages. Today we have Sir Thomas More. Thomas More was born on Milk Street, London on February 7, 1478, son of Sir John More, … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, history, kings and queens, religion, research, Tudor, Tudors | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Queen Victoria’s Grief at Losing Her Beloved Albert

On December 14, 1861, Prince Albert succumbed to what was believed to be typhoid fever, although a recent book Magnificent Obsession by historian Helen Rappenport suggest the prince suffered from Crohn’s disease. (The Daily Mail). Queen Victoria’s grief over the loss … Continue reading

Posted in British history, customs and tradiitons, history, kings and queens, Living in the UK, marriage, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Jane Austen’s Publishing Options, or Being a Female Writer in the Regency Era

Publishing Options for Women During Jane Austen’s Lifetime I thought it time to revisit this post for several people of late have asked me of Austen and self-publishing. “Novels” during the early Regency were geared toward the female reader; therefore, … Continue reading

Posted in British history, food, George IV, Georgian England, Great Britain, historical fiction, Industry News/Publishing, Jane Austen, literature, Living in the Regency, publishing, reading, reading habits, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities, romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

From Where Does the Name “Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky” Come?

With the news of the anniversary of the Cutty Sark ship this past week, I thought to renew this post. First a bit on the clipper ship: On 22 November, Cutty Sark celebrates the 146th anniversary of her launch. Originally designed … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, Scotland, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

William “520 Percent” Miller, Inspiration for “Mr. Darcy’s Bargain”

In my latest release, Mr. Darcy’s Bargain, Elizabeth pleads with Darcy to save the citizens of Meryton from a scam being perpetrated upon them by Mr. Wickham. But how did I come up with the idea of this scam as … Continue reading

Posted in American History, Anglo-Normans, Austen Authors, Barbara Kyle, book excerpts, book release, books, British currency, British history, British Navy, business, Chaucer, commerce, contemporary romance, eBooks, George Wickham, Georgian Era, giveaway, historical fiction, Living in the Regency, Pride and Prejudice, real life tales, Regency romance, romance, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Play from Emma Wood: “Mr Bennet’s Bride,” a Pride and Prejudice Prequel

First, before we begin, I should say that Emma is literally on the other side of the world. Where she lives it is already Thursday, November 10, so if she does not respond too quickly to comments below, it is … Continue reading

Posted in Austen actors, British history, drama, family, Georgian England, historical fiction, Jane Austen, JASNA, marriage, playwrights, Pride and Prejudice, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Queen Victoria Chooses a Husband for Her Second Daughter, Princess Alice

 With the marriage of Victoria, Princess Royal, to the future Frederick III of Prussia, Queen Victoria turned her “matchmaking” skills upon her second daughter, Princess Alice Maud Mary. Although she promoted the idea of love matches for all her children, … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Church of England, history, kings and queens, legacy, marriage, marriage customs, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Colorful (But Lesser Known) Contemporaries of William Shakespeare, Part II

Previously, in our survey of the History of English Literature, we looked at Barnaby Barnes, John Fletcher, and Nicholas Breton. You may find that post HERE. Today we will explore the accomplishments of Sir Henry Wotton, Anthony Munday, and Raphael … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, historical fiction, literature, Living in the UK, playwrights, poetry, reading, religion, romantic verse, Tudors | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments