Category Archives: Victorian era

King of Clubs, Whig Conversation Club of the Early Regency Period

The King of Clubs was a famous Whig conversation club, founded in 1798. In contrast to its mainly Tory forerunner The Club (established by Samuel Johnson, Edmund Burke and Sir Joshua Reynolds), it was a predominantly Whig fraternity of some … Continue reading

Posted in British history, George IV, Great Britain, language choices, Living in the Regency, political stance, real life tales, Regency personalities, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“Conversation” Sharp – Victorian, Richard Sharp, Doyen of the Conversationalists

Richard Sharp, FRS, FSA (1759 – 30 March 1835), also known as “Conversation” Sharp, was a hat-maker, banker, merchant, poet, critic, British politician, but above all – doyen of the conversationalists. Family Background Sharp was born in Newfoundland. His father, … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, language choices, political stance, real life tales, Uncategorized, Victorian era | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Victorian Astronomer, Francis Baily

Francis Baily (28 April 1774 – 30 August 1844) was an English astronomer, most famous for his observations of ‘Baily’s beads’ during an eclipse of the Sun. Life Baily was born at Newbury in Berkshire in 1774 to Richard Baily. … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Living in the UK, real life tales, science, Victorian era | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

I See Jane Austen Everywhere!

I See Jane Austen Everywhere!!!! As much as I love Jane Austen, one of my best friends loves Elizabeth Gaskell equally as well. I admit to having read only three Gaskell pieces in my time: Cranford, North and South, and Mary Barton. Last … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, British history, George IV, Great Britain, Jane Austen, language choices, political stance, real life tales, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Victorian Happenings: SS British Queen~Largest Passenger Ship in the World

British Queen was a British passenger liner that was the second steamship completed for the transatlantic route when she was commissioned in 1839. She was the largest passenger ship in the world from 1839 to 1840. She was named in … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Victorian era | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Victorian Happenings: The SS Great Western, the First Steamship Designed to Cross the Atlantic

SS Great Western of 1838, was an oak-hulled paddle-wheel steamship, the first steamship purpose-built for crossing the Atlantic, and the initial unit of the Great Western Steamship Company. She was the largest passenger ship in the world from 1837 to … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Victorian era, William IV | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Victorian Happening: Tolpuddle Martyrs and the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers

The Tolpuddle Martyrs were a group of 19th century Dorset agricultural labourers who were arrested for and convicted of swearing a secret oath as members of the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers. The rules of the society show it was … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Georgian Era, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, political stance, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Victorian Happening: The Grand National Consolidated Trades Union of 1834

The Grand National Consolidated Trades Union of 1834 was an early attempt to form a national union confederation in the United Kingdom. There had been several attempts to form national general unions in the 1820s, culminating with the National Association … Continue reading

Posted in British history, George IV, Great Britain, Living in the Regency, political stance, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Victorian Happening: The Grand National Consolidated Trades Union of 1834

Victorian Celebrity: Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, 1st Baronet – Abolitionist and Social Reformer

Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, 1st Baronet (1 April 1786 – 19 February 1845) was an English Member of Parliament, brewer, abolitionist and social reformer. Buxton was born at Castle Hedingham, Essex. His father was also named Thomas Fowell Buxton. His … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, real life tales, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Victorian Happenings: The Slavery Abolition Act 1833

The Slavery Abolition Act 1833 (citation 3 & 4 Will. IV c. 73) was an 1833 Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire (with the exceptions “of the Territories in the Possession of … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, real life tales, Victorian era | Tagged , , | 1 Comment