Tag Archives: buildings and structures

Jodrell Bank Observatory, England’s First “Proper” Space Observatory

Posted on August 18, 2021 by reginajeffers

With all the recent news stories on UFOs and aliens, I thought it might be interesting to explore one of the early observatories. — that of Jodrell Bank. The observatory was originally called the Jodrell Bank Experimental Station. It is … 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

Milton Abbas, the First Planned Village in England

Posted on June 11, 2021 by reginajeffers

Dating back to 1773, Milton Abbas is a village in Dorset, eight miles south of Blandford and eleven miles northeast of Dorchester. Under the instructions of Lord Milton, the town of Middleton was, literally, moved elsewhere.  Middleton was originally within … Continue reading →

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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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Windows in Jane Austen’s Stories, a Guest Post from Eliza Shearer

Posted on October 23, 2020 by reginajeffers

We, Janeites, know that windows are a thing in Jane Austen’s novels. One of Mr Collins’ most memorable scenes in Pride and Prejudice takes place when he and his wife are on the way to visit the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh alongside their visitor, Miss Elizabeth … Continue reading →

Posted in architecture, Austen Authors, British history, buildings and structures, Emma, Georgian Era, Guest Post, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, reading habits, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Windows in Jane Austen’s Stories, a Guest Post from Eliza Shearer

Craigievar Castle, the Inspiration for Walt Disney’s Trademark Castle and a Ghostly Experience

Posted on November 1, 2019 by reginajeffers

  Are you still looking for the ghosts and goblins of Halloween? Permit me to introduce you to Craigievar Castle in Scotland, where you might hear ‘Red’ Sir John tell of ancient feuds between the clans and the murder of … Continue reading →

Posted in architecture, British history, buildings and structures, history, legends, medieval, paranormal, real life tales, Scotland, spooky tales, suspense | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

What Do We Know of London and the Surrounding Areas in the Regency?

Posted on July 5, 2019 by reginajeffers

Some people who read Regency-based novels do not realize London itself was not all the areas we writers mention in our novels. Many areas, such as Hampstead Heath (famous for its duels), Kew Gardens (founded in 1840 from the exotic … Continue reading →

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Capability Brown, England’s Greatest Landscape Artist: “This site has great capabilities.”

Posted on June 10, 2019 by reginajeffers

Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown changed the face of eighteenth century England, designing country estates and mansions, moving hills and making flowing lakes and serpentine rivers, a magical world of green. (About Capability Brown) The fifth child of William Brown, the land … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, business, estates, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, real life tales, research | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Jonathan Martin, Arsonist ~ Full of Fury and Fire

Posted on June 3, 2019 by reginajeffers

Many of my Regency stories is set in Yorkshire, one of my favorite places in the UK. Today, I bring you a tale that occurred on 1 February 1829, in the town of York and, specifically, involved the Cathedral and … Continue reading →

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James Lackington: The Man Who Revolutionized Book Stores

Posted on November 12, 2018 by reginajeffers

In a time when we bemoan the loss of Borders, Waldenbooks, and fear the demise of Barnes & Noble and Books-a-Million, it is hard for us to imagine what it must have been like for those who entered “The Dome … Continue reading →

Posted in books, British history, buildings and structures, business, England, Georgian England, history, publishing, reading, reading habits, real life tales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on James Lackington: The Man Who Revolutionized Book Stores