Category Archives: medieval

The First Autobiography Ever Written in the English Language

Posted on September 13, 2021 by reginajeffers

Likely, many of you reading this piece will have never heard of Margery Kempe, but her autobiography was the first recorded in the English language. First, we must realize Mrs. Kempe was born in 1373 in Lynn (later Bishop’s Lynn … Continue reading →

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The Provisions of Oxford

Posted on August 30, 2021 by reginajeffers

Most people know something of Oxford, England, through Oxford University, the home of England’s first university. However, Oxford is also known for the “Provisions of Oxford,” which in 1258 placed the king under a Council of Fifteen. All this began … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, England, Great Britain, history, kings and queens, medieval, political stance, real life tales, world history | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Uffington White Horse

Posted on August 6, 2021 by reginajeffers

Near the village of Uffington in Oxfordshire, England, one can find a most miraculous symbol, the oldest of the English hill figures. Some 3000 years old, the Uffington White Horse is a stick figure-style horse nearly the size of a … Continue reading →

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The Second Shepherds’ Play, England’s “First Comedy”

Posted on July 7, 2021 by reginajeffers

  The Wakefield mystery play cycle included The Second Shepherd’s Play. The author is unknown, but the play is commonly attributed to the Wakefield Master. This play dates from the latter half of the 15th Century. It is written in Middle … Continue reading →

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A Precious Piece of English Architecture: Lincoln Cathedral

Posted on June 14, 2021 by reginajeffers

The Lincoln Cathedral is the third largest English cathedral and one the prime examples of Gothic architecture. It is a sight that can easily steal away one’s breath. Its long nave crowns the hilltop 200 feet above the River Witham, … Continue reading →

Posted in architecture, British history, buildings and structures, gothic and paranormal, history, medieval, real life tales, religion, research | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Unusual” Medical Cures Found in History

Posted on June 9, 2021 by reginajeffers

I thought to look at what was acceptable medical practice during the Regency era and all through the past. We know, for example, that the lack of what we would now call “proper” medical procedures caused Princess Charlotte to lose … Continue reading →

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March 25, Lady Day – What are the Quarter Days in UK?

Posted on March 24, 2021 by reginajeffers

In the Western liturgical year, Lady Day is the traditional name in some English-speaking countries of the Feast of the Annunciation, which is celebrated on 25 March, and commemorates the visit of the archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, during … Continue reading →

Posted in Act of Parliament, British history, Church of England, customs and tradiitons, England, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, history, holidays, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, medieval, Pride and Prejudice, real life tales, religion, research | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on March 25, Lady Day – What are the Quarter Days in UK?

“Murder of a Bastard Child,” an Historical Crime Against Children

Posted on January 15, 2021 by reginajeffers

In the 18th Century in England, what was the fate of a child born to a young woman pregnant out of wedlock? Alan Taylor in the British History Georgian Lives Facebook Group tells us, “The most common capital offence for … Continue reading →

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“First Footing” It Into the New Year

Posted on December 30, 2020 by reginajeffers

I come very proud Scots, and, in my family, New Year’s (or Hogmanay as it was once called) played a popular part of my childhood. Although I admit to overspending at Christmas, something psychological as being raised poor, I am … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglo-Saxons, British history, Christmas, Church of England, Great Britain, history, Living in the UK, medieval, real life tales, religion, research, Scotland, tradtions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Very “Real” Estate: Vicars’ Close, Wells, Somerset, England

Posted on November 13, 2020 by reginajeffers

The oldest purely residential street in England is known as Vicars’ Close, which is located in Wells, Somerset, England, and dates from the mid 14th Century.  Planned by Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, at one time it was 42 separate houses, … Continue reading →

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