Category Archives: Living in the UK

The Knight Family Estate at Chawton, a Guest Post from Antoine Vanner

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

This guest post from Antoine Vanner in April 2017 on Austen Authors was a huge success. I though perhaps others might wish to view the wonderful pictures of Jane Austen’s “home” that Vanner shared.  The “Jane Austen House” in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Austen Authors, British history, buildings and structures, Guest Blog, Guest Post, history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, primogenture, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Yorkshire’s Legendary “Blind Jack” Metcalf, Extraordinary Road Builder

Posted on June 9, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

What do you know of  Yorkshire’s legendary hero, “Blind Jack (John Metcalf)”? JOHN METCALF was born at Knaresborough, on the 15 August, 1717 in a thatched cottage opposite Knaresborough Castle. Metcalf was considered a a pioneer in road construction. Between … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, history, Living in the UK | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Ceremony of Quit Rents

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

Have you ever heard of this tradition? The Ceremony of Quit Rents is the oldest legal ceremony in England (other than the coronation). It occurs between St Michael’s Day (October 11) and St Martin’s Day (November 11). On October 17, … Continue reading →

Posted in Age of Chaucer, British history, buildings and structures, customs and tradiitons, kings and queens, Living in the UK | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Ceremony of Quit Rents

The Red House Carriage Museum in Derbyshire

Posted on March 3, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

Recently, Sophia Turner did this wonderful post on Austen Authors regarding the Red House Carriage Museum she discovered on one of her journeys to England. I have asked her to share it with you.  The wonderful Red House Carriage Museum is … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, Pride and Prejudice, travel | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Learning to Be the “Lady of the Manor”

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

 Ladies in a country house were expected to practice the “correct” moral, social, and religious customs of the day. Not only were them women judged by these standards, but so were the rest of their family, especially if they acted … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, Regency era, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Fitzwilliam Darcy: Hero or Bad Boy? Guest Post from Martine Roberts

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

This post was originally posted on Austen Authors, but I thought it worthy of a second look. From Martine Roberts we have a post on our favorite Austen hero (or it that our favorite bad boy)? IT is a truth universally … Continue reading →

Posted in book release, books, eBooks, excerpt, fashion, film, film adaptations, Georgian England, Guest Blog, Guest Post, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, love quotes, marriage, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

Ever Been on a “Cook’s Tour”?

Posted on January 12, 2017 by Regina Jeffers

Most of you are likely to think a “cook’s tour” has something to do with a chef’s culinary excellence, but the phrase actually has its roots in the world’s oldest and largest travel organization.   Thomas Cook was a 32-year old … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, commerce, Great Britain, Industrial Revolution, Living in the UK, real life tales, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Queen Victoria’s Grief at Losing Her Beloved Albert

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

On December 14, 1861, Prince Albert succumbed to what was believed to be typhoid fever, although a recent book Magnificent Obsession by historian Helen Rappenport suggest the prince suffered from Crohn’s disease. (The Daily Mail). Queen Victoria’s grief over the loss … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, customs and tradiitons, history, kings and queens, Living in the UK, marriage, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Colorful (But Lesser Known) Contemporaries of William Shakespeare, Part II

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

Previously, in our survey of the History of English Literature, we looked at Barnaby Barnes, John Fletcher, and Nicholas Breton. You may find that post HERE. Today we will explore the accomplishments of Sir Henry Wotton, Anthony Munday, and Raphael … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, historical fiction, literature, Living in the UK, playwrights, poetry, reading, religion, romantic verse, Tudors | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Life Below Stairs: Benevolent Groups Come to the Aid of Domestic Servants

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

There were groups operating in London and throughout England to aid domestic servants. The most important of those were… Established in May 1846, The General Domestic Servants’ Benevolent Institution was located at 32 Sackville Street, Piccadilly. It was under the … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Living in the UK, servant life, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment