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To be an Officer and a Gentleman

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To be an Officer and Gentleman Jane Austen’s writing includes many military men: Colonel Brandon, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Captain and General Tilney, Lieutenants Wickham and Denny. In her tales make note how these men purchased their commissions, but what was the motivation for doing so and how did the process work?   Being an officer made you a gentleman  In the Regency era, social status was closely related to career and wealth. An Army officer or Navy officer … Continue reading →

Schoolgirl Embroidery in Regency Britain by Julie Buck

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As we look at schools in Jane Austen’s time, and the role of needlework within that schooling, I think it’s important that you understand two things.  First of all, you need to know what a sampler is.  And secondly, you need to see how girls’ schooling developed from earlier centuries to arrive at what Jane Austen found when she was sent off to boarding school. A sampler is an example or sample of stitching – … Continue reading →