Category Archives: Jane Austen

What Did the Term “Half-Pay Officers” Mean During the Regency? And What of “Honor”?

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Regina Jeffers

I thought addressing this recent question from a reader appropriate for the Memorial Day Weekend. Question from a reader: I am confused about what it meant to be an officer on half-pay. Can you shed any light on this topic? … Continue reading →

Posted in aristocracy, British history, Georgian England, Georgian Era, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, military, Napoleonic Wars, Pride and Prejudice, real life tales, Regency era, research, terminology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

During the Georgian Era, Would a Vicar or Clergyman Take an Oath?

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Regina Jeffers

Question from a Reader: Is there a term for when a man becomes a vicar, such as getting sworn in or taking his vows, making an oath or something? Answer: The man is appointed to the position by the one … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Church of England, customs and tradiitons, Georgian England, Georgian Era, history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Regency era, religion, research, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on During the Georgian Era, Would a Vicar or Clergyman Take an Oath?

What Did It Mean to Be a “Gentleman” in Jane Austen’s England?

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Regina Jeffers

The word “genteel” is an adjective, meaning polite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected or ostentatious way. Its roots can be found in the late 16th century (in the sense ‘fashionable, stylish’): from French gentil ‘well-born’. From the 17th century … Continue reading →

Posted in Austen Authors, British history, customs and tradiitons, film adaptations, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, marriage customs, Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, real life tales, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on What Did It Mean to Be a “Gentleman” in Jane Austen’s England?

Regency Romance Plot Point: Betrothal Announcement in the Newspapers ~ Real or NOT!!!

Posted on July 7, 2025 by Regina Jeffers

I have seen and read some copies of actual newspapers of the Regency period which had been digitalized. Naturally, it is possible that there were no marriages of importance to share with the public on those particular dates, but I … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, customs and tradiitons, England, Georgian England, Georgian Era, heroines, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, marriage, marriage customs, publishing, Regency era, Regency romance, research, romance, tradtions, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Regency Romance Plot Point: Betrothal Announcement in the Newspapers ~ Real or NOT!!!

What Was “Silver Paper” in the Regency? + the Upcoming Release of “Lyon in the Way” from Dragonblade Publishers

Posted on June 2, 2025 by Regina Jeffers

One man wants her dead. Another may love her forever. For over a year, Lord Richard Orson has been quietly captivated by the unconventional Lady Emma Donoghue. Headstrong, brilliant, and unapologetically involved in causes that rattle Society’s comfort, Emma is … Continue reading →

Posted in book excerpts, book release, books, British history, commerce, customs and tradiitons, Dragonblade Publishers, Emma, excerpt, George IV, Georgian, Georgian England, Georgian Era, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, mystery, Napoleonic Wars, publishing, reading, Regency era, Regency romance, research, suspense, William IV, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on What Was “Silver Paper” in the Regency? + the Upcoming Release of “Lyon in the Way” from Dragonblade Publishers

Examining the Character of John Willoughby in Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility”

Posted on March 28, 2025 by Regina Jeffers

John Willoughby is one of Dashwood family’s country neighbors in Devon in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, but what do we know of the character. He and Sir John Middleton serve as bookends in the country society.  Willoughby literally sweeps Marianne … Continue reading →

Posted in Austen actors, books, British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Regency era, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

A Bit About the Historical Beginnings for the “Pianoforte” in England

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Regina Jeffers

This post began with a question from a follower: If a piano was called a “pianoforte” during the Regency, would the term “pianist” not be correct? If not, what would one call someone who played pianoforte? First, I began with … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, customs and tradiitons, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Regency personalities, research | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

“Emma” 1995’s Depiction of Social Class

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Regina Jeffers

I recently rewatched this version of Jane Austen’s book.  Emma 1995 – Columbia/Miramax feature film (120 minutes); Directed by Douglas McGrath; Screenplay by Douglas McGrath; Produced by Patrick Cassavetti and Steven Haft Cast: Gwyneth Paltrow…………………………….Emma Woodhouse Jeremy Northam……………………………..Mr. George Knightley … Continue reading →

Posted in Austen actors, film, film adaptations, Georgian England, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Pop Culture | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Paying for Postage in the Regency: Distance Times the Number of Enclosures, as Well as Something of “Sombre Statements”

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Regina Jeffers

This is a follow up question regarding the one from last Friday, 7 March 2025, regarding posting a letter during the Regency Era. This one is about “Post Offices.” Question: If someone was to send a letter from Cornwall in … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, commerce, customs and tradiitons, England, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, laws of the land, Living in the Regency, Regency era, research | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Paying for Postage in the Regency: Distance Times the Number of Enclosures, as Well as Something of “Sombre Statements”

Can Courtesy Titles Be Bestowed?

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Regina Jeffers

Since my last post on Courtesy Titles, I have received several inquires about how courtesy titles were bestowed upon others. First, permit me to clarify, once again, there is a difference between an actual title of the peerage and a courtesy … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Georgian England, history, Jane Austen, legacy, Living in the UK, Napoleonic Wars, real life tales, research, titles of aristocracy | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments