Category Archives: Great Britain

Social Class in the Regency Period

Posted on August 19, 2015 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, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Anglo-Norman Literature: Part IV ~ Ballads

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

“A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads derive from the medieval French chanson balladée or ballade, which were originally “dancing songs”. Ballads were particularly characteristic of the popular poetry and song of the … Continue reading →

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Word Origins? Are These Ones You’ve Used Incorrectly?

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

We had some great discussions on Facebook over the last patch of words I included in a post on word origins. Let us see if you find any of these appealing? Escort – This is a late 16th Century word … Continue reading →

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Common Riding, a Langholm Tradition Celebrated on the Last Friday of July

Posted on July 30, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Common Riding is an annual event celebrated in Scottish Border towns and in some other places, to commemorate the times of the past when local men risked their lives in order to protect their town and people. Common Riding, a … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, real life tales, Scotland | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Anglo-Norman Literature: Part II ~ Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

This romantic verse is dated to the late 14th Century, but it may have developed a bit earlier. The author of the piece remains as “anonymous”; however many scholars view the author of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” to … Continue reading →

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Am Fear Liath Mòr, a Yeti-Like Creature in Scotland

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

The second highest mountain range in the UK is a mountain range in the eastern Highlands of Scotland. In modern terms, these mountains are known as the “Cairngorms.”  The Cairngorms include the highest, coldest, and snowiest plateaux in the United Kingdom. … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, real life tales, Scotland, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Celebrating the Feast of St Lewina

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Mysterious Britain and Ireland explains the source of the St Lewina celebration as, “St Lewina was a young British virgin who was martyred by Saxons on 24 July 687 A.D. (whilst Theodore was 7th Archbishop of Canterbury). Following her death … Continue reading →

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Writing Historical Fiction? Should You Use That Particular Word?

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

I admit it: I am a bit of a word geek. I am fascinated with how words came into the English language. Some words make sense in their derivation, and others not so much so. Below are some of the … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Regency era, word origins | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Anatomy of a “Janeite” ~ Do You Fit the Profile?

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Anatomy of a Janeite: Do You Fit the Profile? In 2008, JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) put together a survey of the “typical” Janeite. I was wondering how many items match with my viewers/readers. So, read on… Part 1: … Continue reading →

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Anglo-Norman Literature: Part I ~ Introduction to Medieval Verse Romances

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Early “romances” were stories written in verse in one of the Roman language. Essentially, a romance incorporated the elements of adventure, passion, the extraordinary, and an exaggeration of the virtues and vices of human nature. Originating from the French, the … Continue reading →

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