Category Archives: Victorian era

Primogenture and the 19th Century Entail

As it had been for centuries, a man’s status in 19th Century British Society rested in the land he held. Land was a symbol of wealth and social rank. Therefore, the need to pass one’s “wealth” to future generations increased … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, primogenture, real life tales, Regency era, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A “Stalker” for Queen Victoria

Few outside of Victorian scholars know much of Queen Victoria’s “stalker.” Edward “the Boy” Jones was quite adept at sneaking into Victoria’s most private apartments. Born in 1824, Edward Jones became fascinated with Victoria when she was but a young … Continue reading

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Calomel: A Poison Once the Standard for Medical Treatment

Many of you who follow this blog are parents and grandparents. Are we not glad that this medicine is no longer a part of our children’s teething issues? Read on… From Evidence Based Science we learn that Calomel was once considered standard medicine. It … Continue reading

Posted in American History, British history, Great Britain, medicine, Regency era, Uncategorized, Victorian era | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Have You Heard of the Oxford Electric Bell?

The Oxford Electric Bell or Clarendon Dry Pile is an experimental electric bell that was set up in 1840 and which has run almost continuously ever since, apart from occasional short interruptions caused by high humidity. It was “one of … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, Bells, British history, Great Britain, real life tales, Uncategorized, Victorian era | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Eccentrics of the Regency: Maria Fagniani

Eccentrics of the Regency Period Series: Maria Fagniani The mistresses of the Prince Regent and his brothers were as well known as the men. The Duke of Clarence, for example, sired ten children with Mrs Jordan, and the Duke of … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Victorian Folklore Legend: Spring-Heeled Jack

As a native West Virginian, I grew up on the Mothman prophecies, the story line behind the 2002 movie of the same name, which was intermixed with the collapse of the Silver Bridge in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The Mothman … Continue reading

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Henry ‘Orator’ Hunt, British Radical of the Industrial Age

Henry “Orator” Hunt (6 November 1773–15 February 1835) was a British radical speaker and agitator, who advocated parliamentary reform and the repeal of the Corn Laws. Because of his rousing speeches at mass meetings held in Spa Fields in London … Continue reading

Posted in British history, George IV, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, political stance, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Henry ‘Orator’ Hunt, British Radical of the Industrial Age

The Face of Jack the Ripper Revealed

The Face of Jack the Ripper Last Monday (September 8), I included a post on The Brutality of Jack the Ripper. This is one of my favorite sources on the crime. In 2006, BBC News brought us a look at … Continue reading

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Growing Up Female During the Regency and Victorian Eras

Regency and Victorian Eras: Growing Up Female in the Country Young girls had little control over their lives during the Regency and Victorian eras. Their lives were strictly regulated by nurses and governesses. The girls were expected to practice correct … Continue reading

Posted in British history, customs and tradiitons, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, Regency era, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

The Brutality of Jack the Ripper

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a BIG Matthew Macfadyen fan, and so I was very pleased with Season 3 of “Ripper Street” was picked up. The show is a gritty, in-your-face depiction of crime in the Victorian period. … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Living in the UK, mystery, real life tales, Uncategorized, Victorian era | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments