Category Archives: England

Performing as an Officer and a Gentleman While Being Broke

Of late, I have been reading of a phenomenon going on, specifically during the Napoleonic Wars, that I am certain many of my readers are unaware. Officers often “fronted” the cost of the men serving under them and returned home … Continue reading

Posted in British history, England, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, history, Living in the Regency, military, Napoleonic Wars | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Very “Real” Estate: Vicars’ Close, Wells, Somerset, England

The oldest purely residential street in England is known as Vicars’ Close, which is located in Wells, Somerset, England, and dates from the mid 14th Century.  Planned by Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, at one time it was 42 separate houses, … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, British history, buildings and structures, customs and tradiitons, England, Great Britain, history, medieval, research | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

William Strickland, the Man Who Introduced Turkeys to England

Tomorrow in the U.S., we will be all about the turkey and fixings and football and preparing for Black Friday sales, but in the U.K., turkeys are a more traditional dish for Christmas. Why might you ask? We can blame … Continue reading

Posted in British history, buildings and structures, Christmas, Church of England, customs and tradiitons, England, history, holidays, kings and queens, legends, Living in the UK, real life tales, religion, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

“Kinks” in the Peerage Laws in Great Britain

First, and foremost, one must understand the creation of peerages is a royal prerogative. Letters patent are used exclusively now for this task, but this was not always so. Letters patent are a form of open or public proclamation and a … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Church of England, customs and tradiitons, Elizabeth I, England, estates, Georgian England, Georgian Era, history, Inheritance, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, real life tales, Regency era, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Wellington’s “Waterloo Dispatch” ~ Part 2

After my post on Friday regarding Wellington’s “Waterloo Dispatch,” I received several email regarding the contents of the dispatch. First, permit me to share it with you (from Wikisource), and then I will make a few comments on the news … Continue reading

Posted in British history, England, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, military, real life tales, Regency era, research, war, world history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Wellington’s “Waterloo Dispatch” ~ Part 2

Celebrating Victory: The Waterloo Dispatch

18 June 1815 saw what has become known as The Battle of Waterloo. The French Army was led by Napoleon Bonaparte, a man still attempting to capture the glory of the French empire of 1810. France of 1815 had lost … Continue reading

Posted in British history, England, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, history, military, real life tales, war | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Celebrating Victory: The Waterloo Dispatch

A Bit on Copperplate Handwriting . . .

Reader’s Question: Could someone tell if the person was right-handed or left-handed by the slant of their letters on a page? First, let’s speak to what was known as Copperplate Handwriting, what we now call “calligraphy.” Copperplate script is the … Continue reading

Posted in American History, books, British history, England, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, history, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, reading, Regency era, research, terminology, Victorian era, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

What is a “Letters Patent” and Why Is the Term Always Plural?

Letters patent is defined as a “type of legal instrument in the form of a published written order issued by a monarch, president or other head of state, generally granting an office, right, monopoly, title or status to a person or corporation. Letters patent can be used … Continue reading

Posted in Act of Parliament, American History, aristocracy, British history, commerce, England, George IV, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, history, kings and queens, laws of the land, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, peerage, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities, research, terminology, Victorian era, word play, world history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on What is a “Letters Patent” and Why Is the Term Always Plural?

The Practice of Enclosure of Open Lands in England and Wales

 In England and Wales from the 12th Century forward enclosure (or inclosure) was a common practice. Before enclosure, much of the land was only used during the growing season. Once the harvest took place, the was at the disposal of … Continue reading

Posted in Act of Parliament, British history, England, estates, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Living in the Regency, Regency era, Wales | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Cheddar Man and Mr. Targett: Stone Age Connections

Okay, today, I am not talking about cheese, though the “gentleman” in question is associated with Cheddar, England, which is famous for its cheese. Cheddar is also famous for Cheddar Gorge and a line of limestone caves found there. Rather, … Continue reading

Posted in British history, England, exploration, family, Great Britain, history, real life tales, science, world history | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments