Category Archives: real life tales

Do You Remember the Yankee’s Farewell to the “Iron Horse”?

For the last few weeks in August, those of us in the States have been bombarded with images of common folks and celebrities pouring buckets of ice water over their heads in the name of fundraiser for ALS. But what … Continue reading

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Victorian Personality: William Hulton, Industrial Strategist or Hard Task Master?

William Hulton (23 October 1787 – 5 April 1864) was an English landowner and magistrate who lived at Hulton Park, in the historic county of Lancashire, England. Hulton was the son of William Hulton and Jane (née Brooke). He was … Continue reading

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Do You Remember? The Three Stooges as Political Satirists

This is a poster for You Nazty Spy!. The poster art copyright is believed to belong to the distributor of the film, Columbia Pictures, the publisher of the film or the graphic artist. Further details: Original lobby for You Nazty … Continue reading

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Regency Celebrity: Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, Provisional Lieutenant Governor and Commander of Upper Canadian Forces

Major-General Sir Isaac Brock KB (6 October 1769 – 13 October 1812) was a British Army officer and administrator. Brock is featured as a minor character in my Work in Progress, and so I have spent some time researching his … Continue reading

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Victorian Celebrity: Edward Cardwell, 1st Viscount Cardwell, Secretary of State for War

Edward Cardwell, 1st Viscount Cardwell PC, PC (Ire), FRS (24 July 1813 – 15 February 1886) was a prominent British politician in the Peelite and Liberal parties during the middle of the 19th century. He is best remembered for his … Continue reading

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The 19th Century Educational System (or Lack Thereof)

The 19th Century Educational System (or Lack Thereof) “Public” schools were founded through generous donations for the male children of the towns of Eton and Harrow, and they were originally open to all. The concept of the “grammar” school came … Continue reading

Posted in British history, customs and tradiitons, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, real life tales, Regency era | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

UK “Real” Estate: All Hallows-by-the-Tower

All Hallows-by-the-Tower, also previously dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin and sometimes known as All Hallows Barking, is an ancient Anglican church on Byward Street in the City of London, overlooking the Tower of London. The church and Tower Hill … Continue reading

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“The London Monster” and Piquerism

The London Monster was the name given to an alleged attacker of women in London between 1788 and 1790. The attacker had a signature behavior of piquerism, the pricking or stabbing of victims with a knife, pin or needle. First … Continue reading

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UK “Real” Estate: Tower Hill

The traditional East End of London plays a role in my latest Work in Progress, a cozy mystery with lots of twists and turns. Tower Hill is important to the story’s climax. Tower Hill is an elevated spot northwest of … Continue reading

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Georgian Era Thief Taker General, Jonathan Wild

Between 1674 and 1829, a British citizen witnessing a crime was legally obliged to apprehend the perpetrator if possible. At a minimum, one was expected to report the crime to a magistrate or other law official. The witness was also … Continue reading

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