Category Archives: history

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?

September 6, 1620, The Voyage of the “Mayflower” Begins with Captain Christopher Jones at the Helm

Some of you have heard me say previously that my 10th great-grandparents were John Alden and Priscilla Mullins of Pilgrim and the Mayflower fame. So, when I came across a piece about Christopher Jones, I, naturally, stopped to read more … Continue reading

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Half-Pay Officers During the Regency Era

Question from a follower: I’ve often wondered about the term “half-pay officer.” Does an officer who sells out still receive half pay or only officers who retire without selling their commissions (if there is such a thing). My question concerns … Continue reading

Posted in aristocracy, British history, British Navy, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, history, military, Napoleonic Wars, Pride and Prejudice, Regency era, Regency romance, research, war, War of 1812 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

During the Regency, Could a Female Run an Estate in the Absence of the Male Heir?

Recently, one of my author friends sent me her Work in Progress manuscript for me to comment on what she had written to that point. She and I often bounce ideas off each other. Although beautifully written, making me sorry … Continue reading

Posted in British history, family, Georgian England, Georgian Era, history, Inheritance, Living in the Regency, marriage, Napoleonic Wars, Pride and Prejudice, Realm series, research, titles of aristocracy, Vagary, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

This and That Regarding the Concept of “Heirs” and “Naturalization” – A Bunch of Historical Facts Tossed Together for Your Enjoyment

The first boy born to a marriage is usually referred to as the “heir,” though a more legal term might be “heir apparent.” Birth notices are usually something to the effect of: “The Duchess of Devonshire, a son and heir.” The … Continue reading

Posted in Act of Parliament, America, American History, aristocracy, British history, estates, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, history, Inheritance, laws of the land, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, peerage, real life tales, Regency era, research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on This and That Regarding the Concept of “Heirs” and “Naturalization” – A Bunch of Historical Facts Tossed Together for Your Enjoyment

Consumption of Alcohol During the Regency Era

Alcohol consumption was somewhat “necessary” during the Regency Era, as well as before and after that particular time period. Water obtained from public sources was unsanitary. The Georgian England site tells us, “The growth of cities and towns during the … Continue reading

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What is the “Windsor Uniform”?

What is the “Windsor Uniform”? The Windsor uniform is a type of formal dress worn at Windsor Castle by male members of the British royal family (and some very senior courtiers). [“Windsor uniform”. Dress and insignia worn at His Majesty’s court (London: 1921).] Introduced in 1777 by George III, the … Continue reading

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Use of Dog Carts in Regency England

In my first post of August, a reader asked about a means for a female to go about the estate to paint scenery, etc. In my response, among my suggestions, I mentioned the use of dog carts as a possibility … Continue reading

Posted in Act of Parliament, British history, Georgian England, Georgian Era, history, laws of the land, real life tales, Regency era, research, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Reader Question: What Were the Choices of Carriages for a Lady in the Regency to Simply Travel About Her Husband’s Estate to Sketch and Paint?

CARRIAGE CHOICES: New Question from a Familiar Follower: I have a character in the book I am writing who prefers to keep her distance from horses, but she enjoys painting and walking quite long distances to sketch outdoors. Her husband … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Georgian England, Georgian Era, heroines, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Pride and Prejudice, reading, Regency era, research, tradtions, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment