Category Archives: Great Britain

Victorian England: The Stockport Viaduct, One of the Largest Brick Structures in Europe

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

The Stockport Viaduct is a large brick-built bridge which carries the West Coast Main Line across the valley of the River Mersey, in Stockport, Greater Manchester (grid reference SJ89089030). It is the largest brick structure in Europe and was designed … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, buildings and structures, Great Britain, Uncategorized, Victorian era | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Victorian England ~ The Penny Black: First Adhesive Postage Stamp

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

The Penny Black was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It was issued in Britain on 1 May 1840. Unfortunately, not all post offices in the UK received official issues of the new stamps. … Continue reading →

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Victorian England: Sir Rowland Hill, Reformer of the Postal System

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Sir Rowland Hill KCB, FRS (3 December 1795 – 27 August 1879) was an English teacher, inventor and social reformer. He campaigned for a comprehensive reform of the postal system, based on the concept of Uniform Penny Post and his … Continue reading →

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Victorian Celebrities: Thomas Henderson, First Person to Measure the Distance to Alpha Centauri

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

A Scottish astronomer and mathematician, Thomas James Alan Henderson (28 December 1798 – 23 November 1844) was the first person to measure the distance to Alpha Centauri, the major component of the nearest stellar system to Earth, and for being … Continue reading →

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November 30 – Saint Andrew’s Day

Posted on November 29, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Who was Saint Andrew ? Despite what many may think, St. Andrew, who is the patron saint of Scotland, did not live and work in that country. In fact, his legendary connections to Scotland appeared centuries after his death. Andrew, … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, religion, Scotland | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Regency Celebrity: Mary Ann Duff, Anglo-American Tragedienne, One of the Greatest on the American Stage

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Mary Ann Duff, born Mary Ann Dyke (1794- September 5, 1857), was an Anglo-American tragedienne, in her time regarded as the greatest upon the American stage. She was born in London, England, and died in New York City, USA. Biography … Continue reading →

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Regency Celebrity: Maria Theresa Kemble, Actress and Playwright

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Maria Theresa Kemble (1774–1838), née Marie Thérèse Du Camp, was an actress on the English stage and wife of Charles Kemble. She wrote a number of comedies. Early Life The daughter of George De Camp, real name possibly De Fleury, … Continue reading →

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Regency Celebrity: James Harvey D’Egville, English Dancer and Choreorgrapher

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

James Harvey D’Egville (ca. 1770 – ca. 1836) was an English dancer and choreographer. James’ father Pierre D’Egville was ballet master at Drury Lane and Sadler’s Wells Theatres. His other son George D’Egville was also a dancer. James D’Egville performed … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, Napoleonic Wars, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities, royalty | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Regency Celebrity: John Philip Kemble, a Great Exponent of Shakespearean Roles

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

John Philip Kemble (1 February 1757 – 26 February 1823) was an English actor. He was born into a theatrical family as the eldest son of Roger Kemble, actor-manager of a touring troupe. His elder sister Sarah Siddons achieved fame … Continue reading →

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Early Regency Celebrities: Sarah Siddons, the Best-Known Tragedienne of the 18th Century

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

Sarah Siddons (5 July 1755 – 8 June 1831) was a Welsh actress, the best-known tragedienne of the 18th century. She was the elder sister of John Philip Kemble, Charles Kemble, Stephen Kemble, Ann Hatton and Elizabeth Whitlock, and the … Continue reading →

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